Training Camp Report 8: Weathering the Elements

NORMAL, Ill.  – For the second time in a week, the Illinois State football team battled torrential rains, soggy cleats and soaked uniforms, as the Redbirds took the field at a very saturated Hancock Stadium Monday afternoon.

The rain did not seem to faze the 'Birds, as they suited up in full pads and followed the usual script for practice No. 10 of fall camp. The Redbirds did not let the rain dampen their spirits, as the players could be seen floating on pads and splashing through puddles in between drills. 

The special teams circuit kicked things off, as Reece Attard booted balls down field to punt returners Anthony Warrum, Spencer Schnell and Hasan Muhammad-Rogers. At the other end of the turf, Sean Slattery practiced kicking extra points in front of a leaping defensive line from the 23-yard line.

A 13-play blitz period followed, where it was a bit one sided in favor of the defense. Alec Kocour, Willie Edwards and La'Darius Newbold had solid coverage while breaking up passes, while Adam Conley and Jason Harris each broke through the offensive line to pick up a sack. After individual work, the 'Birds came together for a perimeter drill. Although brief, the drill proved to be a productive one for quarterback Jake Kolbe, who went 3-for-3 with receptions to Christian Gibbs, George Moreira and Spencer Schnell.

The first 7-on-7 session of the afternoon did not disappoint, with strong plays being made on both sides of the ball. Brannon Barry got things going for the defense, as Kolbe threw a pass intended for Michael Kolzow that Barry stepped in and broke up on the opening drive. About midway through, Kolbe redeemed himself, finding Warrum along the perimeter for a 25-yard reception and then flinging one to Kolzow, who made a remarkable grab from between B.J. Bello and Mitchell Brees' arms. 

As the rain continued, the Redbirds split up to work on 9-on-7 and 1-on-1 drills. The 1-on-1 one drill focused exclusively on passes to the right side. Schnell was a hot commodity among the rotation of quarterbacks, and caught the ball on three different occasions despite being heavily guarded. However, it was a touchdown pass down the middle by Tristan Smith to Kyle Williams that stole the show and put an end to a dry spell for the offense. 

During the second 7-on-7 period, Kolbe and Malachi Broadnax alternated reps and took turns finding receivers. Kolbe's 55-yard touchdown pass to Michael Clements highlighted the beginning of session for the offense, only to be shut down by the defense four plays later when Jawill Aldridge snatched the ball away from Anthony Fowler in midair.

A 30-minute team session took up the remainder of practice, where during first half the Redbirds worked solely from the goal-line. After a failed attempt at a touchdown from Kolbe's unit, Smith's group ran the ball on third and goal getting stopped just short of the end zone, before Smith connected with Jake Hendershot in the corner of the end zone for the touchdown. It took the 'Birds a few more drives before they were able to celebrate in the end zone again. DeMarco Corbin set the pace rushing it in from the two-yard line as Zach Breen topped it off with the extra point. The last half of team was spent on the offenses own 27-yard line, as the defense ruled the field picking up a combined three sacks and two interceptions during the 20-play period. 

The Redbirds will return to the field Tuesday at 9 a.m., with two practices on tap with the second to follow at 7 p.m. For live practice updates, photos and video follow the official Redbirds Football Twitter account @RedbirdFB and log onto GoRedbirds.com for full live coverage throughout the fall camp.      
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