Illinois made a surprising position switch that could pay big dividends this season.
Illinois football is headed for a Sept. 3 home clash against the UAB Blazers with a roster comprised of dozens of new players, and familiar faces at new positions.
Among the latter category is former Illini running back Kaden Feagin, who first played as a freshman running back and now ranks #31 among the program's all-time leading rushers.
Feagin weighed 245 pounds during his freshman campaign, a heavy amount for a running back, and weighed over 260 pounds this past spring before switching to tight end.
On Tuesday, Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney, Jr. shared an update on Feagin's progress at the position, positing that he will most likely be an impact player this season.
"A Different Skill Set"
Feagin will test himself at a position that requires a "different skill set," according to the team's offensive coordinator of over three years.
"Well, it's a different skill set, it's a different vantage point," Lunney, Jr. said according to Tristan Thomas of WCIA3 Sports.
"Been super impress with his willingness to get in there...He's always going to mix it up because he loves football and he loves contact," the Fighting Illini coordinator added.
"Just, you know, embracing the fundamentals of position.
"As a guy that coached that position for seven years at this level, I have a great respect and appreciation for all that goes into being a tight end.
Nov 1, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Dariel Djabome (8) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin(3) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images Jared Elliot Gets Shout-Out
Tight ends coach Jared Elliot got a shout-out from Lunney, Jr. for working to develop and teach Feagin during his transition to the position he coaches.
"Coach Elliot, just overall has been just a phenomenal asset to that room and not just Kaden but all of them as far as helping them fundamentally," Lunney, Jr. said.
"As Jared's learned the offense and his mastery of it, he's passed that along to those guys.
"But I've been really pleased with Kaden, I think his body looks great, he's in really good shape which he always is, but I think this camp will be tremendous for him because he got enough in the spring to get his feet wet and showed that he can certainly make an impact on us."
Feagin has the size and work ethic to play tight end at the Big Ten level, now he must continue to work on his craft leading up to Illinois' opening game.
A New Weapon at Tight End
Feagin is expected to back up Christian Abney at the tight end position this year and could bring a new dimension to the Fighting Illini offense.
Feagin has shown he has the hands necessary to catch passes out of the backfield and will now be tasked with putting his big body to use on the second level of the defense.
The Illini tight end caught 16 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns last season and has 30 receptions for 341 yards during his Illinois career.
A slippery and powerful runner, Feagin will have an opportunity to show his RAC (Run After Catch) ability in a whole new way this season, a growing skill that will give opposing coaches something new to think about while starting QB Katin Houser settles in to the Fighting Illini starting lineup.
