Illinois RB Chase Brown set for NFL Draft. What you need to know about the prospect.

Chris Sims, Journal Star

February 18, 2023 at 5:12 AM·4 min read

University of Illinois defensive back Devon Witherspoon may be grabbing most of the Illini's NFL Draft spotlight but the skills of running back Chase Brown should not be forgotten.

Brown's play for the Illini was a critical element of the team's success and has been since he took the field for Illinois.

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Here's what you need to know about NFL Draft prospect Chase Brown:

Who is University of Illinois' Chase Brown?

Brown is a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior running back for the Illini, who opted to enter the 2023 NFL Draft, according to the Illinois website.

When is the 2023 NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft will run Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29.

Illinois RB Chase Brown's statistics

Brown set a school record in 2022, rushing for more than 100 yards in the Illini's first 10 games, and added another school record by rushing for over 100 yards in 11 games for the season. He finished the year ranked second in the Big Ten and third in the nation avergaing 136.9 yards per game rushing.

Thoughout Brown's career, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry. He amassed 3,206 yards on 605 carries and 18 touchdowns in four years. He added 48 catches for 446 yards and three touchdowns.

He finishes his career as the school's all-time second-leading rusher. Brown trails only Robert Holcombe, who had 4,105 yards from 1994-97.

2022: 328 carries for 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns; 27 receptions for 240 yards and 3 touchdowns; played in 12 games.
2021: 170 carries for 1,005 yards and 5 touchdowns; 14 receptions for 142 yards; played in 10 games.
2020: 104 carries for 540 yards and 3 touchdowns; 7 receptions for 64 yards; played in 8 games.
2019: 3 carries for 18 yards; played in 4 games.

Did Illinois RB Chase Brown win any awards?

Yes. Brown received extensive recognition for his efforts, according to the Illinois website.

First Doak Walker Award finalist in Illinois history, as one of the top three running backs in college football
Maxwell Award semifinalist, as one of the top 20 offensive players in college football
Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist, as one of the top 22 players in college football
Second team selection as Walter Camp All-American, AFCA All-American, FWAA All-American, AP All-American, Sporting News All-American and CBS All-American.
Third team selection as Phil Steele All-American, PFF All-American and Senior Bowl All-American.
All-Big Ten second team for both coaches and media
Voted Reese's Senior Bowl National Team Running Back Player of the Week by his peers

BREAKING: Illinois’ Chase Brown (@chasebrown____ ) has been voted National team’s RB Practice Player-of-Week by vote from his peers in National LB group.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/cTDTVxHAy3
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 3, 2023

Did Chase Brown play in the ReliaQuest Bowl?

No. The running back sat out the game after announcing he was entering and turning his focus on the NFL Draft. The Illini lost to Mississippi State, 19-10.

New Beginnings. #ILL #DHGB pic.twitter.com/BM18BZv6pF
— CHASE BROWN (@chasebrown____) December 23, 2022

NFL Draft 2023 predictions for Illinois RB Chase Brown

Most predictions don't have Brown getting selected on Day 1. Here's a look at where Brown is being projected to be chosen:

CBS Sports: "There should be plenty of teams willing to take a shot on him during the second and third days of the draft."
Fantasy Pros: "Round 4-5."
NFLDraftBuzz.com: "5th (round)"
Sports Illustrated: "Brown’s non-existent third-down profile and age limit his ceiling as a prospect to the fourth or fifth round."

Getting to know Illinois RB Chase Brown

According to the Illinois website, Brown is the son of Darren Issac and Raechel Brown. He was born on March 21 along with his twin brother, Sydney. He also has one sister, Mya.

Brown's mother was a figure skater, while Sydney also played defensive back for University of Illinois. Sydney also opted to forgo his final season with the Illini, skip the ReliaQuest Bowl and enter the NFL Draft.

Forever an Illini, I love you Illini nation. 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/TQJYpQqPuO
— Sydney Brown (@Sydbrown___) December 17, 2022

The twins were born in London, Ontario, and graduated from St. Stephen's Episcopal Preparatory School in Bradenton, Fla. Chase majored in communication at the Univiersity of Illinois.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: NFL Draft prospect 2023: What to know about Illinois RB Chase Brown

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