Ca’lil Valentine doubles longest career run
CHAMPAIGN, IL - In only his second carry of the game, RB Ca'Lil Valentine broke through the UAB Blazers D-Line, slipped by the entire secondary and was able to smoothly punch in six for his first TD of the season.
To add the cherry on top, this 51-yard touchdown doubles Valentine's previous career high of 25 yards.
The stop-and-go nature of Valentines run has a lot of people drawing comparison to former Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell, as he made a name for himself in the NFL with the Pittsburg Steelers for runs that looks just like the one Valentine pulled off in the season opener.
Bell had his statistical best season in his third year at MSU. So, only time will tell whether the comparisons between both backs grow stronger as Valentine begins his third year at UIUC.
#illini Ca'Lil Valentine channeling his inner LeVeon Bell on a Stop & Go 51-yard touchdown
- The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) September 4, 2026
: Jordan Triplett of TCR pic.twitter.com/bbPM8DWOdZ