April 15, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
It was debatable on which was shinning brighter Saturday morning at Hancock Stadium, the sun or the Illinois State defense. The Redbirds returned to full pads and practice for two hours, working out for 24, five-minute periods.
"I thought we had an excellent practice," Johnson said. "We pulled back (off the guys) physically the last couple of days and I thought they were anxious to get after it. Our defense continues to impress me - the way we run and the way we get guys around the ball. I also think that we are getting better in the back of our defense as well."
During the team period, the Redbirds focused on actual game situations. The offense opened the period faced with a first and 10 situation. The `Birds had 15 snaps and gained four or more yards 10 times, including three first downs. Then, with the offense facing second and 10, the Redbirds gained seven or more yards on two of the possible eight plays, including one first down. Quarterback Kevin Brockway was intercepted by Leon Kittrell during one play, while Jarek Thomas tipped another pass at the line of scrimmage.
The defense continued its dominance when the chains moved to a third and five situation. In 10 plays, the Redbirds were held without a first down on all 10 plays. Niall Campbell added a pass break up, while Marques Hawkins collected the defense's second interception during the team period.
Facing third and eight, the Redbird offense got one first down in four plays on Brockway's 12-yard scramble. Brockway finished the team period completing 10-of-16 passes, while Laurént Robinson led all receivers with four catches. Pierre Rembert rushed for 22 yards on six carries and Rafael Rice was held to minus-1 yards on five attempts.
"That's why (as an offense) you want to stay out of those situations," Johnson said. "When its first and 10 you're at an advantage, but when you are behind the chains you are at a severe disadvantage. I think it speaks to our defense getting better, but I do think that when we are in those situations offensively, we have to be able to execute."
The Redbirds spent four periods on 7-on-7, while Luke Drone completed 13-of-15 pass attempts and Brockway finished the drill 13-of-19. Brockway tossed one interception, when his pass bounced off the hands of intended receiver, Drew Kempe, and was picked off by Kye Stewart.
The `Birds worked on special teams earlier in practice and once again Kevin Mazur and Bobby Kelsey shared kicking duties. The tandem each converted a pair of field goal attempts from 32 yards out. Kelsey also hit a pair from 37 yards away and another at 42 yards. Mazur was 1-for-3 from 37 yards out, after Tom Nelson bobbled the snap and couldn't get the hold down and Mitchell Matthews blocked another. Mazur did connect from 42 yards out. In addition to Nelson, Wally Cirafesi also assumed holder duties, while Jake Weber worked as the snapper.
On the punt team, Weber, Kyle Siskowic, Brian Arndt and Jeremy Joynt all shared the long-snapping responsibilities. Dan Passarelli, Jake Rourke and Leon Kittrell all worked out as returners.
The Redbirds will now have two days off, before returning to practice on Tuesday for the final week of spring camp. Practice on Tuesday begins at 3 p.m.
