Spring Practice 13: Final Tune Up For Spring Showcase

Drew Himmelman Interview

NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State football team went through its final full-pads practice Thursday afternoon, before it hosts the annual Spring Showcase scrimmage Saturday at Hancock Stadium.

Thursday's practice was not as physical as the one two days earlier, however the tempo was upbeat and quick throughout the day. A special team circuit focusing on punt coverage started the workout, before the first 7-on-7 session commenced. Quarterback Jake Kolbe was a perfect 4-for-4 during the drill, with completions to Matt Biegalski and Spencer Schnell. Tristan Smith was also crisp, going 3-for-3 with a long connection to Andy Mills.

The defense then got off to a quick start in the blitz drill, with Ty DeForest and Tyree Horton each recording sacks early the session. Austin Galindo also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage and Jason Harris capped off a strong effort for the defense with a sack at the tail end of the drill. They kept the momentum going in the second 7-on-7 session as well, with Mitchell Brees recording an interception on the third attempt.

From there, head coach Brock Spack called his team up and explained what was going to happen during the team session. Each unit would have a chance to drive the field, similar to what they will face Saturday, with the ball being placed on their own 34 yard line.  After picking up a quick first down with a completion from Kolbe to Tylor Petkovich, a breakup at the line of scrimmage by Matt McCown and a short gain on second down set up third-and-long. A sack by Adam Conley put a stop to the initial drive and set the tone for the rest of the drill.

The second-team unit also had little luck, as back-to-back TFLs by Decxavier Kelly-Martin and Matt Swaine put the offense in a big hole that resulted in another punt. The third-team group had more success, picking up a pair of first downs including a 14-yard run by Hasan Muhammad-Rogers in which he broke several tackles and pushed the pile for a 14-yard gain. However, that drive would stall as well and would come to an end at the 32-yard line after a third-down TFL by Dylan Draka.

The focus then switched to the red zone, where the offense turned the tide momentarily. Starting at the 17-yard line, the first-team unit picked up a 12-yard gain on a run by Artiss Henderson on first down to put the ball at the 5-yard line and two plays later, Kolbe connected with Petkovich for a 1-yard touchdown pass.  The second-team group also needed just three plays, with a pass from Smith to Mills for 13 yards putting the ball at the 2-yard line to set up a touchdown run by Markel Smith.  The third team defense bent, but didn't break on the final red zone attempt, ultimately holding the offense to a 21-yard field goal by Sean Slattery.  

The first and second-team groups then got a chance to each run the two-minute drill. However, the defense rebounded and neither group was able to score. The Redbirds will return to the field Friday for their final preparation for Saturday's Spring Showcase at 1 p.m. at Hancock Stadium. 

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