Cold winds couldnt shake the energy of the Illinois State football team as they took the field in full pads Sunday afternoon at Hancock Stadium.
A force in yesterdays practice, the defense started off a little rocky but was able to save face against the offense. On the first play of 7-on-7 drill, Antwan Oliver picked off a pass from Yance Vaughan. Later Sam Yeargin intercepted another one of Vaughans passes.
Yeargins campaign continued during the team scrimmage as he recovered an Earl Newby fumble that was stripped by Josh Chrestman. The Redbird defense continued its hot hand during the segment when both Ryan Thorne and Jesus Terrazas collected fumble recoveries.
There were some bright spots today, Head coach Denver Johnson said. I thought the offense really took it to the defense for a portion of (practice) and then the defense seemed to get the upper hand. Near the end of practice it went back and forth, which is good. Thats what you want to see.
Quarterback transfer Jordan Borowicz responded and stepped up to the challenge and found Marcus Hayden for a 40-yard catch, the longest completion of the day.
Demetrus Johnson highlighted the offensive production with a pair of 20-yard runs. However, it was the defense regaining control when Evan Allen Gessesse intercepted a pass from freshman redshirt John Braddock for a touchdown.
With Chrestmans play today, Johnson feels good about the defensive end rotation.
Today was a great opportunity to evaluate the position, Johnson said. Chrestman obviously showed up. He can make some plays and he can pursue. Hes got a chance to be a cut-above guy in this league. He could end up being really, really good and hes got a lot of potential and growth left in front of him.
Chrestman, along with Justin Martindale, who is making the move from the defensive interior, will be challenged for playing time by Nate Johnson, Dan Simnick, Montel Connor, Sesamir Yearby and Jake Weber.
Nate Johnson is a young guy with a lot of talent and needs to grow up and mature, Johnson said. Well rotate several guys in there over the spring and Dan Simnick has done some good things so far this spring. I certainly think that Chrestman is the head of the line, but there is a lot of ability in that group as well.
After a three day intermission, the Redbird football team will resume practice at Hancock Stadium Thursday at 3:30 p.m.
Side Notes:
Both Alex Fillin and Steve Statz sat out todays practice due to injuries sustained yesterday.
Clint Keller, Amir Thompson and Leon Kittrell all left practice early with injuries.
