NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbird football team not only had practice Tuesday morning, but then returned to the field for the team's annual media and photo day at Hancock Stadium. An annual rite of passage for many coaches and players, media day was full of interviews, photos and fun with the players and staff.
Media Day Highlights:
•   Working in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) for the second time, the tempo was "thud" in the early morning practice signifying the first real contact of the fall for the RedbirdsÂ
•   The intensity and physicality was very apparent during the pods portion of the practice, as running backs James Robinson and Markel Smith proved why they could be the most feared tandem in Valley Football come the end of the season
•   In a practice that featured the run game heavily, Jordan Birch also shined with several strong runs and big plays out of the backfield catching the football from quarterbacks Jake Kolbe and Brady Davis
•   After practice concluded, players and coaches got a quick break to clean up and grab some lunch before returning back to the field to take individual, team and position group photos
•   While pictures were being taken, players spoke with representatives from local radio, television and print organizations about their expectations for the season and the team's No. 21 national ranking heading into the season
•   Offensive coordinator Kurt Beathard was also a popular interview Tuesday, as he was asked about his weekend in Canton, Ohio, watching his father, Bobby, get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2018
Thoughts From Coach Spack:
"Right now, we are just establishing our identity and today they found out we're a physical football team. We hang our hat on physicality and toughness, and you can tell the older guys they just grind it out. This team, it's been amazing in my opinion since we've started in January they've not settled, and what I mean by that they've held themselves and their teammates to a high, high level. We've had some great leadership here, don't get me wrong, but this team's held themselves to a high standard."
Camp News And Notes:
•   The Redbirds will have a lighter practice in helmets only on Wednesday, before putting on full pads for the first time on Thursday for practice No. 6
•   Saturday will be the team's first scrimmage of the fall, however it will be closed to the public and media … a full recap with stats will follow on GoRedbirds.com
Up Next:
ISU returns to the field Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for practice No. 5. For live updates, photos, and video from 2018 Redbird Football Fall Camp, follow the team's official Twitter account @RedbirdFB and log onto GoRedbirds.com.
GoRedbirds.com: Â Your online source for Illinois State Athletics, tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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