Illinois Football Completes First Practice
August 6, 2003 | Football
Aug. 6, 2003
The Illini football team took to the grass practice fields at the football complex on Wed., afternoon to kick off training camp with its first session of the 2003 season. Dressed in only helmets and shorts for the first two days, the Illini still were able to mix in a healthy dose of team action with over 30-minutes of 7-on-7 and full team work.
"Generally, I was pleased. It was a good first practice," head coach Ron Turner said. "We did come out a little tight today and the biggest thing will be getting them to relax. I love the attitude of this team."
SCOUTING THE CENTERS: Last season, Duke Preston was trying to fill the shoes of departed center Luke Butkus as he prepared for the starting role in 2002. In 2003, the junior is a veteran on the line and becoming a solid leader. Preston, despite being in his first year, helped lead the Illini's school record-breaking offense and aid in Antoineo Harris' 1,330 yards rushing, which also set the single-season mark.
"Duke really progressed as the season went along last year," Turner said. "He gained a lot of confidence and has found himself one of the leaders on the line. He came into camp in the best shape of his life and I am very excited about his potential this season."
Preston, a San Diego native, is backed up by junior Dave Hilderbrand. Hilderbrand has served as a reserve at guard and center over the last two years, playing primarily on special teams. He returned a kickoff two yards against Northwestern in 2002.
"Dave has settled into the position at center," said Turner. "But he could also be a big contributor at the guard position as well. He is becoming a versatile player for us and will have a huge role on the team."
THE INVITEES: Checking in along with the 2003 rookie class on Tuesday were eight invited walk-ons. Due to NCAA rules, the coaching staff is not allowed to mention the new additions until the official reporting date. So here are the players that complete the new incoming group, including a pair of local talents: PK Justin Brantley, Fr. (Detroit, Mich./St. Martin DePorres); FB Gerard Jackson, Jr. (Miami, Fla./Dodge City JC); WR Spencer Jensen, Fr. (Lockport, Ill./Lockport); LS Tyler Keely, Fr. (Oswego, Ill./Oswego); LS Justin Kovach, Fr. (Batavia, Ill./Batavia); WR Frank Lenti, Jr., Fr. (Chicago, Ill./Mt. Carmel); DB Drew McMahon, Fr. (Champaign, Ill./Central); and DB Tyler Rouse (Champaign, Ill./Centennial).
UPCOMING SCHEDULE: The Illinois football team will conduct its next four practice sessions in Champaign at the football complex. Here are the following practices times for the next five days:
Thurs., Aug. 7 3:30 p.m. Practice #2 (Champaign)
Fri., Aug. 8 1:15 p.m. Practice #3 (Champaign)
6-8 p.m. Fan Appreciation Day (Memorial Stadium)
Sat., Aug. 9 10 a.m. Practice #4 (Champaign)
Sun., Aug. 10 9:45 a.m. Practice #5 (Champaign)
1-5 p.m. Players Report To Rantoul
