The Illinois State football team spent the majority of Fridays practice in the conference room working on Football 101, breaking down the film from Thursdays first scrimmage, before taking the field at Hancock Stadium for a light 15-period workout under gray skies.
We had a real light practice today. We got more plays in yesterday than I thought we would, so we wanted to lighten it up a little bit today and we went in just shorts and shoulder pads, head coach Denver Johnson said. We wanted to cut the time down and come out here again in the morning and have another 24 period practice.
It also gave us some extra time to go over yesterdays film in the meeting room. It was a really good film, but there were a lot of mistakes. We had a lot of different guys in a lot of different positions and that created film that was really good to teach from.
After workouts, Johnson addressed the quarterback situation regarding the incumbent Kevin Zouzounis and transfer Michael Souza.
Kevin has looked good, even though he struggled a little bit yesterday, Johnson said. We have been tickled with him in the winter conditioning and so far in spring practice. Hes really made good progress and seems to be a little more at ease.
I really like what I see from Mike. He can run and can throw the ball well. Were just throwing a lot of things at him right now in a short compressed time. But, I think hell be in the mix and I think hell be a good player for us.
Johnson also praised the efforts of sophomore signal-caller Yance Vaughn.
Right now, Kevin is ahead of everybody. Hes the only guy that has ever played in a game here. Hes obviously ahead of Mike on the learning curve, the reps and time on the job. Certainly Mike is going to be in the mix, but Ill tell you the guy that may be having the best spring practice out here is Yance Vaughn. Hes had a real impressive spring. On the film, you keep seeing No. 18 making good decisions, throwing the ball and really looking like a good quarterback.
Johnson also discussed the health status of the team. Linebacker William Rolle, who fell to the turf in the final play of the scrimmage on Thursday, is out with a sprained left knee and ankle. Preseason all-American candidate Vito Golson is still slowed with a right hip flexor, but is expected to play in the Red/White Game on April 20. Fellow wideout Nolan Gatewood has been sidelined with a left shoulder subluxation and expected to have surgery some time next week.
The Redbirds will return to the turf on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., before holding their second scrimmage on Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
