Junior linebacker Boomer Grigsby is beginning the 2003 campaign where he left off last season collecting honors and accolades. On Thursday, Grigsby was named the top returning linebacker in I-AA football by The Sports Network.
Grigsby, who led the nation in tackles last season with 179, was also tabbed as the front-runner for the Buck Buchanan Award which is given to the best defensive player in I-AA football. In the preseason poll, Grigsby out-ranked five seniors, including future opponents Nick Ricks (Eastern Illinois) and Lee Russell (Western Illinois), who were fourth and fifth, respectively.
Redbird newcomers Demetrus Johnson and Joe Walkins each tabbed as the top transfers of impact in their respective positions. Johnson, who transferred to Illinois State from Minnesota, ranked No. 1 for running back transfers, while Walkins, from Auburn, equalled the feat for the wide receivers.
Illinois State quarterback Mike Souza was also ranked No. 19 among returning signal callers. Souza finished his first season with the Redbirds throwing for 1,404 yards and rushing for an additional 224. The scrambling Souza tossed eight touchdown passes and ran for five more.
Illinois State opens the 2003 season at Hancock Stadium on August 28, when the Redbirds host Drake. Kick-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
