Training Camp Report 9: A Bounce Back Effort

Jamal Towns Interview

NORMAL, Ill.  – The dog days of fall camp are upon the Illinois State football team, with two very intense practices producing different results on Tuesday at Hancock Stadium.

The morning session was full of learning opportunities for the team and the coaches, who pushed players to improve throughout the practice and focus on their assignments. Coming out in shells for in the morning, the focus was primarily on the running game and an extended kickoff team session was focused on heavily. Kickers Sean Slattery and Zach Breen booted balls downfield, as tacklers worked on running down field, staying in their lanes and wrapping up the returners.

A brief blitz period was followed by a 7-on-7 session, which saw the defense dominate early. Interceptions by DraShane Glass and Luther Kirk and a breakup by linebacker Brent Spack happened in the first five plays of the drill.  However, later the offense got some momentum with Jake Kolbe finding tight end Tylor Petkovich for two long passes of 40 and 35 yards, respectively. Tristan Smith also had two long connections with Matt Biegalski and Malachi Broadnax found Billy Bair for a nice completion over the middle.

The running game was the star of the team session, with seven different backs earning carries. Senior Jamal Towns was tough on his runs and George Moreira added a couple nice runs of his own.  However, it was true freshman James Robinson who made the play of the day, as he took the ball off right tackle, accelerated to the next level and ran over a defender much to the delight of his teammates and coaches on the sidelines.

When the Redbirds met back up for the evening portion of practice, they took to the field in full pads under the moonlight. The tempo was much faster than the morning session, with a blitz period getting underway almost immediately after stretching. Kolbe proved right off the bat that he meant business, connecting with wide receiver Anthony Warrum on three different occasions, two of which were 30-yard gains. To wrap up the session, senior safety La'Darius Newbold leapt through the air to snag an interception from Broadnax.

A lengthy 7-on-7 period followed, giving the Redbirds the opportunity to run plays from different yard-lines as they inched closer to the end zone. Despite struggling early, Kolbe brushed himself off and went on to throw three touchdown passes to Warrum, Petkovich, and Spencer Schnell. Kolbe then went for touchdown No. 4, but was robbed in the end zone by a remarkable pick by Willie Edwards. 

The Redbirds then gathered for a team session, where the running backs saw some extensive work with 13 of the 24 plays being carried downfield. DeMarco Corbin's rush highlighted the session, as he broke away from the defense and raced down the perimeter for the 45-yard gain. Although running heavy, the receivers saw some action too, with Warrum and Petkovich each catching passes from Kolbe to pick up 35 yards each.   

A defensive led two-minute drill wound down practice. The 'Birds started at their own 22 yard line with the goal of reaching the end zone by the time the clock ran out. Neither, Kolbe nor Smith's unit were successful, as the defensive came out explosive stopping nearly every play thrown at them.     
   
The Redbirds will return to the field Wednesday at 3 p.m. for the 13th practice of fall camp. 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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