Camp Report #6: The Heat is On ... Two-A-Days!

Aug. 7, 2007

NORMAL, Ill. - In the midst of the "dog days" of August, the Illinois State football team finds itself in the "dog days" of training camp. The Redbirds took the field for a 24, five-minute period practice in full pads at Hancock Stadium, for the first of two workouts on the day.

"This is the first of the grind, where we are starting to practice about every 10 hours for the next 10 days," head coach Denver Johnson said. "It's going to be pretty tough, but I expect them to come back out here and take care of themselves in between. They need to keep themselves hydrated and have another good practice this evening."

The Redbirds ended the morning workout with a team scrimmage, including six snaps at the goal line. With the ball placed on the 2-yard line, the Illinois State offense scored touchdowns on five of the six plays. Rafael Rice and Parrish Fisher each pounded in a pair of runs, while Preston Earl connected with Jeremy Joynt on the flat for another touchdown.

"Yesterday we went down on the goal line and didn't look really well, but we went and watched film, corrected some things, and we were much more efficient down there," Johnson said. "That is encouraging when you see improvement."

With the ball at first-and-10 from the offense's 27-yard line, the Redbirds opened up the scrimmage with a 30-yard run off right tackle by Rice. Earl also connected with Cody White for a big gain down the right sideline, and the practice ended with Marcus King laying out for a Luke Drone pass along the left sideline.

"I was really pleased with the practice and it got pretty toasty out here near the end of it," Johnson said. "We always preach assignment correct, fundamentally sound, physically fit and mentally tough, and this was a great opportunity to work on being mentally tough. I think it comes with practice and repetition too, and I think for the most part we did it."

During the 7-on-7 drill, Drone completed 8-of-9 passes, while Kevin Brockway was 2-for-7 and Earl was 5-for-6. Drew Kempe and Warren McCarty led all receivers with three catches.

The Redbirds will wear shells and return to practice tonight, at 7:30 p.m.

NOTES:
,,« Due to the excessive heat, the Redbirds had a number of players drop out due to hydration issues.
,,« Senior wide receiver Brandon Bradbury quit the team Monday.
,,« Wide receiver Eyad Salem pulled out with a mild hamstring strain.

Joe from Kilgore, Texas, wanted to ask Geno Blow: "What are all those Texans doing up there? What is it about Illinois State?"

Geno said: "A lot of it has to do with Coach (Mike) Menefee. He just does a great job with everybody down there. When contact can be made, he's always the first to call. When visits start, he is the first one at the door. And I just love it up here. The atmosphere is good, the fans are great and the school is great. Plus with the heat right now, it kind of reminds me of Texas."

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