Redbird Football Opens Spring Camp March 25

2017 Spring Football Schedule

NORMAL, Ill. – For the third-straight time and the fourth time in the past five seasons overall, the Illinois State football team advanced to the FCS playoffs in 2016. The Redbirds will look to extend that streak to four appearances in a row when they begin their spring workouts in preparation for the 2017 season March 25 at Hancock Stadium.

Led by ninth-year head coach Brock Spack (62-35 overall), ISU will take the field to practice as a full squad for the first time since Nov. 26, when the Redbirds ended their season in the FCS playoffs at Central Arkansas. A total of 48 letterwinners and 14 starters return from that squad and all will be looking to make sure the success of the previous season was no fluke.  

With eight starters returning on defense, the Redbirds should be one of the more experienced units in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Led by 2016 All-MVFC First-Team cornerback Davontae Harris and second-team selections Dalton Keene and Alec Kocour, the experienced group will have to fill a void at linebacker left by three graduating seniors. 

Offensively, quarterback Jake Kolbe returns for his second full season behind center and will have plenty of options to throw to in the passing game, with loss of only one receiver in Anthony Warrum. A deep stable of running backs, fronted by James Robinson, will also provide some punch from the backfield. However, four new starters will have to join returner Chad Kanugh up front on the offensive line in 2017.

Saturday's workout will begin at 9 a.m., followed by a Sunday practice beginning at 1 p.m. The Redbirds will then move to a Tuesday-Thursday- Saturday schedule for the remainder of camp, until it officially closes April 22 with the annual Spring Showcase at 1 p.m.

For complete spring football coverage, follow GoRedbirds.com for practice recaps, photo galleries and videos from RedbirdHD.tv.  Fans should also follow the Redbird Football program on Twitter at @RedbirdFB for live updates and behind-the-scenes looks from camp this spring.

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