AUDIO- S Marc Jackson discusses the status of the defensive backfield at this point--two weeks prior to the start of the season.
AUDIO- CB Eugene Wilson talks about the more aggressive nature of this year's Illinois defense.
Aug. 17, 2001
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- It was another beautiful day in Champaign as the University of Illinois football team continued to work on offensive plays and defensive schemes. The Illini had more physical practices on the eighth day of fall drills in preparation for the annual Orange and Blue Scrimmage. The offense versus defense contest will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking will be available at the Assembly Hall and in Lot A near Memorial Stadium.
"We had a couple of good practices today," head coach Ron Turner said. "Tomorrow, we will be looking for good intensity, good focus and execution when the team is playing with the coaches on the sidelines and people in the stands. We want to see who will step up in a gameday situation."
SCOUTING THE DEFENSIVE BACKS: Returning starters Eugene Wilson (CB), Bobby Jackson (SS) and Muhammad Abdullah (FS) lead a solid corps of defensive backs into the 2001 season. The spring conversion of Christian Morton from quarterback to corner adds speed to the defensive backfield. Junior Marc Jackson and junior college transfer Mike Hall are challenging for starting jobs as well. Senior Nick Piazza also looks to see action in his final season. Also challenging the veterans are sophomores Nana Agyeman and Jamaal Clark. Each return to the line-up after seeing action last season as true freshmen. Kevin Anderson and Chris Jack redshirted during the 2000 campaign, but they look to make a strong impact this season. Junior college transfer Cedric Irby along with fellow newcomers Joe Brereton, Brian Brosnan, James Cooper, Sedrick Davenport, Taman Jordan and Kyle Kleckner will also add depth to the Illini backfield. Listen to comments from Eugene Wilson and Marc Jackson on www.fightingillini.com.
LOOKING AHEAD: After the scrimmage on Saturday, the Illini will have Sunday off to move into their dorms and apartments. With classes beginning on Wednesday, Sunday is the official campus-wide move-in day. The Illini will get back to business on Monday with more double sessions at 8:15 and 3:15. Two-a-days conclude on Tuesday with the regular 8:15 practice in the morning and an early afternoon session scheduled for 1:45.
