Feagin's team-first approach helping legend grow

CHAMPAIGN — Kaden Feagin bulled his way through the middle of the Eastern Illinois defense for a first down early in the fourth quarter of last week’s season opener.

Feagin had already topped 100 rushing yards for the game a play earlier. One last six-yard gain simply solidified his career high and a final stat line of 16 carries for 108 yards and the first of what’s expected to be many touchdowns this season.

It was the type of performance — the level of production — expected from the former Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond star to start his sophomore season at Illinois.

Feagin was in the midst of a breakout freshman year before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury with three games to play. The expectation for year two was for Feagin, a former four-star recruit, to ascend to the top of Illinois’ depth chart. To be the go-to option in a run game that’s still the No. 1 priority of a Bret Bielema-coached team.

Feagin showed why he’s suited to that role in Illinois’ season-opening win. He used his physicality at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds to keep churning for positive yardage even into the teeth of the EIU defense. He also flashed his high-end speed to break free on a 29-yard gain down the right sideline in the first quarter that set up the Illini’s first touchdown of the season.

And the Illinois coaching staff was maybe more impressed by what Feagin did when the ball wasn’t in his hands. The sophomore running back laid a big hit playing special teams and showed off his ability as a lead blocker on multiple occasions when he shared the backfield with Aidan Laughery.

“I was probably more happy about that than his toss down the sideline,” Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward said about Feagin’s prowess as a blocker. He freed up Laughery for a pair of big gains, with the former Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley standout also setting a career high with 10 carries for 79 yards.

“That’s growth to him,” Ward continued about Feagin. “We missed those blocks in the past. He played faster, and I was really proud to see those two blocks he had on the perimeter. He made the right decisions.

“It’s going to take some of that — block, catch, run. Whatever you’re asked to do. Impact winning the best way you know how. We talk about team first on our team. That’s what we’re all about. That’s what he is. That’s what he’s been since he’s been here.”

Feagin is a fan of Illinois’ two-back formations. It’s a new look for the Illini they utilized mostly with Feagin and Laughery. There was one play, however, where Feagin and 6-4, 240-pound Jordan Anderson lined up on either side of quarterback Luke Altmyer, which Ward said was the biggest backfield duo he’s ever had.

“It definitely keeps the defense guessing,” Feagin said about playing with Laughery. “Aidan, he’s quick. Me, I’m more downhill. I feel like it adds a lot to our offense and keeps the defense on their toes.”

The experience Feagin gained last season helped him both when he had the ball in his hands and when he didn’t. He has a better feel now for how fast defenders can get downhill trying to make a tackle. He knows how and when to get into the right spot to free up Laughery behind him.

“Acting like you’re the running back,” Feagin said was his process. “Seeing where the free guy is and being patient. Once you see him, go and tackle him.”

Feagin did some of that playing special teams against EIU, too. It’s a role the former ALAH star is willing to fill and one the Illinois coaches don’t mind seeing him in, even if he’s the No. 1 option at running back.

“I love it,” Ward said. “He’s a team guy. We call it block destruction. It was beautiful. He put his hands on him nice and tight. We want all our guys to help us impact winning any way they can help us. We need our running backs playing special teams. They’re great athletes. Get them out there and let them play.”

Feagin would agree. Plus, it allows him to tap into his days playing defense for the Knights.

“Being able to go out there and try to hit somebody again felt good,” Feagin said. “I forgot how defense gets your emotions going a little bit after a hit. That felt pretty good.”

That Feagin has embraced all aspects of his role doesn’t surprise the Illinois coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said Feagin’s willingness to block and play special teams — contribute without touching the football — is a shared trait for this team.

“Kaden Feagin is one of the more complete players I’ve been around in my recruiting career and coaching and development,” Bielema added. “His size, his physical development, his demeanor, just the way mom raised him — the whole community down there put their arm around him.

“This kid has been a legend for a long time, and sometimes when that happens kids believe a little bit more than what is real. This is the most humble, humility-driven, hungry (player). I keep gassing him up and stressing to him, ‘Go take this. Go be you.’ I think we’re on the verge of making that happen.”