CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – In the middle of the second quarter against Nebraska, Illinois true freshman running back Javari Barnett was taken off the field on a cart after lying on the ground, writhing in pain.
Before the cart transported Barnett off the field, the Fighting Illini offensive unit could be seen surrounding the freshman while a towel lay draped over the top of his head.
Barnett, a freshman from Tampa, Florida, began to see more action in Barry Lunney’s offensive scheme after junior running back Ca’lil Valentine suffered a season-ending injury during the Purdue matchup.
Since then, the first-year back has given the Illini faithful glimpses of what he can do on the field. Including this 64-yard touchdown run against the Maryland Terrapins.
While the severity is still unknown, losing another running back this season means that Lunney will again have to go deep in the depth chart to not only replace the productivity of Valentine, but to also to lessen the stress load off of fifth-year running backs Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson.
Before leaving the field, Barnett could be seen giving a thumbs up to those in attendance at Gies Memorial Stadium. Illini fans can only hope this means the injury isn’t as critical as one may think.
