Defense Solidifies Starting Eleven
August 23, 1999 | Football
Aug. 23, 1999
BACK TO CAMP: After a Saturday night scrimmage and a day off Sunday, the Illini returned to double sessions today at Camp Rantoul. The morning session was held in pads while the afternoon work was done in shells.
During the morning session 11-on-11 scrimmage work, Kurt Kittner completed 4-of-6 passes for 33 yards and Kirk Johnson hit 4-of-6 passes for 37 yards and one interception (by Anthony Hurd). The 7-on-7 action featured an aerial assualt by the offense. Kurt Kittner threw 78-yard touchdown passes to Rocky Harvey, Greg Lewis, and freshman receiver Eric McGoey. Kittner also completed a 35-yard pass to quarterback/receiver Walter Young. Kirk Johnson completed a long pass of his own to Harvey during the drill that measured 38 yards. During red-zone drills, Kittner threw an 8-yard touchdown strike to Michael Dean.
The defense made its mark during the morning session as well. In addition to Anthony Hurd's interception of Johnson, safety Carlos Lattimore picked off a Johnson pass during 7-on-7 drills. Earlier in the practice, Asim Pleas made a fumble recovery during the 11-on-11 running game drills.
GETTING DEFENSIVE: The defense has been impressive throughout training camp with players making big plays on a daily basis. Defensive coordinator Tim Kish sees a deep and talented defensive unit.
"I am really pleased with the progress we have made throughout camp," said Kish. "The improvement has been solid every day. We have really solidified our starting 11. We also know that we have some guys that can back them up and help us out, which is something we will certainly need throughout the season. We want to put the 11 best play-makers on the field and we feel like we have that. Our challenge to the guys at each position is to step up and make plays."
Kish has also seen excellent progress with the pass rush throughout camp. An improved pass rush will be a key to success this season.
"We have really improved our pass rush," said Kish. "We wanted to get a solid four-man pass rush so that we don't have to use five-, six-, and seven-man pressures. By doing that we can take some pressure of the secondary so that they are not playing so much man coverage."
CAMP FINALE: Tomorrow's practices will be the final workouts at Camp Rantoul for 1999. Classes begin on Wednesday with practices held at Memorial Stadium through the conclusion of the season.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Illini practice schedule at Camp Rantoul is as follows and subject to change:
Tue., Aug. 24 Practices @ 8:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. Interviews at the conclusion of each session
