Valentine showing off his speed, power
- Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
- Valentine showing off his speed, power
Sep. 9—CHAMPAIGN — For Illinois fans in the stands and at home, the highlight of Ca'Lil Valentine's opening game seemed obvious: his 51-yard first-quarter dash for a touchdown. It gave Illinois a 14-3 lead against UAB, was the longest play from scrimmage for Valentine in his three seasons with the Illini and helped Illinois defeat the Blazers 42-23.
"He can take one of those inside zones and turn it into something special," Illinois coach Bret Bielema said.
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Valentine enjoyed the chance to stretch his legs.
"It felt good," he said on Tuesday. "I hadn't had that since high school. It felt good being able to open my stride again."
"He's running really well," Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. added. "He's seeing it really well."
Lunney noted another winning moment: Valentine's block that sprang quarterback Katin Houser on a 6-yard touchdown run. The score early in the fourth quarter secured the Illinois victory.
"He protected well," Lunney said. "That's maturing. We challenged him in protection and he's been through two different coaches at the position now that have given him insight and helped him."
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What was Valentine thinking as he was ready to make the hit?
"By any means possible," he said. "I've got to protect my quarterback. That's what happened."
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Valentine is a willing blocker. He didn't have much of a chance to try it before he came to Illinois.
"I wasn't blocking much in high school," said Valentine, who was asked to carry the ball while turning into a four-star recruit at Chandler High School in Arizona. "I did block a couple of times, but not as much as now."
Illinois starting center Jake Renfro was impressed with both Valentine the runner and blocker.
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"He was awesome," Renfro said. "That run, watching it back on film, it was pretty sweet. When you have a running back that can do that, it makes our jobs a lot easier."
Renfro, a transfer from Wisconsin, saw Valentine's ability when he first joined the Illini this offseason.
"Watching tape from last year and then watching him grow and develop in spring ball even more," Renfro said. "I think we have a phenomenal running back room."
Valentine worked the first two years with former Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward, who is now at Kansas State. Tyrone Wheatley took over as the Illinois running backs coach this season.
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Valentine is a fan of the former Michigan star.
"I think he was a great player," Valentine said. "I watched his film. Unbelievable."
He has taken lessons from both Ward and Wheatley.
"Having two coaches helps a lot more than having one coach," Valentine said. "They teach different ways."
Big night
Last Thursday night, Valentine led Illinois with 88 yards on 11 carries. His total was just short of his career-best 95 yards in 2025 at Purdue.
On his touchdown run, Valentine patiently waited for the hole to open.
Why?
"Just watching film because going into that game knew I had to be patient," the junior said. "It's a different set of linebackers, and they sat back and let the play develop. I played their game. I let them attack me and let them make their move, and then I made my move."
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It is a lesson he has picked up from Bielema and Wheatley: watch the guy you are playing against.
Familiar territory
Valentine, a native of Hayward, Calif., native, finished his high school career in Arizona before arriving at Illinois prior to the 2024 season. Champaign-Urbana is a long way from home.
In his third season at Illinois, Valentine is feeling at home now at a position group he shares with seniors Aidan Laughery and Jordan Anderson.
"I'm definitely way more comfortable," he said.
The recreation, sports and tourism major was heading to class after Tuesday's media session.
"It's going good," he said.
