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Illinois RB says he’s ‘100 percent healthy’ entering the season
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There weren’t many bright spots for Illinois football in the 2017 season. But if there was one thing that gave the Illini some hope, it was the play of freshman running back Mike Epstein.
Epstein was one of the top offensive weapons on Lovie Smith’s roster last year, totaling 346 yards and three touchdowns in five games last fall. A foot injury cut the running back’s season short though, leaving Illinois in a bind on that side of the football.
Heading into the 2018 season though, the Illini have a little more confidence knowing that their star back is healthy.
In an interview with the Illini Inquirer, Epstein said he was “100 percent healthy” in fall camp. That’s great news for Smith and the offense.
Epstein had two touchdowns in Illinois’ season opener against Ball State last year and recorded his season-high rushing total the following week against Western Kentucky, toting the ball 111 yards.
The news that Epstein is healthy and prepared for the season should be a huge boost for the Illini, especially after ranking dead last in the B1G in rushing offense and scoring offense and 13th in total offense a year ago.
Illinois opens the season on Sept. 1 against Kent State.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB