The depth at running back at Illinois 2014 is starting to resemble that of a kiddie pool. One of the key additions to the Class of 2014 by the Illini has failed to meet academic requirements for admission to the university this fall.
Running back Matt Domer was denied admission to Illinois, according to a report by CSN Chicago. While unable to play football for head coach Tim Beckman, Domer reportedly will focus on academics this fall by enrolling at a community college, with the goal of applying once more for the spring semester. Domer is a three-star running back prospect, but was likely to find a solid role on the roster right away if eligible. Illinois does return two upperclassmen at the position with Josh Ferguson (779 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and Donovonn Young (376 yards, three touchdowns) returning in 2014, but Domer could have worked into the mix or at least provided a decent enough back-up option where needed. For now, that plan will have to be put on hold for another year.
Domer comes form a high school with some good football background. Mount Carmel High School, in Chicago, has produced plenty of talent over the years, including Donovan McNabb, Matt Cushing, and Simeon Rice. The high school is also where former Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch attended, as well as NHL legend Chris Chelios.
Domer’s collegiate career may be getting a delay of game for now, but there will be plenty of time to make up for it moving forward if all goes well this fall academically. Domer was a three-star running back recruit according to Rivals.com.