Illinois States 29 football newcomers have done little more than run wind sprints and participate in a couple agility drills, but even that was enough to excite second-year Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson.
The new Redbirds checked in over the weekend and went through agility and conditioning drills Sunday night at Hancock Stadium.
There is some obvious athletic ability in this group, Johnson said. There also is improved height, stature and speed. I will be very surprised if this class doesnt pan out to be a very good one in the overall scheme of our program.
And the new players showed up in good shape, too, according to strength coach Robert Lindsey and head athletic trainer Kathy Schniedwind.
Kathy said that she had never seen a year when at least one of the newcomers didnt drop out of the conditioning part of the workout, Johnson said, but everyone made it through this year. It was encouraging to see them show up on campus ready to play. Roberts comments were very similar to Kathys. He also felt like this was a special group.
Johnson said he still hopes to redshirt most of the freshman newcomers, but confessed that some may be good enough to earn playing time right away.
Some of them may challenge for important roles or starting jobs so as much as we would like to redshirt them, it may be impossible with a few, he said.
Fortunately, the new defensive backs showed well in their first night on the field. That will be a key for a Redbird team that is looking to replace all three starters in the secondary.
I wish we had more linemen in this group, but we had need in other areas and particularly with the defensive backs, I feel like we got some real quality there.
The returning veterans who are not already back will arrive today and Tuesday morning in advance of Tuesdays 1 p.m., media day at Hancock Stadium.
The first practices are set for Wednesday.
