The Bloomington-Normal community has seen its share of un-seasonal weather during the summer of 2004, and on the first day of two-a-day practices for the Illinois State football team Thursday, the August heat was nowhere to be found.
Temperatures during the Redbirds 9 a.m. practice reached the mid to upper 50s, making for pleasant weather conditions during the morning session.
We just take it as it comes, Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson said of the weather. Im sure before camp is over well get some hot weather, which should be good for us in the long run. On the flip side, we havent had any heat-related difficulties. No ones been out of practice for cramps or dehydration. The injury list is low and thats helping in our progression as a team.
The Birds were able to get a lot accomplished both on offense and defense in the brisk central Illinois weather. Freshman Wally Cirafesi, whos been in the quarterback rotation throughout camp, connected with Kevett Mickle, who made a one-handed catch in the air during the morning session.
The defensive line continued to show its strengths, with Sesamir Yearby showcasing his ability to get to the ball quickly throughout the morning practice. Brent Hawkins, a transfer from Purdue, has also been a pleasant addition to the defensive line according to Johnson.
Brent is really showing up out there, Johnson said. Josh Chrestman and the usual suspects like Boomer (Grigsby) are showing up as well. I think defensively we have the ability to close around the ball quickly and thats an encouraging sign. Offensively, we had a few nice runs and catches today, so Im pleased with the progression were making.
In the evening session, The Redbirds donned shells for a 24-period practice. Yance Vaughan looked particularly sharp in the scrimmage, hitting Ramon Barber and Laurnt Robinson on a pair of deep routes.
The Redbirds return to practice Friday for a 2:30 p.m. session in full pads.
Camp Notes:
Cornerback Leon Kittrell returned to the practice field Thursday after sitting out with a hamstring injury.
Wide receiver Jason Horton practiced on a limited basis Thursday after suffering a hamstring injury earlier in the week.
