AUDIO - WR Dwayne Smith discusses the first day of pre-season drills.
AUDIO - WR Walter Young is optimistic about Illinois' receiving corps this year.
AUDIO - Illini Wrap, courtesy of WCIA-TV, Channel 3, Champaign
VIDEO - Illini Wrap, courtesy of WCIA-TV, Channel 3, Champaign
Aug. 10, 2001
For the first time in the Ron Turner era, the University of Illinois football team has named team captains prior to the start of the season. Senior center Luke Butkus, safety Bobby Jackson, quarterback Kurt Kittner and defensive tackle Brandon Moore were voted by team members to lead the 2001 squad.
"We have great senior leadership on this team and I wanted to give them an opportunity to take charge," Turner said. "All four of these guys, as well as the rest of the senior class, have done a great job of pulling the team together during the offseason and they will get a chance to continue that during the season."
FIRST DAY: The Illini began the 2001 preseason training camp in beautiful 80-degree temperatures. Each session combined individual position drills as well as team and 7-on-7 work. During the morning workouts, Kittner completed 8-of-12 passes during full team drills. The defense was highlighted by an interception by junior linebacker Jerry Schumacher.
"They (the team) looked good," Turner said. "There are obviously things we need to work on, but that is what training camp is for. They had good intensity and focus."
SCOUTING THE RECEIVERS: One of the deepest positions on the 2001 Illini squad heading into camp is the wide receiving corp. The group features six returning players who have seen extensive playing time for Illinois, including sophomore flanker Brandon Lloyd who missed the 2000 season with a broken femur. Also among that group is last year's leading receiver junior Greg Lewis and the spring's most improved offensive player sophomore Dwayne Smith of Rantoul. Juniors Aaron Moorehead and Walter Young both hauled in over 25 catches last season, while sophomore Eric McGoey had two touchdowns on 15 catches in 2000. This year, the squad adds redshirt-freshman Ade Adeyemo and true-freshman Kendrick Jones to mix. Listen to comments from Walter Young and Dwayne Smith on www.fightingillini.com.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Illini continue two-a-days on Saturday with sessions at 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. On Sunday, the squad will practice in the afternoon only at 3:15 p.m. Workouts are held on the practice fields east of Memorial Stadium.
