As Illini running back depth dwindles, is V'Angelo Bentley an option?

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V’Angelo Bentley is already one of the Big Ten’s best return man and the Illini’s top cornerback. Already a special teams stud and a defensive ace, is Bentley about to add a third phase to his game?

The Illini’s depth at running back keeps getting shallower and shallower. Wednesday, head coach Tim Beckman told reporters that freshman back Reggie Corbin suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder and will miss the entirety of the 2015 season. This after fellow freshman back Dre Brown tore his ACL during spring practice.

While Corbin might not have made an instant impact, the more interesting aspect of Wednesday’s news was that Bentley was taking snaps as a running back.

Beckman told reporters it was a precautionary thing only, but it will be interesting if the Illini turn to Bentley during the season. He’s impressed with his ability as a return man in recent seasons, and perhaps that could translate to the offensive side of the ball.

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"We've seen him do it as a punt returner," Beckman said, his quotes published by Scout.com. "We've seen him do it as a (defensive back). He's got great quicks and great football knowledge, which enables him as a senior to be able to play two positions like that."

Now, Josh Ferguson is the obvious starter at running back, but the depth behind Ferguson is not what it could’ve been with these two injuries. Another true freshman, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, figures to factor heavily in the Illini’s plans at running back after he was the highest-rated recruit in their 2015 class. Junior Henry Enyenihi, who transferred in from junior college this offseason, will also be in the mix for carries behind Ferguson.

But what about Bentley?

It might be just a precaution for now, but if the Illini find themselves in emergency mode at running back this fall, maybe there will be a third phase to Bentley’s game.

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