The sounds of popping and snapping shoulder pads echoed through Hancock Stadium Saturday as the Illinois State football team took the field in shells for the first day of contact during spring camp.
The defense rose to the challenge and head coach Denver Johnson was pleased with the early results.
I was really impressed with our defensive football team, said Johnson. I thought our defensive line dominated the first day of drills. Im really impressed with some of the young guys showing up, Nate Johnson, Nick Rohrer and Josh Chrestman. I saw some good things out of Joe Walkins at corner and I couldnt be happier right now the way they are going about their business, their attitude, their disposition and their body language.
The Redbird offense worked against their counterparts throughout the 24-period practice. During the 7-on-7 segment, senior Rick Splant picked off a Yance Vaughan pass, before Vaughan connected with sophomore wide receiver Laurnt Robinson on a 45-yard touchdown strike.
A couple of periods later, during team drills, the defense continued its dominance when Niall Campbell intercepted another Vaughan pass attempt and returned it 50 yards for a touchdown.
The Redbird offense converted five of the nine situational plays on third down and five yards to go. Vaughan scampered 20 yards on a quarterback draw up the middle, while Boomer Grigsby intercepted a B.J. McCaslin pass and ran 50 yards for the score. Redshirt freshman Nate Johnson also forced and recovered a fumble during the session.
Their motor is running fast and theyre getting off on the ball, Johnson said about his defense. Theyre chasing the ball hard and theyre playing with relentless effort.
Working with a third-and-nine situation, the offense was successful 10 out of 40 attempts that included a 50-yard touchdown strike from McCaslin to Robinson. The defense registered four sacks with Campbell, Josh Chrestman, Ross Crampton and Mike Blough each collecting one apiece.
Robinson finished the day with two touchdown catches and with the graduation of Dwayne Smith, Robinson is the Redbirds top returning receiver. In addition to losing Smith, the Redbird offense will also be without Joe Walkins, who is working out this spring with the ISU secondary. Johnson is positive that without Smith and Walkins switch to defense the Redbird receiving corps will be ready for the fall campaign.
I feel very good about Robinson, he looks like hes doing great, Johnson said. Kyle Hill he was a guy that probably wouldve played last year had he not pulled that hamstring in camp. (Brian) Busser had a good day today, doing some things. We probably dont have the numbers there that we would like to have, but I think well have a quality receiver core when it is all said and done.
The Birds will take the field for a fourth straight day and their first in full pads on Sunday at 3 p.m.
