Illini Gridders Improve in Second Session
August 7, 2003 | Football
Aug. 7, 2003
The University of Illinois football team completed its second day of training camp, Thursday and was the Illini's final day practicing in helmets and shorts. Friday's morning session will mark the first day the squad can don light equipment. The next two days of practice will get the Illini acclimated before full contact drills begin on Sunday.
FAN APPRECIATION DAY: All Illinois fans should plan to be in attendance for the annual Fan Appreciation Day where they get a chance to mingle with the players and coaches The event is set for tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 8 from 6-8 at Memorial Stadium. Admission is free and parking is located in the Northwest and Northeast lots of the Assembly Hall.
SCOUTING THE SAFETIES: In 2002, the Illini were depleted at the safety spot, forcing coach Mike Cassity to enlist the help of a wide receiver, Eric McGoey, and a true freshman, Travis Williams, to solidify the position. The duo emerged as solid players after being thrust into emergency duty last season, and will compete this season with Marc Jackson for the two starting safety spots.
"Anytime you have experience, I think there's no substitute, and some of those young guys took their bumps and bruises last year, I know (Eric) McGoey never made a tackle in his life until we moved him over. Travis Williams was just a true freshman who we were red-shirting and once we threw him in the fire, we played better last season as a defense."
With three experienced players returning, coach Cassity will be comfortable with whoever is starting.
"Last year Travis started part of the year, Eric McGoey started part of the year and Marc Jackson started part of the year, so we've got three very capable safeties right there and they're vying for the two starting positions. All three of them will play a lot this fall."
SPEAKING SPECIALISTS: Following Thursday's practice the rookies were treated to fourth annual Speaking Specialists seminar. Each season during training camp, the Illinois sports information office brings in the renowned Speaking Specialists, Sue Castorino and Randy Minkoff, to help ease the young group into the media frenzy that is college football. During the one-hour session, Castorino and Minkoff use the players in the interactive training for media interviews. Always a favorite of the players, it involves entertaining video bloopers and mock press conferences.
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 upcoming days: 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
