Aug. 12, 2002
The University of Illinois football team returned to practice on Monday with a pair of spirited practices in front of a nice crowd of fans at the Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Ill.
Fans got the opportunity to view the quarterback race up close and personal as both Jon Beutjer and Dustin Ward performed well during 7-on-7 passing drills. Both quarterbacks looked sharp as they worked with the first and second squads leading the Illinois offense down the field.
Freshman Kendrick Jones showcased his skills as he caught a 30-yard strike from Dustin Ward and turned on the jets to outrun the defenders to the endzone. Jones wasn't the only one to shine however as Eric McGoey made the practice's most spectacular grab, laying out for a 15-yard reception from former high school teammate Beutjer.
While the offense made a number of great plays, the defense made the most of their opportunities. Like he did twice in 2001, cornerback Christian Morton found his way into the end zone as he returned an interception 30+ yards for a score.
Scouting the Cornerbacks: Morton is just one of a number of talented cornerbacks returning for the Illini in 2002. Morton, along with All-American Eugene Wilson and senior Michael Hall give the Illini one of the top groups of covermen in the nation.
Last season, opposing quarterbacks must have considered their jobs Mission Impossible considering how tough Mike Cassity's group was last season. In all, the trio of Hall, Morton and Wilson batted down a combined 66 passes, with 30 coming from the All-American Wilson. In addition to being an Illinois single-season record for PBU's that total led the nation and helped him to earn numerous preseason accolades this season. Wilson was also tops on the team with six interceptions and will be looking to move up the Illinois career INT chart this season.
As he did today in practice, Morton became adept to making the big play last season for the Illini. Morton batted down 26 pass attempts in 2001 (second in the nation) and picked off four others. Two of those picks were returned for touchdowns including one from 62 yards at then No. 15 Purdue.
While Morton and Wilson got the starting nods in 2001, perhaps the most improved corner is Hall. A physical presence, Hall broke up 10 passes last season and has a solid grasp of Mike Cassity's defensive scheme.
"The corners are coming along really well," defensive coordinator Mike Cassity said. "In this system we ask a lot of the cornerbacks and we have, what I feel, are three of the best in the country in Eugene (Wilson), Christian (Morton) and Mike (Hall). Of course there is always room to improve and that is what we are trying to do in camp this year - take our game to the next level."
Also returning for the Illini special teams standout Nana Agyeman. Last season, Agyeman got some time in the defensive backfield and made a pair of tackles at Purdue.
Up next for the Illini: Illinois will return to practice on Tuesday with a pair of practices. The first practice will begin at 8:30 a.m., while the second practice gets underway at 3:30 p.m. All practices are held at the Rantoul Air Force Base and are open to the public.
'Paign County Wins Annual Softball Challenge: Jerry Schumacher won his second championship in two years, but this one was on the softball field as he led his 'Paign County All-Stars to a 5-2 win over "Team Five." First baseman/offensive lineman Bryan Koch was named the MVP of the game by many bystanders. This was the second year that the Illinois squad has played in the all-football player league during the summer.
Specialists Four-Peat in Illini Bowling Competition: For the fourth straight year, the Illinois specialists won the Rantoul Bowling Tournament. Averaging 135.0, KPS (kickers, punters, snappers) edged out the wide receivers for the team title. The high score of the night was bowled by linebackers coach Osia Lewis with a 189, while rookie running back, Frank Payne rolled a 183.
