Dwayne Smith and Leon Kittrell came out strong Saturday at Hancock Stadium for the Illinois State football team and head coach Denver Johnson is impressed by the senior and freshman who have emerged this spring as confident football players.
I thought Dwayne had a great day today and is having an outstanding spring, Johnson said. He is gaining more and more confidence in his routes and the quarterbacks are gaining a lot of confidence in him. He is catching the ball well and has stepped up and elevated his play.
I really appreciate that from him, Johnson added. He is proving to be a leader on this football team and is motivated to have a great senior year.
Freshman redshirt Leon Kittrell had two interceptions on the day and according to Johnson is using his mental understanding of the game to make such big plays.
Leon had a really good day and that is also encouraging, Johnson said. He is playing his position well, breaking up on balls and being in the right places to make plays. That is encouraging to see in a young guy like that, when he all of sudden starts displaying some understanding of what is going on and making plays. He has the athletic ability but that doesnt allow you to make the plays. Understanding and mental capacity is what it takes and he has shown that.
While Kittrell is an addition to the Redbird defense, Johnson admits on that side of the line, the Birds are a little thin.
We are a little thin on defense right now, Johnson said. We need some depth to come in in the fall and help us. We are looking at guys in different places and we need to come along up front. But the leadership is there and Ray (Robinson) continues to do good things.
Spring practice No. 8, the first scrimmage of the spring, is at 2 p.m. on Sunday at Hancock Stadium.
