After evaluating Saturdays scrimmage film, the Illinois State football team took the field Tuesday in shells at Hancock Stadium ready to make some changes.
Head coach Denver Johnson sees the scrimmage as another building block.
I think were going to be better on the defense, said Johnson. We can run and I think Joe Walkins moving to corner is going to be a force. Were going to look at some guys in some different roles and different spots. Were at a midpoint right now with spring practice so were still developing young guys.
The Redbirds will be continuing spring practices without starting left tackle Mike Stegeman, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on Friday during practice. The junior has started every game the last two seasons.
It is a devastating loss, hes one of our better players and hes becoming a real leader on the team. He was having a great spring, Johnson said. It was just one of those freak deals, he didnt get rolled up in a pile, he didnt get cut from behind, it just happened.
Its disheartening, but hes going have surgery and Ill bet he gets back and winds up having a good year in the fall. He may be a little limited early on in training camp, but hell get the repair done and get back.
Despite the loss of Stegeman, the Redbirds have quality depth at the offensive line.
Another area Johnson is anticipating good production from is special teams.
Backing the Birds again this season will be the forceful duo of Stephen Carroll and Ryan Hoffman, two of the best returning kickers in the nation.
Carroll has 84 consecutive extra points made, which is one away from the Illinois State record. His field goal percentage of 72.7 percent is the best of all time.
I expect their kicking game to be solid, said Johnson. Coach (Chris) Patton does a great job coordinating their kicking game. I think they have potential to be all-league top guys if they have good years.
Practice will resume Thursday at Hancock Stadium and is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m.
