Fall Camp Report: Offense Dynamic In Fourth Practice

NORMAL, Ill. – Much of the preseason focus has been on the veteran Illinois State defense, which returns eight of 11 starters from a year ago including preseason All-American defensive back Davontae Harris. However, the Redbird offense proved it could be a focal point Thursday and was dynamic scoring on the turf at Hancock Stadium.

Following the usual special teams circuit and individual position work, the offense set the tone for the day during the blitz drill. Stationed at the 31-yard line, the first team offense wasted little time and found the end zone on the first play as Jake Kolbe connected with Spencer Schnell for the score. Three plays later, Malachi Broadnax connected with a wide-open Bryce Jefferson for six points and Tristan Smith later found Matt Biegalski for a touchdown as the offense never looked rattled by the defensive pressure.  

Kolbe, Broadnax and Smith were also crisp in the two 7-on-7 periods for the offense. Kolbe finished the day 8-for-12 with four completions to tight end Tylor Petkovich, who hauled in a one-handed grab to start the first session.  Broadnax was 5-for-7 with two connections with Jefferson, and Smith wrapped up his effort going 4-for-6 and finding Tanner Taula twice for first-down gains.

After the horn sounded to signal the start of the team period, head coach Brock Spack called his team at midfield before sending the offense to the opposite side of the field with their backs to their own goal line at the six yard line. The offense was not phased despite having their backs to the wall, as James Robinson took the first carry of the drill and broke open for a 75-yard gain before being forced out of bounds by Willie Edwards.  A few plays later, Broadnax connected with Taula for a 35-yard gain along the far sideline to give his team some breathing room.

A fumble return for a touchdown by James Graham swung the momentum briefly to the defensive side, however Markel Smith took it right back with a 94-yard touchdown run with teammate Christian Gibbs leading the way and providing a key block downfield to secure the score. Another great grab along the sideline from transfer wide out Antonio Hadden picked up 35 yards for the offense to move the ball down field keep things going for the offense.  

Next, the situation changed to driving the field, with the offense having success getting the ball past midfield several times.  A 45-yard gain by Anthony Fowler on a perfect over-shoulder-throw from Kolbe put the offense in striking distance, but a key sack on third down by Graham put an end to the drive at the 40 yard line. The offense threatened after two long runs from Artiss Henderson on the next drive, but a tipped pass fell in the hands of Josh Barajas to put an end to that drive as practice came to an end.

The Redbirds return to the field Friday at 8:30 a.m. for practice No. 5, prior to the team's first fully-padded practice on Saturday morning. 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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