Why he's important: Even with Foster and Reggie Corbin — last year's top two rushers — returning, Lovie Smith fielded questions about his running backs Monday in Chicago at Big Ten media days. Namely because after those two the Illini backfield is a question mark. Dre Brown hasn't played a single down in two years after consecutive season-ending knee injuries. The other two likely on the depth chart with Brown behind Foster and Corbin are true freshmen Ra'Von Bonner and Mike Epstein. That's what makes Foster invaluable. He's shown he can compete at a high level in the Big Ten after leading Illinois in rushing last season with 126 carries for 720 yards and seven touchdowns.
Top 50 most important Illini No. 4: Kendrick Foster, RB
