Feagin keeping close tabs on his alma mater

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Nov. 20—CHAMPAIGN — Of course, Kaden Feagin's attention on Saturday night will be totally focused on Big Ten opponent Wisconsin.

Feagin and the rest of the Illinois football team plays the Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m.

But earlier in the afternoon, the Illinois running back might sneak a peek at what's happening at his alma mater, Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond. The undefeated Knights (12-0), fresh off a critical Class 2A state quarterfinal road win against Westville last Saturday, host a 2A semifinal game against Maroa-Forsyth (10-2) with a spot in the state title game on the line. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Wilson Field in Arthur, and the game should be over long before the opening whistle blows in Madison, Wis.

A week ago, after Illinois finished off Maryland 24-6 at home, Feagin wanted to know how coach Ryan Jefferson's Knights fared against the Tigers.

"It's great," Feagin said. "After the game, I came right into the locker room, looking at what happened, and I saw they won. It was really exciting for the town, Coach Jefferson and the team. It's really cool to see that."

ALAH has been dominant this season, with only two games decided by single digits.

During Illinois' second open week of the season, Feagin was able to return home for the Knights' second-round playoff game against Cumberland. It was a happy trip for Feagin as ALAH advanced with a 41-22 victory.

"It's definitely cool going back, seeing all the kids and my old teachers," Feagin said.

He is not far removed from his playing days. A 2022 ALAH graduate, Feagin was part of helping turn the Knights into consistent winners again. ALAH has made the playoffs in six straight seasons under Jefferson, who became the Knights coach in 2018.

"The kids that are seniors now were freshmen. I knew a few of them," Feagin said. "It's cool to see them playing well and having success."

During his playing days at ALAH, the second round of the playoffs was as far as the team advanced.

What is Feagin's advice for the current players going into Saturday's state semifinal game?

"Maroa is a talented team. You've just got to go in there and have confidence,'" Feagin said. "One play at a time. You can't be looking to the next quarter or the future."

Has Feagin been scouting Maroa-Forsyth?

"We've got a kid on the team from Maroa, too," Feagin said in reference to freshman tight end Grant Smith. "He was talking to me a little about it."

Strong ties

The Knights are still coached by Jefferson, who helped Feagin develop into a high-level college recruit

When Feagin played for Jefferson, running back wasn't his only spot. He worked at quarterback on offense and at free safety on defense.

"It's definitely helped (in college)," Feagin said. "You kind of get a feel. It's definitely not the same level, but just having that experience at different positions has helped me."

His time as a high school quarterback might lead you to believe an option pass is in Feagin's future. Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. seems to favor trick plays.

If it's going to happen, you won't hear about it from the player. Mum is the word from Feagin.

On a roll

Feagin leads Illinois with 477 rushing yards on 111 carries and six rushing touchdowns to go along with 13 catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He has helped the Illini (7-3, 4-3 Big Ten) earn a No. 21 ranking in the latest College Football Playoff poll reveal and has helped Illinois achieve a second straight winning season.

The run game has been especially effective at Illinois the past two games in wins against Rutgers and Maryland as the Illini finished with 210 and 225 yards, respectively.

The Maryland total was the most in a game by Illinois this season.

"We wanted to come out, be physical and apply pressure," Feagin said. "That was an emphasis coming out."

Like all smart running backs, Feagin is quick to credit the offensive line that blocks for him.

"They're doing great," Feagin said. "I love all those guys. I feel like every week we're improving."

The Illinois line and running backs will be tested at Wisconsin (3-7, 1-6), which has made changes in its lineup.

"They're a very physical, Big Ten team, very talented up front," Feagin said. "It's going to be a tough game."

The season is flying by for Feagin, who has played in every game after missing a big chunk of 2024 because of a hip injury.

"It's crazy to think it's Week 11 right now," Feagin said. "It felt like it was Week 1 a couple weeks ago."

Feagin said he is preparing and playing the same way as always. No secret to staying healthy.

"Those injuries were just kind of freak things that happened," he said.

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