NORMAL, Ill. – Prior to the start of Tuesday's training camp workout, head coach Brock Spack warned those in attendance that the work to come was going to be rugged and he certainly delivered on that promise as the Redbirds plowed through a tough, physical full-pad practice under overcast skies at Hancock Stadium.
Practice Highlights:
- Practice started off with a bang, as Coach Spack made his team aware that today's special teams kick return period would be live, and the action started immediately and set the tone for the rest of the day.
- The first 7-on-7 session followed and Brady Davis was crisp as he has been for the majority of camp, completing 6-of-8 attempts with a pair of connections to Taylor Grimes … Bryce Jefferson also went 6-for-8 with two completions each to Joey Lombardi and Cole Blackman.
- A live goal line period followed with the first and second-team units each getting a crack from the defense's 4-yard line … the first team unit was set back by TFLs on first and second down by Ty DeForest and Christian Uphoff, but James Robinson put his team on his back and powered his way in from 11 yards out for a touchdown … the second team unit needed little time, as a run-fake sucked the defense in and Jefferson rolled out to find Tyler Pennington for a wide open score on the first play.
- The defense bounced back in the second 7-on-7 period, forcing multiple pass breakups and DeForest recording an interception off a tipped pass attempt.
- During the final team period, things got rugged again as the live series began. The first-team defense forced a three-and out on the first drive, but some strong running by Nigel White helped the second-team unit pick up a couple first downs highlight by a nifty 28-yard run.
- On the first team's second attempt, a pass from Davis to Timothy McCloyn II nearly picked up a first down, but the drive stalled and a combined TFL by Devin Taylor and Uphoff forced the punt. White was strong once again on the fourth and final drive of the session, with gains of eight and 17 yards to pick up first downs.
Thoughts From Coach Spack
"We learned some things today about our team today and what guys we will be able to count on come game time. With the way things were laid out today, we new it would be a rugged day and we wanted to see which guys would respond and rise to the challenge and which guys would maybe back off a bit. This type of day, at this time of camp, is beneficial for all of us and can certainly help our staff answer some questions heading towards the end of training camp.
Camp News & Notes:
- Following practice, the Missouri Valley Conference announced that former Redbird football standout Mike Prior has been selected as a member of the 2019 MVC Hall of Fame Class to be inducted at Arch Madness in March … Prior, who had a 13-year NFL career following his time at ISU, is one of only three players in program history to have his jersey retired.
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to the field Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for practice No. 11. For updates, photos, and video from 2019 Redbird Football Fall Camp, follow the team's official Twitter (@RedbirdFB) and Instagram (isuredbirdfb) accounts and log onto GoRedbirds.com.
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