Head coach Denver Johnson and the Illinois State football team began the final week of Spring practice with a two and a half hour workout on Wednesday, at Hancock Stadium.
I was pleased with (todays practice), Johnson said. We created some situations today that we wanted to make sure we got a little extra work on before we completed spring drills. We are working a lot right now on our blitz protection and our blitz pickup, as well as our defensive blitz package. We wanted to put the both the offense and defense in some tough situations today and get that on film.
The offense took advantage of the blitzing situations, especially 6-foot-5 tight end Steve Statz, who hauled in a pair of passes from Michael Souza, including one that went for a score. Quarterback Kevin Zouzounis also showed some good things against the blitz with a couple of big-gain completions to Kevin Kreger and Justin Frierson.
Our offense came out and did some good things, but we gave up some sacks too, Johnson added. Of course when youre working on blitz and working against blitz it is usually a feast or famine-type situation. You either burn them for a big one or they get to you and give a sack or incompletion.
Despite giving up a couple of sacks in todays drills, Johnson is pleased with the progression of his offensive line.
Our offensive line is really starting to gel, Johnson said. In addition to the returning veterans, Stafford Davis is coming on like gang busters. Hes really doing a good job. (Jeremy) Melville is doing well and Jim Ferguson is starting to show some nice things in there. Im really seeing some nice development in that bunch.
The Redbirds will return for another full practice on Thursday, at 3:45 p.m., before a light session on Friday and the Annual Red/White Scrimmage on Saturday. Kickoff for the Red/White Game is slated for 2:30 p.m.
