Illinois practiced on Tuesday from 2:30 to 5pm. Full pads a little more live contact today, but still no tackling to the ground.
Out today: Vederian Lowe (knee), Tito Odenigbo, Jaylen Dunlap (knee), Larry Boyd (shoulder), Malik Turner, Sam Mays, Dre Brown (knee), Reggie Corbin (limited / hamstring), Nate Hobbs (illness), Kendrick Foster (ankle), Henry McGrew, Jake Stover
We're seeing more and more 11 on 11 as camp moves along. They jumped right into it after walk-throughs and some special teams work.
Everyone went through a punt blocking drill where they knock the ball off the punters foot, then scoop it up and score. They are always looking for ways to score on defense.
OFFENSE NOTES:
* Offensive line 2-deep
OT Gabe Megginson / Adam Solomon
OG Nick Allegretti / Jordan Fagan
C Doug Kramer / Kurt Gavin
OG Alex Palczewski / Zeke Martin
OT Christian DiLauro / Jake Cerny
* Mike Dudek participated in 7on7 but no reps during team stuff. Malik Turner and Sam Mays are still out with undisclosed injuries.
* Kendrick Foster had a walking boot on his left foot. I'm told it's a sprained ankle.
* It was a better day for Gabe Megginson who seemed more comfortable at tackle and was aggressive. He's still having some issue with the speed rush, but he was better. The O-line did a pass pro drill vs. the D-line and it didn't go real well. Butkus wasn't too happy. Many F-bombs thrown. He needs to tone that crap down, IMO. But he is what he is.
* All four quarterbacks threw interceptions during 11v11. Crouch, George Jr., Thomas, and the walk-on Cam Miller. These were not on deep throws downfield. Crouch had a ball batted up and it was intercepted by a defensive lineman. The other 3 INTs were by linebackers on the short stuff in the middle of the field.
* Battle for placekicker is still close between Chase McLaughlin and James McCourt. Both were good today from 40 yards in.
* With each starting receiver not playing, the first unit was freshmen Carmoni Green and Ricky Smalling, and sophomore Trenard Davis. Kendall Smith and Dominic Thieman rotated in. The QB's really couldn't get their timing down with the receivers. Besides the INT's, there many other errant throws.
* The ground game was decent again today. Mike Epstein got the 1st team reps with Foster sidelined. Epstein is going to be a star at Illinois. He does so many thing well and he has some jets.
* The bulk of the running plays are read options and quick traps. There hasn't been many stretch plays yet. Corbin isn't participating in 11on11, so the stretch plays that he runs are a missing piece.
DEFENSE NOTES:
* The defense is winning every practice. Same thing today. The offense once again got pushups after practice. Too many mistakes.
* Interceptions by Jamal Milan, Del'Shawn Phillips, Jame Hansen, and walk-on Jimmy Marchesse. Marchesse's was a pick-6.
* This was Jamal Milan's second day back from injury, and he made a big difference on the defensive line. He's a physical presence and he had a really quick get-off today.
* DT Kenyon Jackson tweaked his right knee during a drill. He tried to keep going, but had to take himself out later in practice.
* Phillips is playing with a lot more confidence as he figures out the mental side of the game. He was flying around and making plays today. On the play after his interception, he forced a fumble that was recovered by Dele' Harding.
* Freshman CB Tony Adams didn't get as many reps today. That may be a matter of being careful with him and not wanting any overuse of his surgically repaired knee.
* During a pass-rush drill, the young defensive linemen really dominated the No. 2 offensive line, which is made up of guys who have been around for a while. Good showing by Owen Carney, Bobby Roundtree, Lere Oladipo, and Isaiah Gay.
* Isaiah Gay once again repped with the 2's at right defensive end over Owen Carney.
* Freshman Bennett Williams was the No. 1 free safety again today, and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts vs. Ball State. Really nice 2-star find by the Illinois staff.
* It's to the point where you worry about Dunlap's status. He's arguably the best player on the defense and he hasn't practiced yet. It's probably time to ask Lovie for an update.
Practice on Wednesday is at 5:30
What are your questions?
Out today: Vederian Lowe (knee), Tito Odenigbo, Jaylen Dunlap (knee), Larry Boyd (shoulder), Malik Turner, Sam Mays, Dre Brown (knee), Reggie Corbin (limited / hamstring), Nate Hobbs (illness), Kendrick Foster (ankle), Henry McGrew, Jake Stover
We're seeing more and more 11 on 11 as camp moves along. They jumped right into it after walk-throughs and some special teams work.
Everyone went through a punt blocking drill where they knock the ball off the punters foot, then scoop it up and score. They are always looking for ways to score on defense.
OFFENSE NOTES:
* Offensive line 2-deep
OT Gabe Megginson / Adam Solomon
OG Nick Allegretti / Jordan Fagan
C Doug Kramer / Kurt Gavin
OG Alex Palczewski / Zeke Martin
OT Christian DiLauro / Jake Cerny
* Mike Dudek participated in 7on7 but no reps during team stuff. Malik Turner and Sam Mays are still out with undisclosed injuries.
* Kendrick Foster had a walking boot on his left foot. I'm told it's a sprained ankle.
* It was a better day for Gabe Megginson who seemed more comfortable at tackle and was aggressive. He's still having some issue with the speed rush, but he was better. The O-line did a pass pro drill vs. the D-line and it didn't go real well. Butkus wasn't too happy. Many F-bombs thrown. He needs to tone that crap down, IMO. But he is what he is.
* All four quarterbacks threw interceptions during 11v11. Crouch, George Jr., Thomas, and the walk-on Cam Miller. These were not on deep throws downfield. Crouch had a ball batted up and it was intercepted by a defensive lineman. The other 3 INTs were by linebackers on the short stuff in the middle of the field.
* Battle for placekicker is still close between Chase McLaughlin and James McCourt. Both were good today from 40 yards in.
* With each starting receiver not playing, the first unit was freshmen Carmoni Green and Ricky Smalling, and sophomore Trenard Davis. Kendall Smith and Dominic Thieman rotated in. The QB's really couldn't get their timing down with the receivers. Besides the INT's, there many other errant throws.
* The ground game was decent again today. Mike Epstein got the 1st team reps with Foster sidelined. Epstein is going to be a star at Illinois. He does so many thing well and he has some jets.
* The bulk of the running plays are read options and quick traps. There hasn't been many stretch plays yet. Corbin isn't participating in 11on11, so the stretch plays that he runs are a missing piece.
DEFENSE NOTES:
* The defense is winning every practice. Same thing today. The offense once again got pushups after practice. Too many mistakes.
* Interceptions by Jamal Milan, Del'Shawn Phillips, Jame Hansen, and walk-on Jimmy Marchesse. Marchesse's was a pick-6.
* This was Jamal Milan's second day back from injury, and he made a big difference on the defensive line. He's a physical presence and he had a really quick get-off today.
* DT Kenyon Jackson tweaked his right knee during a drill. He tried to keep going, but had to take himself out later in practice.
* Phillips is playing with a lot more confidence as he figures out the mental side of the game. He was flying around and making plays today. On the play after his interception, he forced a fumble that was recovered by Dele' Harding.
* Freshman CB Tony Adams didn't get as many reps today. That may be a matter of being careful with him and not wanting any overuse of his surgically repaired knee.
* During a pass-rush drill, the young defensive linemen really dominated the No. 2 offensive line, which is made up of guys who have been around for a while. Good showing by Owen Carney, Bobby Roundtree, Lere Oladipo, and Isaiah Gay.
* Isaiah Gay once again repped with the 2's at right defensive end over Owen Carney.
* Freshman Bennett Williams was the No. 1 free safety again today, and I wouldn't be surprised if he starts vs. Ball State. Really nice 2-star find by the Illinois staff.
* It's to the point where you worry about Dunlap's status. He's arguably the best player on the defense and he hasn't practiced yet. It's probably time to ask Lovie for an update.
Practice on Wednesday is at 5:30
What are your questions?
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