Illinois practices today from 2:30pm to approximately 6:15pm. There was a 40 minute delay due to thunderstorms in Champaign. The practice fields drained really well and were in good shape after the rain. Helmets, shoulder pads, and shorts today. I believe they go full pads for the first time on Friday.
Out today: Stanley Green, Lere Oladipo, Jaylen Dunlap (knee), Vederian Lowe (knee), Jamal Milan, Reggin Corbin (hamstring/limited), Dominic Thieman, Dre Brown (knee). Nate Hobbs (illness). Christian DiLauro. None of the injuries appear serious.
Mike Dudek didn't practice today. They're being really careful with him. Kendrick Green twisted his knee yesterday, but he was fine today and full-go.
A source on freshman WR Ricky Smalling tells me there was an issue at Brother Rice with his transcript, but it has been cleared up and he should be good to go as early as Friday.
OFFENSE NOTES
* The offense showed some signs today after lagging behind the defense the first three days of practice. It's an offense that relies a lot on timing, and they got into a nice rhythm at times today. You will see a lot of quick hitters and screens this year. Kendrick Foster, Reggie Corbin when healthy, and Mike Epstein are all really good on screen passes.
* I talked to Garrick McGee about the quarterbacks after practice. I'll have the video uploaded tonight. He described Chayce Crouch as a runner who they are trying to coach up into a guy who can be good in ball control passing game. That was the emphasis today during 7v7 and team. They ran a lot of dig routes with the WR's and TE's, and Crouch did a pretty good job with delivering the ball.
* I also spoke to McGee about freshman QB Cam Thomas. He said some might be surprised how talented Thomas is, but he's not. He said they were really confident in their evaluation of Thomas and called him a "big time" recruit. They think Thomas is going to be very good at Illinois. Thomas looks a little better every day. He completed a 50 yd TD on a post route Sam Mays.
* RFr. running back Christian Bobak is a candidate for top walk-on. He's getting plenty of reps with the 2's and 3's and he has some elusiveness and power.
DEFENSE NOTES
* The linebackers are an aggressive bunch and they have some depth. These guys are schooled in ball awareness, and they are constantly clubbing and ripping at the football. I saw three balls hit the turn today. Forced fumbles for Dele Harding, Tre Watson, and Julian Jones.
* Pretty good pass rush out on the edge today, and they started throwing in some zone blitzes. James Crawford, Owen Carney, and Isaiah Gay spent time in the offensive backfield. Linebackers Tre Watson and Julian Jones got to the QB on blitzes. They picked on Gabe Megginson, who is struggling at quick-side tackle with DiLauro out.
* I spent much of practice watching the battle for the cornerback spot opposite Jaylen Dunlap, and I talked to Paul Williams about it after practice. They still haven't found a guy. Candidates are Frank Sumpter, Ahmari Hayes, Evan Jones, and freshmen Tony Adams and Nate Hobbs. Adams and Hobbs have the most talent, but are still learning. Hobbs hasn't practice yet due to illness, but Coach Williams said Hobbs had a good summer. Williams says he expects the battle to go on until the end of camp.
* With Stanley Green sidelined, freshman Bennett Williams got the reps at free safety. This is a very confident kid who plays downhill and is picking up the defense quickly.
* Cameron Watkins and Chris James are battling to be the No. 1 nickel back.
Practice on Friday is at 2:20 in full pads.
What are your questions?
Out today: Stanley Green, Lere Oladipo, Jaylen Dunlap (knee), Vederian Lowe (knee), Jamal Milan, Reggin Corbin (hamstring/limited), Dominic Thieman, Dre Brown (knee). Nate Hobbs (illness). Christian DiLauro. None of the injuries appear serious.
Mike Dudek didn't practice today. They're being really careful with him. Kendrick Green twisted his knee yesterday, but he was fine today and full-go.
A source on freshman WR Ricky Smalling tells me there was an issue at Brother Rice with his transcript, but it has been cleared up and he should be good to go as early as Friday.
OFFENSE NOTES
* The offense showed some signs today after lagging behind the defense the first three days of practice. It's an offense that relies a lot on timing, and they got into a nice rhythm at times today. You will see a lot of quick hitters and screens this year. Kendrick Foster, Reggie Corbin when healthy, and Mike Epstein are all really good on screen passes.
* I talked to Garrick McGee about the quarterbacks after practice. I'll have the video uploaded tonight. He described Chayce Crouch as a runner who they are trying to coach up into a guy who can be good in ball control passing game. That was the emphasis today during 7v7 and team. They ran a lot of dig routes with the WR's and TE's, and Crouch did a pretty good job with delivering the ball.
* I also spoke to McGee about freshman QB Cam Thomas. He said some might be surprised how talented Thomas is, but he's not. He said they were really confident in their evaluation of Thomas and called him a "big time" recruit. They think Thomas is going to be very good at Illinois. Thomas looks a little better every day. He completed a 50 yd TD on a post route Sam Mays.
* RFr. running back Christian Bobak is a candidate for top walk-on. He's getting plenty of reps with the 2's and 3's and he has some elusiveness and power.
DEFENSE NOTES
* The linebackers are an aggressive bunch and they have some depth. These guys are schooled in ball awareness, and they are constantly clubbing and ripping at the football. I saw three balls hit the turn today. Forced fumbles for Dele Harding, Tre Watson, and Julian Jones.
* Pretty good pass rush out on the edge today, and they started throwing in some zone blitzes. James Crawford, Owen Carney, and Isaiah Gay spent time in the offensive backfield. Linebackers Tre Watson and Julian Jones got to the QB on blitzes. They picked on Gabe Megginson, who is struggling at quick-side tackle with DiLauro out.
* I spent much of practice watching the battle for the cornerback spot opposite Jaylen Dunlap, and I talked to Paul Williams about it after practice. They still haven't found a guy. Candidates are Frank Sumpter, Ahmari Hayes, Evan Jones, and freshmen Tony Adams and Nate Hobbs. Adams and Hobbs have the most talent, but are still learning. Hobbs hasn't practice yet due to illness, but Coach Williams said Hobbs had a good summer. Williams says he expects the battle to go on until the end of camp.
* With Stanley Green sidelined, freshman Bennett Williams got the reps at free safety. This is a very confident kid who plays downhill and is picking up the defense quickly.
* Cameron Watkins and Chris James are battling to be the No. 1 nickel back.
Practice on Friday is at 2:20 in full pads.
What are your questions?
