Mike Kern, assistant commissioner of the Gateway Football Conference, is a Missouri alumnus.
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," with the mentality that the group will hunt together and feast on opposing defenses. Two of the members, fullback Garin Harcar and tight end Kedric Meredith, did just that against No. 14 Eastern Illinois last week, as both had career days. Harcar caught a career-high four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown, while Meredith had career-highs in catches (3) and yards (59) and added a touchdown.
Rushing into the Record Books
Senior Rafael Rice scored his fifth touchdown of the season during the fourth quarter of last week's game at No. 14 Eastern Illinois, which moved him into a tie 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.
Kicking Game Gets Out of a Funk
After having problems putting the ball through the up-rights during its first two games this season, the ISU football team showed improvement in its kicking game at No. 14 Eastern Illinois last weekend. Redshirt freshman Tyler Funk hit all three PATs, as well as nailing a 23-yard field goal on his only attempt. The 4-for-4 effort in the kicking game was the first for the Redbirds since Oct. 7, 2006, when Kevin Mazur made all four PAT tries in the 28-27 win at Western Kentucky.
Hail Caesar!
Senior Jesse Caesar took command of the Redbird defense and collected a game- and career-high 12 tackles during last week's victory against in-state rival Eastern Illinois. Caesar also added a tackle-for-loss in the game, and is tied for third on the team with 25 tackles this season.
Keeping the Head Hunters at Bay
The Illinois State offensive line has been able to protect quarterback Luke Drone from the pursuit of the opposing defenses, as the unit ranks 13th in the country in sacks allowed per game. The group has given up only two sacks for an average of 0.67 sacks per game, which has given Drone the ability to stay in the pocket and deliver the pass.
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 55.6 percent of the time.
Spreading the Red
Quarterback Luke Drone has been paying attention to the Redbird Athletics marketing campaign slogan and was able to "Spread the Red" in his own way by hitting a season-high nine different receivers in last Saturday's win at No. 14 Eastern Illinois. Drone finished with a season-high 267 yards on 20-for-31 passing and two touchdowns, with his favorite target, senior Jason Horton, leading the receivers with five catches for 74 yards.
Moving the Sticks and Scoring Six
With Garin Harcar's six-yard touchdown catch on Illinois State's opening possession at No. 14 Eastern Illinois last weekend, the Redbird football team has now found the end zone on its first drive in the past two games. More importantly, the Redbirds have been able to add onto those early points, as ISU owns a 20-6 record during the Denver Johnson era when scoring on its first possession.
Forcing the Opponent on a Long Drive
While the Illinois State defense has given up seven touchdowns this year, six of those seven touchdowns have come from drives of 80 yards or more. The statistic is misleading in that it fails to mention the positive efforts of the Illinois State kickoff and punt coverage teams. The Redbirds rank No. 19 nationally in kickoff coverage, by surrendering only 16.39 yards per kickoff return. ISU is also tied for No. 27 in punt return coverage with four yards per return, coupled with the fact that Bobby Kelsey has put six of his 10 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. As a result, the ISU special teams are forcing Redbird opponents to work hard for each and every point.
Gimmie a I-A ... er, FBS
Today's game against Missouri marks the 13th-straight season that ISU has played a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent. The last time the 'Birds didn't schedule an FBS game was in 1994. It also marks 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.
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 six of the next eight opponents are rated in a top-25 poll, including this week's opponent No. 25 Missouri.
Road Warriors
Over the last three seasons, the Redbirds have collected 18 victories and nearly half of them have been on the road, with eight wins away from Normal. In ISU's last 11 road contests, the Redbirds boast an 8-3 mark.
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 has rushed for 398 yards in three games and ranks No. 12 nationally with 132.67 rushing yards per game. He is also averaging 6.0 yards per carry this season. If he maintains this average, it would rank No. 2 in Illinois State history.
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 fourth-best kickoff return average in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision with 28.50 yards per return, a mark that puts them 13th in the entire NCAA Division I rankings.
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 sixth in the country in net punting with an average of 39.80 yards. Kelsey, who is one punt attempt shy of qualifying statistically, would lead the Gateway Football Conference in punting average with a 40.6 yards per punt average. Of his 10 punts this season, six have been pinned inside the opposition's 20-yard line.
Hronec Puts on the Clamps
For the second-straight game, Illinois State opponents opened up the game with a fumble that the Redbirds later turned into a touchdown. On both occasions, senior linebacker Bill Hronec was right in the middle of it all. Against Murray State, Hronec forced the fumble that the Redbird offense turned into seven points. At Eastern Illinois, Hronec recovered the fumble that provided ISU with the early 7-0 lead. Hronec ranks second on the Redbird defense with 26 tackles, including 10 solo stops.
The Dirty Dozen
Senior linebacker Kye Stewart needs just 16 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 34 stops to move into sole possession of 11th place.
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.
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 three games, Horton leads the Redbirds with 17 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. For his career, Horton has accrued 1,404 yards receiving, which ranks in eighth all-time in ISU history. He needs 69 yards for sole possession of the No. 5 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 the league with 35 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 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. Currently, the Redbird offense ranks fourth in the conference with 194.33 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, 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.
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 1,768 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 halfway there, with 398 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. 23 nationally with his 27.71 yards per kickoff return average. He has already posted four 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 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 10 tackles in Saturday's win at Eastern Illinois, giving the Redbird senior 17 double-digit tackle games in his career. Stewart currently leads the team with 35 stops and has notched a double-digit tackle effort in each game this season.
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).
