Spring Camp Report 5: Offense Shines In First Scrimmage

NORMAL, Ill. – Rain, wind and cold temperatures greeted the Illinois State football team to the field Saturday morning for its first full scrimmage, as the Redbirds ran nearly 100 plays on the turf at Hancock Stadium.

Scrimmage Notes:
•    The scrimmage lasted nearly two hours and the offense ran a total of 98 plays, averaging nearly 4.6 yards per play
•    Quarterbacks Brady Davis and Bryce Jefferson were solid despite the windy and rainy conditions, as the duo averaged 16.5 yards per completion on the afternoon
•    The defense accounted for 14 TFLs and 9 sacks, with the only potential turnover of the day negated due to a penalty
•    In the red zone period at the end of practice, the offense went 6-for-6 with a pair of touchdowns and four field goal makes 
•    Highlights of the day included a 30-yard touchdown pass from Davis to tight end Robert Gillum, a 24-yard touchdown strike from Jefferson to Eric Rogers and a 46-yard field goal make by Sam Fenlason in tough conditions.

Thoughts From Coach Spack:
"I thought the offense was very consistent today. We had a couple bad snaps and a few balls that should have been caught, but the footballs were a little slick and that contributed to that a bit. The offense had their moments and the defense had their moments, which is what you want to see out of an early scrimmage like this. Neither side dominated the other and each group made some great plays, which was good to see. All in all, everyone walked off the field on their own power and we were able to get some quality work done in some tough conditions today."

Passing Leaders:
•    Brady Davis: 10-for-18, 148 yds., 1 TD
•    Bryce Jefferson: 7-for-12, 132 yds., 1 TD

Rushing Leaders:
•    Jeff Proctor: 24 att., 132 yds., 2 TD
•    Kevin Brown: 17 att., 63 yds.
•    Melvin Pettis: 10 att., 34 yds., 1 TD

Receiving Leaders:
•    Eric Rogers: 3 rec., 97 yards, 1 TD
•    Andrew Edgar: 3 rec., 63 yards
•    Robert Gillum: 1 rec., 30 yards, 1 TD

Defensive Leaders:
•    Kenton Wilhoit: 10 tackles, 6 solo
•    John Ridgeway: 7 tackles, 3 solo, 1 TFL, 1 QBH
•    Jeremiah Jordan: 7 tackles, 3 solo, 1 sack
•    Devin Taylor: 6 tackles, 4 solo, 1.5 TFL
•    DeMarco Washington: 4 tackles, 3 solo, 2 sacks, 2 TFL
•    Jason Lewan: 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 2.5 TFL

Up Next:
The Redbirds return to the field Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. for practice No. 9. For live updates, photos, and video from 2019 Redbird Football Spring Camp, follow the team's official Twitter (@RedbirdFB) and Instagram (@isuredbirdfb) accounts and log onto GoRedbirds.com.

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