Jordan Anderson

A big running back at the prep level, the Illini are planning to play him as an H-back. At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, he has the requisite size for that. He is a fluid runner, powerful when he needs to be, but for a big guy, can also run with a little bit of finesse. He does a good job of picking his way through traffic and shows good feet. The questions about top end and suddenness are why he is not being recruited as a pure tailback, although his junior season makes us think that he can be handed the ball in a lot of situations and do well. As an H-back, he will have to catch the ball and block. While we have not seen tons of blocking, he plays physically as a running back and defensive player, which is a good sign. We also have not seen him used as a receiver frequently, but he has shown soft hands in those limited opportunities. Will be a utility type guy who will be an asset because of his versatility but do not sleep on his ability to carry the football.