NORMAL, Ill. – Beginning the third week of the Redbirds' 2017 fall camp, the Illinois State football team geared up in full pads for Tuesday morning's practice.
After a series of individual sessions, the defense set the tone quickly in the Redbirds' 7-on-7 drill. On the first play of the period, Willie Edwards intercepted a Jake Kolbe pass intended for Anthony Fowler. Shaking it off, Kolbe converted first downs on the following two plays to Fowler and James Robinson. On the second field, Trenton Hatfield threw to Brandon Price who made the one-handed snag for a 15-yard first down. On the final play of the session, Malachi Broadnax found Robinson for the first down. Tristan Smith found his grove in the team's perimeter drill, with completions to both Markel Smith and Jordan Birch.
The Redbirds began their team session with a 4-minute drill with Kolbe under center to start. After a two-yard completion Markel Smith, Kolbe ran 15 yards for the first down. After a slew of passes to Robinson, Kolbe turned back to Markel Smith but came up short for a defensive victory. The defense showed their might with stops against both Broadnax and Conor Joyce, as both Ryan Guhl and Zackary Mathews each recorded back-to-back tackles for loss.
The team closed out the session with an overtime drill on the practice fields. Kolbe turned to Robert Gillum for a 10-yard conversion. After a completion to Artiss Henderson, Kolbe threw to Robinson for a 12-yard touchdown. Sean Slattery completed the drive with the PAT.
Tristan Smith looked to DeMarco Washington and Markel Smith for a first down. Unable to go for a touchdown, Zach Breen took the field and made a 30-yard field goal. The defense came away with a win before the session ended, as Conor Janes forced a fumble.
To conclude Tuesday's practice, Slattery connected at 20, 30, and 46 yards before going clearing a 51-yard make. JT Bolken hit a 41-yard kick to wrap up the team's practice.
The Redbirds return to the field Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. for practice. 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 fall.
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