The Illinois State football team added shoulder pads to its practice wardrobe on Monday night under the lights at Hancock Stadium and engaged in the first contact of fall camp.
When the 24, five-minute periods were done it wasnt the contact head coach Denver Johnson wanted to talk about, instead it was the receiving skills of Avery Massengale and the passing of Yance Vaughan.
Im just ecstatic about the way that these guys are going about their business, Johnson said. Avery Massengale had a tremendous evening tonight. He could be a dominant receiver in this league if he found the consistency. To play like he did tonight on an every game basis, he would be as good as there is in this league. Hes got immense physical talents and if he would bring that workman-like attitude every day not just when it is 72 and partly cloudy he could be a dominant, dominant football player.
Vaughan and Massengale connected for a 45-yard touchdown during the 7-on-7 drill and again during the team drill for a 70-yard score. In the 7-on-7 drill, the offense started the session by completing the first seven passes. Vaughan completed his first four attempts before ending the drill on 6-for-8 passing.
The defense bounced back near the end of the 7-on-7 workout by limiting the Redbird offense to only six completions in the final 14 attempts. Sophomore James Temple intercepted a Wally Cirafesi pass for one of the offenses incompletions.
During the team drill, Vaughans first 70-yard touchdown pass fell in the hands of junior Ramon Barber. Senior Demetrus Johnson also grinded out a 40-yard carry, while LaShawn Bullock sliced and diced for a 20-yard gain. Senior defensive end Josh Chrestman also recorded a sack, as the Redbird defense limited the offenses rushing attack in the early going.
With all the great individual play, its no surprise at the level of competition that is already occurring within positions.
Weve got great competition going on right now, Johnson said. But that is what you want a rising tide raises all boats. So were just really pleased how its going right now.
The Redbirds return to the field on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. for their fourth practice of the camp.
Camp Notes:
The newcomers capped off the practice by singing the fight song in front of the veterans.
On Tuesday prior to practice, the players will take part in the annual media/photo day at Hancock Stadium.
