March 21, 2001

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The University of Illinois football team took to the practice field today for day one of the 2001 spring practice season. Dressed in shorts on the nearly 60 degree day, the Illini took part in a two-hour non-contact session. The squad worked through seven periods of position specific drills and one-on-one work, capped by a session of 7-on-7 drills.

"It was a great practice," Coach Turner said. "There was a great look in their eyes, a great energy level and great enthusiasm on both sides of the ball. These guys came out here today with a sense of purpose."

Defense is one of the focuses for the 2001 season. The new defensive coaches worked on implementing their new defensive scheme. The explanation of the new plan of attack began in the team meetings and was demonstrated on the practice field.

"I'm excited," safety Bobby Jackson said. "We are going to have a new look to the defense, and I'm excited to learn it and be a part of something new."

The Illini will practice in shorts again on Thursday with the first padded drills taking place on Saturday.

2001 SPRING FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thurs., March 22	  3:35 p.m.
Sat., March 24	  11 a.m.
Mon., March 26	  3:35 p.m.
Thurs., March 29	  3:35 p.m.
Fri., March 30	  3:35 p.m.
Sat., March 31	  2 p.m.
Mon., April 2	  3:35 p.m.
Wed., April 4	  3:35 p.m.
Thurs., April 5	  3:35 p.m.
Sat., April 7	  11 a.m.
Mon., April 9	  3:35 p.m.
Wed., April 11	  3:35 p.m.
Thurs., April 12	  3:35 p.m.
Spring Football Game Sat., April 14	  2 p.m.