Brent Hawkins and
Ronnie Tate each collected a pair of quarterback sacks during the team period to highlight Illinois States fifth practice of spring camp Wednesday afternoon at Hancock Stadium as the Redbirds went 24 periods in shells.
In total, the defensive line collected eight sacks during the 39 plays of the team period. Joining Hawkins and Tate were
Chance Allard, Kory Andersen, Montel Conner and
Justin Martindale each with solo sacks.
Head coach Denver Johnson was pleased with how the Redbirds, particularly the defensive line, responded after two days off.
I thought they really responded well, Johnson said. I thought the tempo was extremely good, the focus seems to be really good and I thought the defense stepped up today. I saw some things beginning to take shape back there in the backend that I like. The defensive line really showed up and I saw some encouraging things
The offense wasnt shutout by any means during the team period as Brian Thompson scampered 25-yards up the middle on a draw play and walk-on
Ansu Kpandeyenge added a 40-plus-yard gain on the ground. Sophomore quarterback
Luke Drone completed 3-of-4 passes during the 11-on-11 drill, while
Kevin Brockway was 3-for-5. Laurnt Robinson hauled in three catches, all for over 10 yards.
Prior to the five periods of the team scrimmage, Johnson scripted four periods of 7-on-7. During the skeli drill, redshirt freshman quarterback Wally Cirafesi boasted a 7-for-9 passing effort, including a pair of 20-yard gains on screen passes up the middle to
Kedric Meredith and
Rafael Rice. Drone added another strong day with a 6-for-9 effort, while
Kevin Brockway was 5-for-7. Junior college transfer Nick Gehrts finished 0-for-6, including an interception by
Jesse Caesar.
Illinois State returns to the practice on Friday at 3:30 p.m., in shells.
