Aug. 16, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
With swimming trunks and sun tan lotion packed away, the Illinois State football team returned to the grass practice field for an intense 28, five-minute period practice on Wednesday.
Tuesday's off day for the Redbirds let some players who were banged up with camp injuries heal. However, several still sat out of practice, something that head coach Denver Johnson is watching with a close eye.
"Most of the players are sitting out with normal camp bumps and bruises, so we don't think its anything to worry about," said Johnson. "It's going to take a couple of days to get everyone healthy, but we do need everyone back and ready. We can't get a whole lot better until we get everyone back out here."
During the team rush period, senior Pierre Rembert again led the way. Rembert logged 22 yards on six carries, while Rafael Rice pounded out 11 yards on six attempts. Defensively, Alex Filin, Jason Tate, Kaschiev Hunter, Brennan Carroll and J.W. Sheering each posted a tackle for loss.
The quarterbacks saw action during the 7-on-7 drill. Luke Drone completed 7-of-10 passes for 45 yards, but was intercepted by Tate. Kevin Brockway was 6-for-9 passing for 68 yards. Jason Horton and Jake Rourke were the leading receivers. Each collected three catches for 30 yards. In addition to Tate's pick, senior Niall Campbell also notched a pass break up.
In the final team period, Drone completed 6-of-9 passes for 32 yards, while Brockway was 5-for-7 for 71 yards. Most of Brockway's yardage came on a deep pass to Dan Passarelli for a 30-yard gain.
Of the running backs, Cortes Rice gained the most yards during the team period with 11 yards on three carries. Alan Abrams also added 10 yards on two tries. Horton, again, was the leading receiver with three catches for 31 yards.
Defensively during the team period, Sheering, Campbell and Brandon Wilson all recorded quarterback sacks, while Kye Stewart, Tom Nelson and Nick Passarelli each had a tackle for loss.
ISU returns to practice on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
