July 31, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
There are some uncertainties surrounding the Illinois State football team heading into the 2008 season, but after the Redbirds' first practice Thursday night under the lights at Hancock Stadium one thing is for certain - they are a highly-conditioned team.
"It has been a long, cold winter and a short summer, but we are extremely pleased to be out here," said head football coach Denver Johnson. "The team is extremely well-conditioned. The kids worked extremely hard under Coach (Rohrk) Cutchlow's leadership and I think this is the best, condition-wise, that we have come into camp."
By rule, the Redbirds worked out in shorts and a helmet without any additional pads. Following an extensive conditioning period, the team worked out for five, five-minute periods.
Like any first day on the job, ISU's first practice resembled a training session. The coaches and veterans guided the Redbird newcomers through the process, while bringing them up to speed on practice expectations and procedures.
Illinois State returns to the field Friday at 7 p.m., in Hancock Stadium. The session will be the second and final practice without pads.
NOTABLE:
Newcomers Keauntea Bankhead (LB) and Dekendrick Moncrief (WR) have not reported to camp yet. Both are completing academic requirements.
Two members of Illinois State's 2008 recruiting class, Emanuel Davis and Barima Akuoko, did not qualify academically and will not be joining the team.
Junior fullback Garin Harcar (cramps) and freshman cornerback Austin Davis (hamstring) both pulled out of the first day of practice with injuries and are listed day-to-day.
