Photo Gallery | Christian Gibbs Interview
NORMAL, Ill. – In a spring that has been completely unpredictable weather wise, Thursday's practice was greet with almost hot conditions as temperatures in the 70's and clear skies welcomed the Redbirds as they worked through their tenth practice of the spring at Hancock Stadium.
Head coach Brock Spack led his squad through a tough, grinding practice as a focus on fundamentals and technique continued to be stressed by the entire coaching staff. The special teams circuit focused on punt coverage and returns, and then the first of two 7-on-7 sessions began with an immediate interception by Mitchell Brees. Quarterback Jake Kolbe was 3-for-4, with a pair of connections to Spencer Schnell and Malachi Broadnax was 2-for-3 with two completions to Billy Bair.
The blitz period with the offense not allowing the defense to get to the quarterbacks until the final play of the session, when Matt Swaine and Jason Harris came from opposite ends to collapse the pocket for the sack. An enthusiastic 'Bird Drill followed, before the second 7-on-7 took place in the red zone. Kolbe connected with Chase Pankey on the first play of period, and then found Schnell for a touchdown on the second snap. Broadnax also connected with tight end Tylor Petkovich for a score as the session came to an end.
A near 40-play team session followed, with each unit tasked with driving the field in a typical game situation. Kolbe was 4-for-4 to start with a pair of completions to Christian Gibbs and a couple of strong runs by James Robinson and Artiss Henderson put the Redbirds near midfield. A first-down pass to Schnell moved the ball past the 50 yard line, but the drive was then halted on an interception by DraShane Glass. The second-team unit then got its turn and picked up a quick first down on a 15-yard pass from Tristan Smith to Robert Gillum, but a sack on the following play by Decxavier Kelly-Martin put the offense in a 3rd and 25 situation that could not be overcome.
The third-team unit also had little luck, as their first drive came to an end on an interception by Weslye Brown. A sack by Adam Conley to start the next drive got the defense off on a good foot and the defense held tough for the remainder of the period, not allowing touchdown during the period. After Sean Slattery and Zach Breen booted field goals through the uprights, the horn sounded to end the workout.
The Redbirds will return to Hancock Stadium Saturday for their second closed scrimmage of the spring. For live practice updates, photos and video follow the official Redbird Football Twitter account @RedbirdFB and log on to GoRedbirds.com for full coverage throughout the spring.
GoRedbirds.com: Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
