AUDIO - OL David Diehl discusses his position battle and the satisfaction that comes from hard work and a job well done.
AUDIO - OL Jay Kulaga talks about what it's like finishing up the final collegiate pre-season training camp of his career.
Illini Wrap Video courtesy of WCIA-TV, Channel 3, Champaign
Coach Ron Turner reviews pre-season camp.
Illini Wrap Audio courtesy of WCIA-TV, Channel 3, Champaign
Coach Ron Turner reviews pre-season camp.
Aug. 21, 2001
The University of Illinois football preseason training camp came to an end Tuesday with the final two practices of the 12-day session. The squad went in full pads during the morning workout and concentrated on special teams in an abbreviated 40-minute afternoon practice. Camp broke around 2:30 p.m. to allow the players time to move into dorms and apartments. Classes begin for all U of I students on Wednesday.
"I was very pleased with camp this year," head coach Ron Turner said. "The team and support staff did a great job of coming together at the last minute (after learning of the dead grass in Rantoul, Ill.). There were zero problems with the team and they did their best not to be distracted. I am very happy with where we stand."
SCOUTING THE OFFENSIVE LINE: One of the main priorities of Turner when he arrived five years ago was the development of the offensive line. In 1997, Turner had just as many scholarship offensive lineman as he did quarterbacks. In 2001, the Illini have put together once again one of the best offensive line units in the Big Ten. With three starters remaining in senior center Luke Butkus, junior right tackle Tony Pashos and left guard Jay Kulaga, the squad spent the offseason looking for replacements for RG Ray Redziniak and LT Marques Sullivan. An ongoing battle for the two starting roles has carried over from spring ball into the fall training camp. Sophomore Sean Bubin and junior David Diehl continue to work for the tackle position, while redshirt-freshman Patrick Babcock and sophomore Aaron Hodges battle for the guard spot.
Butkus, Pashos and Kulaga will start their 24th-consecutive game when they line up against the California Bears on Sept. 1. The line is responsible for the Illini's record-setting offense in 1999 and over 29 points per game scored in the past two seasons. Listen to comments from Kulaga and Diehl on www.fightingillini.com.
FIGHTINGILLINI.COM GETS A FACELIFT: Beginning Aug. 23, the official website of the Illinois athletic department, fightingillini.com, will have a new, more user-friendly look. Fightingillini.com, in conjunction with Fansonly, will offer additional features to the site that averaged over one million hits per month in 2000-01. Fans can look for the latest news on all 19 of Illinois sports as well as ticket, fundraising, audio/video and media information.
