NORMAL, Ill. - Illinois State head football coach Brock Spack and his coaching staff have handed out team awards following the completion of the 2011 spring practice session.
Senior offensive lineman Cody White was selected as the team's most improved player on offense. White, who played his first two seasons as a tight end at Illinois State, moved to the offensive line prior to the 2010 season. He saw action in all 11 games and split time with tackles Dane Zumbahlen and Chris Riley, who graduated. Junior Erik Ottosen earned the same award on the defensive side of the ball, after completing an impressive camp from his position in the secondary.
Sitting out the 2010 season as a redshirt seemed to help wide receiver Lechein Neblett, who was named the top newcomer on offense during the spring. The speedster, who also competed for the ISU track team during the indoor season, proved he could be an impact player on offense throughout spring practice. Illinois transfer defensive end Nate Palmer earned the top newcomer award on defense, after making an immediate impact during the team's three spring scrimmages. Palmer recorded a total of 23 tackles, six tackles-for-loss and five sacks during those games and hopes to continue that momentum in the fall.
Other awards included the "Pit Bull Awards," which were presented to the most tenacious players on each side of the ball. Senior offensive lineman Cal McCarthy earned the honor for the offense and sophomore defensive end Colton Underwood claimed the award for the defense.
The final award presented was the "Hammer Award," which was presented to sophomore running back Cameron Hunt for his hard-nosed running style throughout the workouts and scrimmages.
Illinois State will begin fall training camp Aug. 5, before opening up the 2011 season Sept. 1, at Eastern Illinois.
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