The similarities between Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and Illinois Fighting Illini leading rusher Troy Pollard go further than just the amazing coincidence in names. There's the hair thing too! You've seen Polamalu's shampoo commercials, right? "Troy Polamolecules dude." You can go here for more. But let's learn more about the man nicknamed "bucket o' hair." … [Read more...] about Steelers Troy Polamalu’s College Counterpart (Hair Wise): Illini RB Troy Pollard
illini running backs
Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
While Illinois’ rushing offense has remained dominant, the Illini are doing it by committee this year rather then relaying on one dominant runner like they did in 2007 (Rashard Mendenhall) and 2010 (Mikel Leshoure). Four different Illini have over 200 rushing yards on the season, and all four have scored at least one rushing TD. Senior RB Troy Pollard (a runner in the Daniel … [Read more...] about Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Given the recent tradition/memories of the last two players to wear the famed #5 in Champaign: Mikel Leshoure (a Detroit Lions rookie who will miss the season with an injury) and the Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall (who's developed into a Pro Bowl, 1,000 yard rusher style NFL back) it's easy to see why the jersey number is starting to take on a special meaning for … [Read more...] about Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Will Super Bowl Make Rashard Mendenhall Greatest Illini Rusher Ever?
For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl will have a feature back from the University of Illinois. This time, the Illini tailback is the Pittsburgh Steelers' Rashard Mendenhall; who in 2008 became the first University of Illinois player taken in the first round of the NFL Draft since 1996. 14 years ago, UI produced the #2 (Kevin Hardy taken by Jacksonville) and #3 … [Read more...] about Will Super Bowl Make Rashard Mendenhall Greatest Illini Rusher Ever?