Kendrick Foster has explosive ability in Illinois backfield

Fighting Illini fans barely knew the name Kendrick Foster this time last year, and now the senior will be at the helm of the team’s backfield.

If there is one player in the Big Ten that is ready for a statistic boost like no other, it may very well be the Illini’s new starting running back. Last season Foster surpassed former-Illini Ke’Shaun Vaughn for the starting role and led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns. Not to mention, his usage went beyond the backfield, helping out in the passing game and leading the team in all-purpose yards and total touchdowns.

Foster is a player to get excited about. Coming in at 5-foot-9, 200-pounds, he is a hefty load that can break through tackles, while only seconds later racing past defenders. With a productive season under his belt Foster is ready for all the carries he can get. Add in a new starting quarterback — Chayce Crouch — and Foster will be getting his fair share of work.

Foster knows how to get the most out of his runs — he finished last year third in yards per carry in the Big Ten. As the season unfolds, Foster could become one of the most explosive players in the conference and be a nightmare for defenses to bring down. Illinois can establish more than a sound running game with Foster, and that may lead them to a better performance on the field than many are expecting.

In the end, just don’t be surprised if by the end of the season Kendrick Foster has one of the biggest fan clubs on campus.