Aug. 9, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
With the first half of the 2007 fall training camp in the books, the Illinois State football team enjoyed another break from the weather as the Redbirds practiced in cool, breezy conditions under the lights at Hancock Stadium Thursday night.
The Redbirds trained in shells after a full-pad workout Thursday morning, practicing for 24, five-minute periods.
Head coach Denver Johnson was encouraged with the level of effort, feeling that the team was able to respond after another tough practice during the morning session.
"I thought we had another great practice," said Johnson. "We got a little bit of a break with the weather tonight. It turned out to be really nice and cool, with a nice breeze. That certainly helped the guys and they responded. I thought the guys were spirited, and moved around well. I was pleased with the offense's execution, and the defense also came up with some big plays. My impressions coming off the field is that I'm pleased with how things went tonight."
During the 7-on-7 drill, quarterback Luke Drone looked sharp, connecting on 6-of-8 attempts, including a 35-yard reception to Kelvin Chandler, who led the receivers with four catches. However, the defense also made some big plays, as Jesse Caesar made a diving interception on a pass from Preston Earl and Cameron Thompkins and Antwan Ryles each added pass breakups.
In the final drill of the evening, the offense and defense battled for position inside the offense's own 20-yard line. After Kevin Brockway was able to move the chains on a third-and-seven situation, Jason Tate intercepted the next pass and returned it for a touchdown. Tate and Thompkins also recorded a pass breakup a piece.
The `Birds will return to practice Friday, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
NOTES:
• Eyad Salem, Mike Piton and Tommie Westbrook all returned to practice Thursday night.
• Quarterback Kevin Brockway drew praise from the coaches and players for his newly shaved horseshoe mustache.
• Assistant coach Bill Teerlinck was given an attaway cheer after it was announced that he will be leaving the team to accept a position as an assistant defensive line coach with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. Teerlinck will join Tony Dungy's staff as well as have the opportunity to coach along side his father, John Teerlinck, the Colts' defensive line coach.
Kevin from Mt. Carmel, Ill., wanted to ask Luke Drone: "Hey Luke, what do you think about your home town station, WSJD 100.5 FM, joining the Redbird Radio Network?"
Luke said: "I think it's awesome! Everyone in the town has always given me the best support since I was at Mt. Carmel, and I'm excited that they can follow me now at ISU. It's just a great thing to have the support from everyone in the community and I really appreciate their involvement."
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