April 10, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Even though the Illinois State football team practiced Tuesday afternoon in only shells, the Redbirds continued to pound the ball on the ground during the 24, five-minute period session at the ISU grass practice field.
On Tuesday, it was sophomore Geno Blow busting loose for long runs, while both Rafael Rice and Alan Abrams were the big gainers on Monday. All three are part of an ISU running back stable which will try to replace the 1,743 yards gained on the ground by the graduated Pierre Rembert in 2006.
"We have a very competitive situation at the tailback spot right now," Johnson said. "Geno, Alan and Rafael have all shown signs during camp so far and I think we have a stable of pretty good contenders back there."
After the run period, the Redbirds spent four periods on the 7-on-7 drill. Senior quarterback Luke Drone had the hot hand completing 6-of-10 passes, while Kevin Brockway went 6-for-11. Preston Earl finished 3-for-8.
During the 15-minute team period, the Redbird defense controlled the tempo. The offense was held to a combined 2-for-9 passing between the three quarterbacks, while Kye Stewart, Jarek Thomas and Babtunde Soyebo each recorded sacks. Thomas gathered his quarterback sack from the defensive end position.
"We are looking at JT off the end a little bit, and he has proven to be tough off the edge," Johnson said. "Mike Piton has also put together a pair of nice practices on the interior with some great quickness."
Weather permitting, the Redbirds will conduct their third straight practice on Wednesday.
"I thought we came back out today and had a lively, spirited practice," Johnson said. "The effort was good and there was some good intensity for a practice in shorts. I'm really pleased with the way the team responded (after the first day in full pads) and we will see what the weather does to us tomorrow."
NOTES: Bill Hronec returned to the practice field after missing two days with a slight groin injury; Wesley Williams (shoulder injury) and Cortes Rice (knee sprain) each missed Tuesday's practice.
