Missouri State's Dr. Bill O'Neill, special assistant to the athletics director, is a 1964 graduate of Illinois State.
Blow-ing Through the Defense
For the second-straight game, sophomore tailback Geno Blow had a career day running the football. The Seabrook, Texas, native pounded out 167 yards on 31 carries at home versus Northern Iowa. Coming into the game, the Panthers were giving up an average of 72.0 yards per game. Blow, who led all rushers in yards and carries in the game, also secured his second-straight 100-plus yard rushing game this season.
Hronec Puts on the Clamps
After being on the sidelines due to an injury at Missouri, senior Bill Hronec returned to the Illinois State lineup last weekend - in a big way. Hronec finished with a career-high tying 11 tackles (five solo), including a tackle-for-loss, while laying big hits on the potent Northern Iowa offense on several occasions. The Evergreen, Ill., native also snagged his first-career interception after forcing and recovering a fumble in the third quarter.
Redbird Secondary Picking it Up
Heading into the matchup at Missouri, the Illinois State football team had yet to grab an interception in 2007. But the `Birds were able to feast on three different occasions during the game, as Tom Nelson had a career-high tying two interceptions, while Garry Roberts grabbed his second-career pick. The Redbirds added another pick last weekend versus Northern Iowa, as Bill Hronec snagged his first-career interception.
Moving the Chain Gang
It can be a nerve-racking situation - facing third down with the possibility of stalling a drive, but the Illinois State football team has been able to move the chains with regularity when faced with the circumstances. The Redbirds are No. 3 in the country in third-down efficiency, converting 51.3 percent of the time.
Four Score, and ...
In five games in 2007, the Redbird football team has seen four different players reach the end zone on the ground. Rafael Rice scored two touchdowns in the first game against Drake, while Rice, Geno Blow and Luke Drone scored a combined four touchdowns against Murray State. Rice scored again in the game at Eastern Illinois, while Parrish Fisher put six on the board at Missouri. Blow also found the end zone versus Northern Iowa.
No Red Zone for You!
While the Illinois State football team was able to put 13 points on the board against Northern Iowa last week, they did it without making it inside the red zone. It marked the first time that the 'Birds have been held outside the opponent's 20-yard line since Sept. 3, 2005, when another Iowa team, Iowa State, kept ISU from making its way into the red zone.
Sharing the Wealth
Through four games in the 2007 season, the Illinois State football team has enjoyed a variety of excellence in the running game, as three different tailbacks have secured 100-plus yard games for the first time since 2005. Rafael Rice ran for 218 yards in the opener versus Drake, while Rice and Parrish Fisher ran for 106 and 122 yards, respectively, in the game against Murray State. Geno Blow became the third Redbird to run for 100 yards at Missouri, and he put up a career-high 167 yards on 31 carries the following week at home versus Northern Iowa.
Wolfpack ... For Life!
While WWE wrestling fans might know that particular slogan, it is Illinois State's version of the group that has been knocking out opponents on the gridiron. Collectively, the Redbird H-backs and tight ends call themselves "The Wolfpack." The group has been on the hunt as of late, with 17 total receptions over the last three games, including touchdowns by fullback Garin Harcar and tight end Kedric Meredith.
Rushing into the Record Books
Rafael Rice has been slowed the past two games with a sore right knee, but the senior running back is tied for sixth place in the school annals for career rushing touchdowns. Rice now has 17 career touchdowns and needs seven more scores to tie Ron Bell and Bruce Cullen (24) for fourth place all-time.
What About Jake?
Through the first four games of the 2007 season, junior Jake Rourke had only caught one ball and was getting lost in the shuffle. However, Rourke was able to re-establish himself as a receiving threat last weekend versus UNI, as he tripled his reception total with four catches for a team-high 41 yards. Rourke also caught his first touchdown of the season in the game, which was the second of his career.
Lost in Interception
It has been an unlikely trend for Luke Drone, but after throwing three interceptions in Saturday's game versus Northern Iowa, the Illinois State quarterback has been picked off 19 times in his last eight games, dating back to last season, while throwing for only 10 touchdowns during that time span. These are atypical numbers for Drone, who in his first 28 games with the Redbirds, had thrown 39 touchdown passes with only 15 interceptions.
He Could ... Go ... All ... The ... Way!
Sophomore Geno Blow has been solid as of late in the Redbird running game, as Blow grabbed a handoff and took it to the house for a 50-yard touchdown against Northern Iowa last weekend. Blow's scamper was the longest of his career, besting his previous long of 39 yards he set against Missouri State last season. It was also the longest single-scoring play that the Redbirds have put together this season.
You've Got Butterfingers!
The Illinois State defense has been causing opposing members of the offense to cough up the football with some regularity. After forcing three more fumbles against Northern Iowa, the Redbird defense has forced eight fumbles and has recovered six of them. This has allowed the Redbird offense to get back on the field quickly, while the Redbird defense is already on its way to topping last season's mark of 13 forced fumbles (six recovered).
Another One Bites the Dust
With the 24-21 win at No. 14 Eastern Illinois, the Redbirds have now secured a victory over a nationally-ranked team in 10 of the last 11 seasons. ISU will have plenty of opportunities this season to notch additional wins over ranked teams, as four of its next six opponents are rated in a top-25 poll.
The Dirty Dozen
Senior linebacker Kye Stewart finished last week's game versus UNI with a game-high 13 tackles, becoming the 12th player in Illinois State history to accumulate 300 or more tackles in a career. He currently ranks No. 12 in Redbird history and needs six stops to move into sole possession of 11th place.
In Rare Company
Illinois State has proven that it can help student-athletes leap into the professional ranks, as the Redbirds have had a player selected in each of the last three NFL Drafts. Only one other school in the FCS Division, Cal Poly, has sent as many players to the NFL during that same time span. Boomer Grigsby (5th Round, Kansas City), Brent Hawkins (5th Round, Jacksonville) and Laurént Robinson (3rd Round, Atlanta) are the recent Redbird NFL Draft choices.
The Buck Stops Here
Illinois State linebacker Kye Stewart is one of 16 players chosen by The Sports Network to be on the watch list for the 2007 Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top defensive player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision. With Stewart's candidacy for this year's award, it marks the sixth-straight season that Illinois State has had at least one player on the list. Other Redbirds to receive recognition include former all-American linebacker and current Kansas City Chiefs fullback Boomer Grigsby; former all-American defensive end and current Jacksonville Jaguar Brent Hawkins; and former all-American linebacker Cameron Siskowic.
All-America U
ISU has produced at least one all-American player in 21 of its last 24 seasons. Over the last seven seasons, 29 players from 12 different positions have been honored. Linebacker Kye Stewart was a consensus preseason all-America selection prior to the 2007 season.
Redbirds at Payton's Place
With the announcement of quarterback Luke Drone being named as one of 16 players to be considered on the watch list for the Walter Payton Award, it marks the third-consecutive season that an Illinois State player has been considered for that award. Drone, who was a first-team All-Gateway Football Conference selection in 2006, joins former ISU standout and current Atlanta Falcons' wide receiver Laurént Robinson, who received recognition in both 2005 and 2006. Former running back Pierre Rembert was named a finalist for the award last season, which recognizes the top football player in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision.
A Sixth Sense?
Since 2001, Illinois State has been the home of the Gateway Football Conference's Defensive Player of the Year award. Boomer Grigsby, the league's only three-time winner, won the award in 2002, 2003 and 2004; while Brent Hawkins followed suit in 2005; and Cameron Siskowic claimed the honor in 2006. Redbird senior linebacker Kye Stewart, the top returning tackler in the GFC, is off to a great start in 2007, leading the league with 63 tackles, which also ranks No. 3 nationally in the FCS. So, it's only sensible that Stewart would be considered the favorite for the award this season, which would give the Redbirds six straight.
The I-Pass
The Redbird offense won't speed up the lines at toll booths, but it has been blowing through Gateway football stadiums with regularity the last three seasons. The Redbirds led the Gateway in 2006 with 227.8 passing yards per game, marking the third-straight season that ISU has led the conference in passing offense. If ISU owns the league's top passing offense again this season, it would become only the second team to lead the league in passing four-straight seasons, joining Northern Iowa, which did so from 1995-2000. Currently, the Redbird offense ranks fourth in the conference with 186.6 passing yards per game.
The Three Degrees of St-Pierre
While junior Jonathan St-Pierre is in his second season with the Redbirds, he has already walked across the stage to receive one degree, a bachelor's in economics from Illinois State. St-Pierre is on pace to finish with three degrees by the time the Longueuil, Quebec, Canada, native leaves ISU in 2009. He will complete two courses at Miami (Fla.), where he began his college career, next summer to complete a bachelor's degree in business administration. This year, he has started the curriculum for his master's degree in economics and should have that completed in May 2009.
Denver Johnson - a Man of Honor
As ISU opened its 2007 training camp, head coach Denver Johnson earned recognition for his hard work as the Redbirds' mentor. Johnson was honored by the All-American Football Foundation, along with three other coaches, as a recipient of the prestigious Johnny Vaught Head Coach Award. Johnson led the Redbirds to their third trip to the NCAA Division I FCS playoffs in 2006, while also being a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award last season.
Horton's Hands
Wide receiver Jason Horton has assumed the role as the primary target of quarterback Luke Drone. Horton leads the Redbirds with 18 catches for 272 yards and two touchdowns, even after missing the Missouri game due to a sore calf. For his career, Horton has accrued 1,413 yards receiving, which ranks sixth all-time in ISU history. He needs 60 yards for sole possession of the No. 5 spot.
It's in His Sights
Quarterback Luke Drone has thrown for over 2,900 yards in each of the last two seasons. If he equals or surpasses that feat this year, Drone will become the most prolific passer in Illinois State history. Drone needs 1,418 yards through the air to knock former Redbird Kevin Glenn (8,251) from the top spot.
Good Chance for a Grand
Head coach Denver Johnson has had a 1,000-yard rusher in nine of the 10 seasons in that he has been a head coach, both at Illinois State and Murray State. Last year was no exception, as Pierre Rembert rushed for a school-record 1,743 yards. Senior Rafael Rice is nearly halfway there, with 405 yards on the ground this season. Geno Blow is not far behind Rice, as he has gained 335 yards this season.
He Really is a Drone
In the bee world, drones are dubbed "worker bees" because of their consistent work ethic. In Redbird football, quarterback Luke Drone is of the same mold. The avid student of game film, Drone is by far the most efficient signal caller in school history. For his career, Drone has posted a passing efficiency rating of 142.8, which is nearly 20 points higher than the next highest ISU quarterback.
The Full Nelson
That's exactly what the Redbirds are getting out of free safety Tom Nelson. Not only did he lead the Redbirds in interceptions in 2006, and currently leads the team this season, but Nelson is also Illinois State's primary kickoff and punt returner. The 2005 Gateway Freshman of the Year and 2007 All-Gateway Preseason Team selection has already posted nine kickoff returns and a punt return over 20 yards in length, while averaging 24.40 yards per kick return. Nelson also recorded a career-high 13 tackles (six solo) versus Northern Iowa last weekend. At Missouri, Nelson intercepted a pair of Tiger passes for the second time in his career.
A Leader On-and-Off the Field
Linebacker Kye Stewart has shown his prowess on the football field, but it is also his ability to lead his peers off the gridiron that Illinois State football fans should stand up for and applaud. Stewart was selected from a pool of 1,300 top student-athletes from across the country to represent ISU at the 2007 NCAA Leadership Conference, LeaderSHAPE. A 2006 All-Gateway First-Team selection, Stewart was one of 356 student-athletes from around the country that attended the event held in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., from May 27-31. Stewart was the second-straight Redbird football student-athlete to attend the conference, as senior quarterback Luke Drone was selected in 2006.
Transferable
Since 1993, when the NCAA rules changed to allow players immediate eligibility at the FCS level, Illinois State has had 49 players transfer from FBS schools. ISU's FBS transfers on this year's roster include: Adam Blankenship (DL, Nebraska); Kelvin Chandler (WR, Pittsburgh); Parrish Fisher (RB, Kansas State); Brandon Joyce (OL, Indiana); Mitchell Moore (RB, Iowa State); Jonathan St-Pierre (OL, Miami (Fla.)); and Nick Williams (DL, Pittsburgh).
Stewart's Doubling Over
Kye Stewart totaled a game-high tying 13 tackles versus Northern Iowa, giving the Redbird senior 19 double-digit tackle games in his career. Stewart currently leads the team with 63 stops, which also ranks No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in the Gateway Football Conference, and has notched a double-digit tackle effort in each game this season.
Being Taken for a Long Drive
The Illinois State defense has surrendered 11 touchdowns this year and seven of those scores have come from drives of 80 yards or more. Opposing offenses are averaging 12.1 plays per scoring drive against the Redbirds, which is attributed to the 53.3-percent success rate ISU foes are having on third downs. When facing at least third-and-11, Redbird opponents have converted first downs 46.7 percent of the time against the defense.
Getting to the League
Not only have the Redbirds had a player drafted into the NFL in each of the last three years, but currently, there are three former Illinois State players in the NFL and two more in the Canadian Football League. Former Redbirds in the NFL include: Boomer Grigsby (FB, Kansas City Chiefs); Brent Hawkins (DE, Jacksonville Jaguars); and Laurént Robinson (WR, Atlanta Falcons). In the CFL, former Redbird teammates Kevin Glenn (QB) and Sam Young (DB) are teammates again with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
The NFL is in Their Blood
Redshirt-freshman quarterback Preston Earl and senior offensive lineman Brandon Joyce are both the offspring of former NFL players. Earl's father, Robin, was a fullback with the Chicago Bears from 1977-82. Joyce's dad, Terry, punted for the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1976 and 1977 seasons. In addition, true-freshman quarterback Drew Kiel's uncle, Blair, played in the NFL from 1984-91 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984), Indianapolis Colts (1986-87) and Green Bay Packers (1988, 1990-91).
