Nov. 7, 2008

Former University of Illinois consensus All-American running back Johnny Karras, nicknamed "The Argo Express," passed away Thursday evening at the age of 80.

Karras came to Illinois in 1946 as a freshman, then spent 18 months in the Army. When he returned as a sophomore in 1949, he exploded on the scene with seven touchdowns, 826 yards rushing and a 6.5 yards per carry average. He led the Illini in rushing in 1950 and 1951 as Illinois went 16-3-1, winning the 1952 Rose Bowl over Stanford. Karras was a 1951 consensus All-American after gaining 716 yards and scoring a UI-record 13 touchdowns during Illinois' 9-0-1 tseason that resulted in the Big Ten title and a No. 3 final national ranking. He was named to Illinois' All-Century team in 1990.