Illinois Has Its Final Full-Padded Practice Of The Spring
April 17, 2002 | Football
April 17, 2002
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The University of Illinois football team wrapped up its final spring practice in full pads Wednesday with a two-hour workout inside Memorial Stadium. The Illini will practice on Thursday, but that session will be in shorts.
It was a day where the team had a chance to polish up its offensive and defensive schemes before taking center stage on Saturday at the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game. The team opened the workout with specialized drills and quickly worked its way into its accustomed seven-on-seven passing game. Follow the seven-on-seven workouts, the team worked on its two-minute offenses. The hurry-up offenses looked sharp as the team was able to move the ball up the field via the passing game.
"I think we are doing a good job of executing better and we are inching our way forward," head coach Ron Turner said. "Our guys are learning what they need to be doing and they are paying more attention to detail."
One noticeable asset for the Illini during spring practices has been an increase in team speed. With the additions of speedsters Morris Virgil and Abe Jones to the mix, not to mention the speed improvements by the returning players, Illinois looks to have a team capable of making plays all over the field.
"I think we will be a much more athletic team this season," Turner said. "We should have more speed across the board as long as we stay healthy."
St. Louis Ticket Sales: Advanced ticket sale orders for the Illinois vs. Missouri football game in St. Louis are still available to through the Illinois Ticket Office. Orders will be taken until April 30. After April 30, tickets can be purchased again starting July 10 through the Edwards Jones Dome Ticket Office.
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