The Illinois Fighting Illini hired one of the rival Michigan Wolverines' best running backs of all-time this offseason, bringing in 1992 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Tyrone Wheatley to coach the team's running backs.

The running backs have been a big part of the team's success under coach Bret Bielema with stars like current Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown sharing time in the backfield with their teammates. 

The Fighting Illini are expected to go with a running back-by-committee approach of sorts this season with Ca'Lil Valentine and Aidan Laughery expected to lead the way for coach Wheatley's group.

On Thursday, Laughery dished on the Fighting Illini's unique approach to the running game under Wheatley as they prepare to play with force and intensity this coming season. 

Laughery talked in the Illini locker room Thursday and highlighted the importance of running with authority this season.

The blocking won't always be perfect but Wheatley and his running backs room are planning to make the most out of every play regardless of how it turns out. 

"Yeah, I think that's something that coach Wheatley has brought to us is like running with a authority a little more, when it's not there, hit the V and get vertical and keep them legs runnin'," Laughery continued. 

"What's the key to that? Is that a mindset adjustment for you?" Laughery was asked in a video posted by Glenn Kinley of WCIA3 in Champaign. 

He was also asked how the team is implementing the new physical running style during fall camp and balancing it with staying healthy. 

"Yeah, you know, I think it's just, pickin' your spots, and you know, like you said, you don't want to hurt your teammates, but when it is the right situation to fly in there, and you know, 'Get the dirty three (yards), that's what practice is for," Laughery said.

"You gotta prepare for those moments because it's going to happen again." 

Valentine and Laughery are expected to lead Illinois' running attack this season which may make it seem like a position of relative weakness at first glance.

Combined, the two running backs' 2025 stats tell the tale of a potential two-headed monster in Champaign, Illinois who could keep opposing defensive coordinators up late at night.

The duo combined for nearly 1,000 yards last season with Valentine rushing for 614 yards and Laughery running for 382.

Laughery has another gear or two to reach as he recorded a career high 589 yards the previous season with coach Bielema's team. 

Both running backs are gritty and team-first players who have spent a combined six years with the Fighting Illini.

As the national champion Indiana Hoosiers proved last season, experience matters a tremendous amount in college football and the Fighting Illini have it in this year's backfield.