Illinois Continues Training Camp In Rantoul
August 22, 2002 | Football
Aug. 22, 2002
With temperatures on the rise, the Illinois football team went to work a little earlier then normal on Thursday as practice began at 8 a.m. instead of the regularly scheduled 8:30 a.m. Temperatures were pushing 90 degrees by the time practice concluded, but that didn't cut down on the intensity as the defending Big Ten Champions began preparations for the season-opener vs. Missouri.
Cooling Off: The Illinois football team was treated to a surprise trip to the local water park. After suffering through double sessions in 90-degree temperatures, the four senior captains, voted to take the team one block down the road to the Rantoul Community Swim Club. Players spent approximately an hour enjoying two different water slides and showing off on the one-meter diving board.
Award Watch List Update: Three new postseason award watch lists were released on Thursday and each had an Illini player represented. Preseason All-American offensive lineman Tony Pashos was named to the Rotary Lombardi Watch List after being named a candidate for the Outland Award earlier in training camp. Senior Jerry Schumacher was named to the Butkus Award watch list, while tailback Antoineo Harris was announced as a Doak Walker Award Candidate.
Scouting the Tight Ends: One of the more intriguing positions for Illinois this fall will be at tight end where the Illini are searching for a replacement to Brian Hodges. A tremendous blocker, Hodges was not only a receiving threat, but was an integral part of the running game that helped Illinois rush for over 1,700 yards last season.
One of the top candidates to replace Hodges will be sophomore Anthony McClellan. As a freshman, McClellan gave the tight end position a more vertical presence in Ron Turner's offense as he averaged 15.3 yards on his eight catches last fall. Backing up McClellan will be Estus Hood and Kenny Boyle. Both players have enjoyed marked improvement during training camp and will be in the mix for playing time this fall.
Another weapon in Greg McMahon's arsenal is freshman standout Melvin Bryant. Bryant has shown flashes throughout Camp Rantoul and was impressive in the team's public scrimmage at Rantoul High School. During the scrimmage, Bryant made a nice catch and run over the middle that covered close to 20 yards.
"This group has really improved throughout spring football and training camp," assistant coach Greg McMahon said. "Anthony McClellan has improved and he is someone who brings some quality experience with him from last season. We have seven guys at the position and I think each of them are making strides to get to where they want to be. We still need some more game experience with this group, but I've been impressed with their progression."
Up Next: Illinois will hold its final practice at the Chanute Air Force Base on Friday with an 8:30 a.m. workout. As alway, practices are open to the public as you can come out and see your Illini before they travel back to Champaign and begin preparations for the season-opener vs. Missouri.
