Aug. 13, 2005
News & Notes:
The Illinois State football team spent its Saturday morning on the turf at Hancock Stadium. The Redbirds went through their first of two practices on the day working out for 24, five-minute periods. The practice began at 8:30 a.m. with temperatures in the mid-70's and overcast skies.
The Redbirds managed to stay injury free in the morning, despite wearing full pads. Junior running back Rafael Rice was chosen by head coach Denver Johnson to "break down" practice.
First Exam
On Sunday afternoon, the Redbirds will have their first test of fall camp - their first of two scrimmages. Sunday's practice begins at 2:30 p.m., and after stretching and practicing on a few station drills, the team will begin the intrasquad scrimmage.
The Cirafesi-Meredith Connection
Twice during the team period of the morning practice, quarterback Wally Cirafesi found fullback Kedric Meredith in the flat for a 10-yard gain. Both catches gave the Redbird offense first downs as they worked the entire team session from a 2nd-and-10 situation.
Fire and Rice
The Rice brothers continue to move the chains in the backfield. Junior running back Rafael Rice had a pair of 15-yard runs up the middle during morning workouts, while his younger brother Cortes Rice added a 25-, 15- and 10-yard gains, all off tackle.
"Rafael had a good morning, but he has some fresher legs having missed yesterday's practice," Johnson said. "Rafael is good back and he made some good cuts out here today. Now Cortes, he's a deceptive back. He doesn't look like he is as fast as he is. He doesn't look as powerful as he is, but he's pulling through arm tackles and doing some good things. I think he has a chance to be a quality back."
Making the Quarterbacks Stew
Linebacker Kye Stewart got under the skin of quarterback Luke Drone Saturday morning. During the 7-on-7 drill, Stewart picked off a pair of Drone pass attempts. The Nashville, Tenn., native got his first pick on a deflected pass intended for Dave Mordis, while the second fell right into his hands on an overthrown toss.
Temple Trifecta
On the day junior James Temple hit the triple-crown for a defensive back. During the 7-on-7 drills, Temple tallied an interception off a Wally Cirafesi attempt, while earlier adding a pass break-up. In the team scrimmage, he also added a tackle for loss.
Triple H
During the team workout, in addition to interceptions the defense also registered some sacks. Senior Brent Hawkins posted two more today, while Bill Hronec and Kashiev Hunter each had one.
Big Gainer
The longest play from scrimmage during the workout went to Jason Horton and Luke Drone. Drone tossed an 40-yard pass right on the hands of Horton, who scampered the remaining 40 yards for the 80-yard touchdown pass during the team session.
Quotable
"I thought the whole football team responded well this morning," Denver Johnson said. "We had a sup-par practice yesterday and I asked them this morning to cowboy up and fight through it and show a little mental toughness when their legs are sore and stiff. They responded with an enthusiastic and spirited practice."
