Illinois was back on the practice field on Wednesday following media day on Tuesday. It was the first day in full pads. Practice was from 10 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m.
Out today were Tymir Oliver, Sidney Brown (hamstring), Joseph Thompson (foot), Kenyon Jackson, Ra'Von Bonner, Ayo Shogbonyo, James Knight, Josh Plohr, Dylan Thomas, and Jordyn Slaughter.
Walk-thrus started at around 9:30, then warm-ups, position drills, 1-on-1's, and 11-on-11.
Position drills / 1-on-1's.
QB's, TE's, and RB's worked on the read option and RPO's. It's a learning process for Brandon Peters who played in a pro-style offense at Michigan, but he's looking more natural in the offense every day.
The offensive line worked on outside zone blocking technique, stretch blocks, doubles teams. The footwork from Palcho, Green, and Lowe is all great and they are able to get great angles on their blocks. They are able to get to the outside shoulder of the defender and cut them off. The outside zone is going to be a bread and butter play for this team, along with quick bend plays / traps that start one way then cut back to the weak side.
Linebackers did a lot of work on gap assignments with trash cans separating the gaps. Then work on zone pass coverage.
Sled work for the defensive line with a big emphasis on shedding blocks. They threw in stunts along the defensive line for the first time during 1-on-1's with the offensive line.
Oluwole Betiku vs. Alex Palczewski was the most interesting match-up during 1-on-1's. Power on power, and it was pretty much a draw.
Good day for Isaiah Gay during the pass rush drills. He matched up against Vederian Lowe and beat him a couple of times with the speed rush.
Kendrick Green continues to shine. He may even be the best offensive lineman on the team now. He pancaked Jamal Woods. NFL scouts will begin watching him.
When he's fresh, Calvin Avery's talent, aggressiveness, and power really come to the forefront. He's a load for any of the offensive linemen to handle when he gets leverage. He knocked Kendrick Green off balance a couple of times, and that's no small feat.
The cornerbacks were very good again in 1-on-1 matchups with the WR's during passing drills. Marquez Beason frustrated Josh Imatorbhebeh multiple times with very aggressive coverage, and BheBhen was calling for a flag but didn't get it and started jawing with Beason.
11-on-11
A lot of situational stuff today - down and distance, red zone, and 2 minutes drill.
Brandon Peters and Matt Robinson took all of the reps at QB today, with the exception of one drive for Coran Taylor at the end of practice. No 11-on-11 reps for Isaiah Williams. A freshman day of learning from the sideline for him. They are getting deeper into the playbook, and its a learning experience. I expect Williams to get reps tomorrow and Friday.
Peters is getting more comfortable and was pretty sharp today, but he did overthrow a wide-open Ricky Smalling on a deep out route that would have been a big chunk play. He completes the easy throws, which is a step up from the erratic AJ Bush last year. Still more fine tuning needed, however. But it's clear that Peters will start game 1 vs. Akron.
Matt Robinson struggled, and it's a bit baffling why he's getting 1st and 2nd team reps at this point. He threw several balls into double and triple coverage. He tried to force one on a quick out and threw a INT to Nick Walker. When he has time to throw and sets up in the pocket, Robinson completes a few big plays, but he's a turnover waiting to happen right now.
The running game looked good today. There's so many options, and the offensive line can be dominating. Quick traps really opened up for Mike Epstein, Kenyon Sims, and Jakari Norwood. Freshman WR Kyron Cumby got a couple of carries on jet sweeps. I like that play.
The DB's won the matchup against the wideouts. Just one pick, but the coverage was very tight and the QB's had to throw into a small window.
I liked the bull rush up the middle that Jamal Milan and Oladipo got vs. the No. 1 offensive line. They were able to collapse the pocket a few times and force Peters to make a play on the move.
The pass rush off the edge was not good. Someone is going to have to step up, whether its Isaiah Gay, Betiku, Owen Carney, or someone else. You can tell they are looking for someone, because freshman Seth Coleman got quite a few reps.
More zone blitzing with the LB's today, which continues a trend. Khalan Tolson had a play that would have been a monster sack on Peters if QB's could be hit.
Depth chart notes
PK James McCourt had a superior day to Caleb Griffin today, so that position battle may heat up. McCourt has a stronger leg and he nailed one from 57-yards. Griffin missed one wide left, and boinked another off the left upright. It will come down to whether they trust McCourt in a game situation, IMO.
A few guys like Verdis Brown and Jordyn Slaughter are developing on the OL and should have solid careers, but they really only trust 6 or 7 linemen right now. For that reason, Jake Cerny is repping at both guard and tackle. He'll be first off the bench if anyone gets hurt. Jake Stover is having a good camp as the backup center.
Freshman defensive end Seth Coleman took a few 1st team reps. Again, they have to find a pass rusher. He's not physically ready to play on run downs, but he's a quick-twitch guy off the edge. Fellow freshman DE Keith Randolph took 2nd team reps.
Justice Williams moved to tight end, and I like what he brings to the position. He's one of the strongest guys on the team and was effective blocking linebackers and safeties today. I talked to Corey Patterson, and they think he's a mismatch for linebackers in the passing game.
With Tymir Oliver out, Lere Oladipo took first team reps at the 3-tech. We were expecting a stronger camp from Oladipo, so hopefully he takes advantage of the situation. He made strides today.
Stanley Green still isn't practicing, which makes sophomore Kerby Joseph the backup free safety. I don't think Joseph is ready to play significant snaps in the Big Ten. On the strong side, Michael Marchese got 1st team reps with Sydney Brown sidelined. That's the same situation. Marchese lacks the foot speed to get meaningful playing time. (See the USF game last year). They need to find someone to play safety. Patrick Nelson and Bennett Williams would look good on the roster right now. Devon Witherspoon arrives soon, so maybe he's ready to play. He's listed at 160-pounds, however. I would even try Marquez Beason there to get the best guys on the field.
Freshman Casey Washington is getting 2nd team reps at the X-WR spot behind Smalling. He will play this year. Caleb Reams continues to be on the first team in RZ situations. I'm not sure how long that will last. Reams has good hands and size, but he's slow. The Illini CB's eat him alive.
Position group rating
Eric and I sat down at practice and rated the position groups thus far through 5 practices.
1. Offensive line
2. Running backs
3. Secondary
4. Linebacker
5. Quarterback
6. Wide receiver
7. Tight end
8. Defensive line
Depth is a major issue in the secondary, but the starters are excellent.
Wide receiver could be a position group that moves up with the additions of Trevon Sidney and Josh Imatorbhebhe.
Daniel Barker is a solid tight end, but depth will be a problem until they get Luke Ford next year.
I would say QB and LB are a tie.
The defensive line has numbers, but no real difference makers right now.
Next practice is Thursday from 10 a.m. - 12:00 noon on the campus recreational fields. Full pads. Same schedule on Friday. Then they have 4 p.m. -6 p.m, practice on Saturday at Memorial Stadium followed by fan appreciation day from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Out today were Tymir Oliver, Sidney Brown (hamstring), Joseph Thompson (foot), Kenyon Jackson, Ra'Von Bonner, Ayo Shogbonyo, James Knight, Josh Plohr, Dylan Thomas, and Jordyn Slaughter.
Walk-thrus started at around 9:30, then warm-ups, position drills, 1-on-1's, and 11-on-11.
Position drills / 1-on-1's.
QB's, TE's, and RB's worked on the read option and RPO's. It's a learning process for Brandon Peters who played in a pro-style offense at Michigan, but he's looking more natural in the offense every day.
The offensive line worked on outside zone blocking technique, stretch blocks, doubles teams. The footwork from Palcho, Green, and Lowe is all great and they are able to get great angles on their blocks. They are able to get to the outside shoulder of the defender and cut them off. The outside zone is going to be a bread and butter play for this team, along with quick bend plays / traps that start one way then cut back to the weak side.
Linebackers did a lot of work on gap assignments with trash cans separating the gaps. Then work on zone pass coverage.
Sled work for the defensive line with a big emphasis on shedding blocks. They threw in stunts along the defensive line for the first time during 1-on-1's with the offensive line.
Oluwole Betiku vs. Alex Palczewski was the most interesting match-up during 1-on-1's. Power on power, and it was pretty much a draw.
Good day for Isaiah Gay during the pass rush drills. He matched up against Vederian Lowe and beat him a couple of times with the speed rush.
Kendrick Green continues to shine. He may even be the best offensive lineman on the team now. He pancaked Jamal Woods. NFL scouts will begin watching him.
When he's fresh, Calvin Avery's talent, aggressiveness, and power really come to the forefront. He's a load for any of the offensive linemen to handle when he gets leverage. He knocked Kendrick Green off balance a couple of times, and that's no small feat.
The cornerbacks were very good again in 1-on-1 matchups with the WR's during passing drills. Marquez Beason frustrated Josh Imatorbhebeh multiple times with very aggressive coverage, and BheBhen was calling for a flag but didn't get it and started jawing with Beason.
11-on-11
A lot of situational stuff today - down and distance, red zone, and 2 minutes drill.
Brandon Peters and Matt Robinson took all of the reps at QB today, with the exception of one drive for Coran Taylor at the end of practice. No 11-on-11 reps for Isaiah Williams. A freshman day of learning from the sideline for him. They are getting deeper into the playbook, and its a learning experience. I expect Williams to get reps tomorrow and Friday.
Peters is getting more comfortable and was pretty sharp today, but he did overthrow a wide-open Ricky Smalling on a deep out route that would have been a big chunk play. He completes the easy throws, which is a step up from the erratic AJ Bush last year. Still more fine tuning needed, however. But it's clear that Peters will start game 1 vs. Akron.
Matt Robinson struggled, and it's a bit baffling why he's getting 1st and 2nd team reps at this point. He threw several balls into double and triple coverage. He tried to force one on a quick out and threw a INT to Nick Walker. When he has time to throw and sets up in the pocket, Robinson completes a few big plays, but he's a turnover waiting to happen right now.
The running game looked good today. There's so many options, and the offensive line can be dominating. Quick traps really opened up for Mike Epstein, Kenyon Sims, and Jakari Norwood. Freshman WR Kyron Cumby got a couple of carries on jet sweeps. I like that play.
The DB's won the matchup against the wideouts. Just one pick, but the coverage was very tight and the QB's had to throw into a small window.
I liked the bull rush up the middle that Jamal Milan and Oladipo got vs. the No. 1 offensive line. They were able to collapse the pocket a few times and force Peters to make a play on the move.
The pass rush off the edge was not good. Someone is going to have to step up, whether its Isaiah Gay, Betiku, Owen Carney, or someone else. You can tell they are looking for someone, because freshman Seth Coleman got quite a few reps.
More zone blitzing with the LB's today, which continues a trend. Khalan Tolson had a play that would have been a monster sack on Peters if QB's could be hit.
Depth chart notes
PK James McCourt had a superior day to Caleb Griffin today, so that position battle may heat up. McCourt has a stronger leg and he nailed one from 57-yards. Griffin missed one wide left, and boinked another off the left upright. It will come down to whether they trust McCourt in a game situation, IMO.
A few guys like Verdis Brown and Jordyn Slaughter are developing on the OL and should have solid careers, but they really only trust 6 or 7 linemen right now. For that reason, Jake Cerny is repping at both guard and tackle. He'll be first off the bench if anyone gets hurt. Jake Stover is having a good camp as the backup center.
Freshman defensive end Seth Coleman took a few 1st team reps. Again, they have to find a pass rusher. He's not physically ready to play on run downs, but he's a quick-twitch guy off the edge. Fellow freshman DE Keith Randolph took 2nd team reps.
Justice Williams moved to tight end, and I like what he brings to the position. He's one of the strongest guys on the team and was effective blocking linebackers and safeties today. I talked to Corey Patterson, and they think he's a mismatch for linebackers in the passing game.
With Tymir Oliver out, Lere Oladipo took first team reps at the 3-tech. We were expecting a stronger camp from Oladipo, so hopefully he takes advantage of the situation. He made strides today.
Stanley Green still isn't practicing, which makes sophomore Kerby Joseph the backup free safety. I don't think Joseph is ready to play significant snaps in the Big Ten. On the strong side, Michael Marchese got 1st team reps with Sydney Brown sidelined. That's the same situation. Marchese lacks the foot speed to get meaningful playing time. (See the USF game last year). They need to find someone to play safety. Patrick Nelson and Bennett Williams would look good on the roster right now. Devon Witherspoon arrives soon, so maybe he's ready to play. He's listed at 160-pounds, however. I would even try Marquez Beason there to get the best guys on the field.
Freshman Casey Washington is getting 2nd team reps at the X-WR spot behind Smalling. He will play this year. Caleb Reams continues to be on the first team in RZ situations. I'm not sure how long that will last. Reams has good hands and size, but he's slow. The Illini CB's eat him alive.
Position group rating
Eric and I sat down at practice and rated the position groups thus far through 5 practices.
1. Offensive line
2. Running backs
3. Secondary
4. Linebacker
5. Quarterback
6. Wide receiver
7. Tight end
8. Defensive line
Depth is a major issue in the secondary, but the starters are excellent.
Wide receiver could be a position group that moves up with the additions of Trevon Sidney and Josh Imatorbhebhe.
Daniel Barker is a solid tight end, but depth will be a problem until they get Luke Ford next year.
I would say QB and LB are a tie.
The defensive line has numbers, but no real difference makers right now.
Next practice is Thursday from 10 a.m. - 12:00 noon on the campus recreational fields. Full pads. Same schedule on Friday. Then they have 4 p.m. -6 p.m, practice on Saturday at Memorial Stadium followed by fan appreciation day from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
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