Ca'lil Valentine

Pronunciation: kuh-LEEL 2025 SOPHOMORE 17th in the Big Ten in yards per carry (4.46) during the regular season Career-high 95 rushing yards in win at Purdue (10/4/25) 2024 FRESHMAN Played in 12 games at running back Scored first-career touchdown at #1 Oregon (10/26/24) Carried the ball five times for a career-best 53 yards in win vs. Central Michigan (9/14/24), including a career-long 22-yard rush Rushed for what was then a career-high 25 yards vs. #19 Kansas (9/7/24) Made his Illinois debut vs. Eastern Illinois (8/29/24), rushing for 16 yards on his first-carer carry HIGH SCHOOL Four-star recruit by ESPN, On3, and Rivals Three-star recruit by 247Sports Running back ranks: #23 (Rivals), #24 (On3), #30 (ESPN), #44 (247Sports) State of California ranks: #5 (On3), #6 (ESPN), #9 (Rivals), #11 (247Sports) Played for head coach Rick Garretson at Chandler Rushed for 3,242 yards and 42 rushing touchdowns during three-year high school career 1,332 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns as a senior 1,347 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns as a junior AIA 6A All-State Archie Amerson Running Back of the Year Also ran track in high school and helped break the school 4x100 record Offers included Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Boise State, Boston College, Colorado State, Kansas State, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Washington State PERSONAL Born February 8, 2006 Son of Cleveland and Jasmine Valentine Two brothers, Tair Brooks and Damari Valentine, and two sisters, LaNiya Valentine and Kacey Valentine Nephew of NFL veterans Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals (2017-23) and Houston Texas (2024-pres.) running back, and James Jones, Green Bay Packers (2007-13) and Oakland Raiders (2014) wide receiver. Chose Illinois because, “It felt like home as soon as I touched down, I feel like I can impact this program a lot, and I love all the coaches.” Majoring in recreation, sport, and tourism