The Chicago Public League will also be represented with ISU's Isaiah Wiggins (Prosser HS) and EIU's Sinque Turner (Simeon HS), Chris Campbell (Marshall HS), Tafari Mahou (Morgan Park HS) and Mike Adams (Morgan Park HS).
Downing the OVC
As of late, the Redbirds have been "naughty by nature" when facing members of the Ohio Valley Conference. Illinois State has won eight-straight games against members of the OVC, including four-straight wins against both Murray State and Eastern Illinois, this week's opponent.
Another One Bites the Dust
With victories last season over Eastern Illinois (twice) and Southern Illinois, the Redbirds have posted at least one victory over a ranked foe in nine of the last 10 seasons. The Redbirds will get their first opportunity to increase that mark this week, with EIU ranked No. 14 nationally.
Cleaning the State
With the Redbirds' 24-13 win at Eastern Illinois in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Playoffs last season, it marked the fourth victory over schools from the state of Illinois in 2006. Earlier in the year, the 'Birds downed Southern Illinois, 37-10, defeated Eastern Illinois, 44-30, in the regular season, and dropped Western Illinois, 27-14. The four Redbird victories over Illinois schools were the most in-state wins by ISU since 1968, when the Redbirds downed Illinois Wesleyan, Illinois-Chicago, Eastern Illinois, Western Illinois and Bradley all in the same season. ISU is looking for its fifth-straight victory over an Illinois institution in tonight's game.
Run, Rafael, Run!
That seems to be the battle-cry for the Redbird offense so far this season. After posting a career-high 218 yards on 27 carries in the season opener against Drake, Rafael Rice followed up his opening-night performance with 106 yards and two touchdowns in ISU's 43-17 win over Murray State.
Redbirds Taking a Pass ... Literally
The Illinois State football team relied on its rushing attack rather than trying to dial in from the air, as the Redbirds only attempted nine passes during last week's 43-17 win over Murray State. ISU's nine attempts were its fewest since a Sept. 10, 1994, win over Division II Washburn, when the Redbirds also attempted only nine passes.
Running for the Record
After two games in the 2007 season, the Illinois State football team is averaging 255.5 yards per game on the ground, a mark that would take the top mark in school history if the season ended today. This year's total, which is also the 15th- best in the country, would surpass the 1968 team's mark of 254.4 rushing yards per game.
A Two-Headed Monster!
The sight of a two-headed monster could make just about anyone scream, and the Illinois State football team's version of the creature is something that opposing defenses can only hope to slay. The Redbirds' rushing tandem of Parrish Fisher and Rafael Rice both eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground against Murray State, as they ran for 112 and 106 yards, respectively. It was the first time that ISU had two running backs over 100 yards since Oct. 9, 2004, when Brian Thompson had 157 and Demetrus Johnson added 129 against Missouri State.
Setting Up the Offense
Special teams played a big role in the Redbirds' victory over Murray State last weekend, as ISU racked up 205 kickoff return yards, surpassing the Redbirds' Hancock Stadium record of 189 set against Tennessee-Chattanooga Nov. 17, 1979. Senior wide receiver Jason Horton and junior defensive back Tom Nelson each had career-long returns of 82 and 59 yards, respectively, snapping the career-bests they both had against Youngstown State in the NCAA playoffs last season. Nelson finished the game with a career-high 107 return yards.
Return to Sender
Much like the song made popular by Elvis, the Redbirds have been returning kickoffs with purpose so far this season. In fact, the `Birds currently have the best kickoff return average in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision with 33.25 yards per return, a mark that puts them sixth in the entire NCAA Division I rankings.
Drone Maximizing His Passes
Though Redbird quarterback Luke Drone attempted only nine passes during Illinois State's win over Murray State last weekend, he was able to make the most of his chances when he did put it in the air. Drone connected on 5-of-9 passes, while throwing for two touchdowns, which translates to tossing a touchdown pass 22 percent of the time.
That Man Has A Boot!
Bobby Kelsey has been showing his ability to pin defenses down at their own end when the Redbirds stall on offense, as the junior has ISU ranked ninth in the country in net punting with an average of 40.50 yards. Kelsey also leads the Gateway Football Conference in punting average.
Hronec Puts on the Clamps
Senior linebacker Bill Hronec stepped up big for the Illinois State football team in its game against Murray State, as he helped stop drives and wrap up the Racers' rushers. Hronec made his biggest play in the third quarter, as he made a game-breaking stop for a loss on a fourth-and-1 attempt. Hronec also made a big play earlier in the game, when he forced a fumble on Murray State's first drive, which Illinois State capitalized on with a seven-play, 42-yard drive for a touchdown. The Evergreen Park, Ill., native finished the game with a team- and career-high 11 tackles, including five solo stops, while adding a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
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 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.
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.
Horton's Hands
Wide receiver Jason Horton has assumed the role as the primary target of quarterback Luke Drone. Through two games, Horton leads the Redbirds with 12 catches for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Horton's yardage total sits in eighth place all-time for career receiving yards in ISU history. He needs 57 yards for sole possession of the No. 7 spot.
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 Illinois State with 25 tackles. So, it's only sensible that Stewart would be considered the favorite for the award this season, which would give the Redbirds six straight.
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 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 in that the Redbirds have 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. The chase for four straight took a hit against Murray State, as the Redbirds only attempted nine passes. On the season, ISU is averaging 158 yards passing per game, which ranks No. 4 in the conference.
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, 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 in business administration. This year, he has started the curriculum for his master's in economics and should have that completed in May 2009.
The Dirty Dozen
Senior linebacker Kye Stewart needs just 26 tackles to become 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 44 stops to move into sole possession of 11th place.
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, who all received the prestigious Johnny Vaught Head Coach Award. Johnson led the Redbirds to their third trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs in 2006, while also being a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award last season.
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 2,035 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 which 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 one-third of the way there, with 324 yards on the ground this season.
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.
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 145.9, 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, 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, ranks No. 18 nationally with his 30.2 yards per kickoff return average. He has already posted three kickoff returns and a punt return over 20 yards in length.
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 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).
Gimmie a I-A ... er, FBS
When the Redbirds travel to Missouri on Sept. 22, it will be the 13th-straight season in that Illinois State has played a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent. The last time the 'Birds didn't schedule an FBS game was in 1994. It will also mark ISU's third-straight season facing a team from the Big 12, after the 'Birds played at Iowa State in 2005 and at Kansas State in 2006.
Nothing Attracts a Crowd, Like a Crowd
In the first two home dates combined, the Redbirds have had 25,381 fans enter Hancock Stadium through the turnstiles. That total is the highest for the first two Illinois State home games since the 1970 season, when the Redbirds drew a total of 28,000 for games against Southeast Missouri State and Akron. In addition, the 12,229 fans that attended the 2007 season-opening game against Drake were part of the eighth-best attendance total for a season opener in the history of Hancock Stadium.
Stewart's Sweet 16
Kye Stewart totaled 10 tackles in Saturday's win over Murray State, giving the Redbird senior 16 double-digit tackle games in his career. Stewart currently leads the team with 25 stops and has notched a double-digit tackle effort in each game this season.
Notable Newcomers
Since the Gateway began recognizing an all-newcomer team in 1994, 45 Redbirds have been cited for achievement in their first season. In 2006, defensive lineman Adam Blankenship and offensive linemen Brandon Joyce and Jonathan St-Pierre added their names to the list.
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 four former Illinois State players in the NFL and two more in the Canadian Football League. Former Redbirds in the NFL include: Aveion Cason (RB, Detroit Lions), 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).
