Illinois practiced from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Tuesday and were once again in shoulder pads and shorts. Same thing as yesterday for the most part, individual drills then 1-on-1 and offensive and defensive lines going at each other right before they went into 11-on-11 for the rest of practice.
Several guys were held out of practice today for scheduled rest days. This included DT James Milan, LB Jake Hansen, S Stanley Green and OL Jordyn Slaughter. DB Nick Walker didn't practice today after likely sustaining a concussion in yesterday's practice.
S Bennett Williams fully participated today, so I'm guessing yesterday must've just been a rest day for him.
Offense
There is just so much going on with this offense every possession. Guys are constantly moving around in the backfield and using all sorts of miss-directions and RPO plays to really confuse the defense, which it did on numerous occasions.
A.J. Bush had a very solid day today. Made several tough throws, one of which involved him rolling to his right, then throwing across his body as DE Bobby Roundtree was closing in on him. He then hit his guy perfectly at the sideline for about a 20-yard gain. The next step for Bush is finding some sort of consistency. After making that great throw, Bush threw a ball down the middle into what was basically triple coverage and should've been picked. It's the most frustrating thing to watch.
The one thing that can't be questioned about Bush is his leadership. Anytime a big play is made, he's hyped for his guy. He's chasing his receiver or running back down the field to congratulate him. There was a moment today where WR Carmoni Green dropped a deep ball down the field, and Bush still ran to him, hyped as usual, and told him he's got the next one. It's just those little things you're looking for out of a leader that Bush just has.
Cam Thomas had a better day I thought, specifically with the long ball as he hit WR Sam Mays down the field towards the beginning of 11-on-11. Looked more comfortable in the pocket, but still can't seem to cut down on the mistakes, whether it's not seeing a receiver down the field and making a bad decision like holding onto the ball for too long and getting sacked, or just missing short throws into the flat. Bush definitely has the edge over him at this moment.
Matt Robinson had another really nice day. He's shown that his height hasn't been an issue as he is still hitting his receiver rather accurately. Robinson's long ball has been there too for the most part. He's got some sneaky athleticism to him too, tucking the ball and taking off down the middle past the defensive line and linebackers. Very promising things from him these last couple of days.
After a rough day yesterday, the offensive line looked solid for the most part today. On the first play of 11-on-11 today, The line made a perfect hole for RB Reggie Corbin to break through and take off down the field. Everyone accomplished their assignments and O-line coach Luke Butkus ran onto the field to praise the entire group. Depth is still clearly an issue as the second and third string line groups were struggling in pass protection today, but the first stringers had a much better day. They still got beat a couple times here and there, but nothing that looked worrisome, just guys on the d-line making plays.
Defense
With Milan resting today, you got to see Lere Oladipo a lot more with the first stringers and he didn't disappoint as he made several plays today. Oladipo essentially showed his versatility, being able to play any position on the line. Isaiah Gay got some time with the first stringers and he showed just how much of a force he can be when he's on the field. On back-to-back plays, Gay racked up sacks, one included him blowing by Verdian Lowe on the edge. Just a deadly speed rusher that just needs to clean up his act off the field. But since he failed to do that earlier this offseason, the day one starter at RE is going to more than likely be Ayo Shogbonyo and he had a strong day as well. What impressed me the most today with him was his ability to contain the edge when the offense ran the option. He played disciplined every time and wasn't faked out at all with the hand-off. Shogbonyo would then wait for the runner to come to him before he swallowed them up.
Pretty much impossible to tell how the linebackers are doing until the guys are in full pads. With everything being two-hand touch if a runner gets through the line, hard to tell if they would make the play or not. They seem to be in the right spots for the most part.
After having a strong training camp the first three days, CB Jartavius Martin got rewarded with some reps as the other first string corner alongside CB Nate Hobbs. I'd probably say after four days, it's between him and DB Tony Adams for the most pass breakups. Towards the end of practice, previous first string CB Cameron Watkins injured his hand and seemed to be grimacing a lot as a result. Will know for sure if he's okay tomorrow.
With Green resting today, S Michael Marchese got a lot of first string reps today and I was very impressed. The guy was just at the right place at all times and made the play when he needed too, including a big pass breakup down middle with Corbin that Marchese almost picked if it wasn't for Corbin. Just goes to show how deep this secondary really is. Would love to see more of Marchese with the first stringers the remainder of training camp.
That's it for today's notes, was definitely an entertaining day and can't wait to get back out there tomorrow.
Questions and thoughts?
Several guys were held out of practice today for scheduled rest days. This included DT James Milan, LB Jake Hansen, S Stanley Green and OL Jordyn Slaughter. DB Nick Walker didn't practice today after likely sustaining a concussion in yesterday's practice.
S Bennett Williams fully participated today, so I'm guessing yesterday must've just been a rest day for him.
Offense
There is just so much going on with this offense every possession. Guys are constantly moving around in the backfield and using all sorts of miss-directions and RPO plays to really confuse the defense, which it did on numerous occasions.
A.J. Bush had a very solid day today. Made several tough throws, one of which involved him rolling to his right, then throwing across his body as DE Bobby Roundtree was closing in on him. He then hit his guy perfectly at the sideline for about a 20-yard gain. The next step for Bush is finding some sort of consistency. After making that great throw, Bush threw a ball down the middle into what was basically triple coverage and should've been picked. It's the most frustrating thing to watch.
The one thing that can't be questioned about Bush is his leadership. Anytime a big play is made, he's hyped for his guy. He's chasing his receiver or running back down the field to congratulate him. There was a moment today where WR Carmoni Green dropped a deep ball down the field, and Bush still ran to him, hyped as usual, and told him he's got the next one. It's just those little things you're looking for out of a leader that Bush just has.
Cam Thomas had a better day I thought, specifically with the long ball as he hit WR Sam Mays down the field towards the beginning of 11-on-11. Looked more comfortable in the pocket, but still can't seem to cut down on the mistakes, whether it's not seeing a receiver down the field and making a bad decision like holding onto the ball for too long and getting sacked, or just missing short throws into the flat. Bush definitely has the edge over him at this moment.
Matt Robinson had another really nice day. He's shown that his height hasn't been an issue as he is still hitting his receiver rather accurately. Robinson's long ball has been there too for the most part. He's got some sneaky athleticism to him too, tucking the ball and taking off down the middle past the defensive line and linebackers. Very promising things from him these last couple of days.
After a rough day yesterday, the offensive line looked solid for the most part today. On the first play of 11-on-11 today, The line made a perfect hole for RB Reggie Corbin to break through and take off down the field. Everyone accomplished their assignments and O-line coach Luke Butkus ran onto the field to praise the entire group. Depth is still clearly an issue as the second and third string line groups were struggling in pass protection today, but the first stringers had a much better day. They still got beat a couple times here and there, but nothing that looked worrisome, just guys on the d-line making plays.
Defense
With Milan resting today, you got to see Lere Oladipo a lot more with the first stringers and he didn't disappoint as he made several plays today. Oladipo essentially showed his versatility, being able to play any position on the line. Isaiah Gay got some time with the first stringers and he showed just how much of a force he can be when he's on the field. On back-to-back plays, Gay racked up sacks, one included him blowing by Verdian Lowe on the edge. Just a deadly speed rusher that just needs to clean up his act off the field. But since he failed to do that earlier this offseason, the day one starter at RE is going to more than likely be Ayo Shogbonyo and he had a strong day as well. What impressed me the most today with him was his ability to contain the edge when the offense ran the option. He played disciplined every time and wasn't faked out at all with the hand-off. Shogbonyo would then wait for the runner to come to him before he swallowed them up.
Pretty much impossible to tell how the linebackers are doing until the guys are in full pads. With everything being two-hand touch if a runner gets through the line, hard to tell if they would make the play or not. They seem to be in the right spots for the most part.
After having a strong training camp the first three days, CB Jartavius Martin got rewarded with some reps as the other first string corner alongside CB Nate Hobbs. I'd probably say after four days, it's between him and DB Tony Adams for the most pass breakups. Towards the end of practice, previous first string CB Cameron Watkins injured his hand and seemed to be grimacing a lot as a result. Will know for sure if he's okay tomorrow.
With Green resting today, S Michael Marchese got a lot of first string reps today and I was very impressed. The guy was just at the right place at all times and made the play when he needed too, including a big pass breakup down middle with Corbin that Marchese almost picked if it wasn't for Corbin. Just goes to show how deep this secondary really is. Would love to see more of Marchese with the first stringers the remainder of training camp.
That's it for today's notes, was definitely an entertaining day and can't wait to get back out there tomorrow.
Questions and thoughts?
