Corey Rashad

Written By Ashley Nguyen

SENIOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Major: Civil Engineering

Sport: Football RB

IG: @coreyrashad_ X: @corey1rashad

Why did you choose to attend the University of Illinois?

I chose Illinois because I wanted to put myself around like-minded individuals and compete at the highest level in order to give myself the best chance at success in the future. Most importantly, I wanted to be a part of something special, the FamILLy!

What was your recruitment like coming out of high school?

I wasn’t highly recruited coming out of high school. I was getting looks mostly from Division III and NAIA schools, along with a few Division II programs. After visiting a bunch of smaller schools, it became clear to me that I wanted the experience of attending a bigger university. So I bet on myself and chose to go to Illinois. I was actually just going to be a student, but a friend of mine who was already committed in the same class told the coaches about me. Just a week before fall camp started, I got a text from the Director of Player Personnel asking me to come in and talk about a walk-on opportunity. From that moment forward, I was all in.

What has been the biggest challenge of being an underdog?

Honestly, I feel like the biggest challenge of being an underdog is the constant, everyday battle with yourself. It’s not always easy to believe in yourself when it feels like no one else does. Learning how to keep my chin up and my chest out, while carrying a chip on both shoulders, has become really important to me.

#27

COREY RASHAD

#27 COREY RASHAD

What does the Walk-On Mentality mean to you?

The Walk-On Mentality truly means everything to me. I feel like it’s a way of life—a life I love to live. Everything’s earned. Nothing’s given. I’m a firm believer that hard work beats talent. To me, the Walk-On Mentality is about showing up every day knowing you might not get the same opportunities or recognition as everybody else, but putting the work in anyway. It’s about never feeling entitled to anything and being ready when your opportunity finally comes. Day in and day out, I just want to be the best version of myself that I can be.

What has been your favorite moment since you started your college career?

My favorite moment has to be the Kansas game my sophomore year. The atmosphere was electric, and winning that game meant a lot to us since they whooped on us the year before. Also, can’t forget about winning back-to-back bowl games!

What are you hoping to accomplish this season?

I want to make the travel roster by the end of the season and make it back to a bowl game!

What teammate has helped you the most since arriving on campus, and why?

I can’t just name one. My college football journey has blessed me with the opportunity to connect with so many great players and even better people. It’s been a pleasure to learn from each other and I feel like that brotherhood has turned me into a man.

What are you known for among your teammates, friends, or family?

I’m definitely most known for how smart I am. Everyone thinks I’m a genius because I’m an engineering major. I’d also say my style. It’s unique but most would say I’m pretty fashionable.

What is one thing you want people to know about you?

One thing I want people to know about me is that as much as I love football and everything it has given me, there’s a lot more to me than just being a football player. I have big goals for myself outside of the game, and I try to bring the same work ethic and mentality that got me this far in football into every area of my life. At the end of the day, I want to be someone who makes the most of every opportunity I’m given and leaves a positive impact on the people around me.

What advice would you give someone who has been told they are not good enough or that they could not achieve their goals?

It might sound cliché, but you really can achieve whatever you want in life if you put your mind to it. Just trust the process and never give up!

  • Chipotle

  • Cheeseburger and fries

  • I’m left handed

  • Quiet

  • Am muslim

  • Stranger Things

  • Executive at an engineering firm

  • Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo

  • Young Thug

Ashley Nguyen