Behind the Mic

Are You Ready For Some Football?

Posted by: Brian Barnhart

Monday, August 3, 2009 11:28 AM

It has been a really fast summer...and all of sudden this is the week that the Illini football program shifts into a different gear with the start of fall practice.

The Illini have practices scheduled for this Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Champaign...and then after Media Day on Sunday August 9th...everyone will pack up and head to northern Champaign County for the two week excursion known as Camp Rantoul. ...starting on Monday August 10th.

Coaches love Camp Rantoul.  Two solid weeks of nothing but football, football ...and more football.  The players may or may not enjoy it all the time...but it is a chance for each of them to battle for position on the depth chart and to work on the fundamentals that are essential to any successful season.

Fans are excited about the Illini offense.  Juice Williams is on the verge of smashing offensive records at the U of I.... Arrelious Benn and Jarred Fayson head up a deep and talented list of receivers ...and Daniel Dufrene, Jason Ford, Mikel LeShoure and Troy Pollard are ready to help "carry the mail" in the offensive backfield.

There are some questions on defense...but I think some of that concern might be simply because we dont know who is going to step up yet and replace some of the departed seniors. My feeling is that the Illini might surprise in a good way on that side of the ball.  I think Martez Wilson is poised for a breakout year and has really settled in nicely at middle linebacker. Dont discount the ability of guys like Russell Ellington, Evan Frierson, Ian Thomas and Justin Staples either. 

Depending on how the Josh Brent situation plays out....you will be hard pressed to find a more athletic tandem on the interior defensive line than Brent and Corey Liuget....and dont forget Sirod Williams is back after getting hurt early last fall. 

Experienced hands Doug Pilcher and Antonio James will anchor the defensive end spots with Clay Nurse expected to have a good year as well.

The Illini will miss first round NFL-pick Vontae Davis in the secondary.......but Dere HIcks, Tavon Wilson, Travon Bellamy , Garrett Edwards and Miami Thomas are all back and hopefully Donsay Hardeman will be ready to go as well.

What all Illini fans hope to see this year  is Illinois' special teams become a threat to other teams again. Believe me......the coaching staff wants that to happen as much as the fans do.

If you havent been to Camp Rantoul before...take the time to go.  It will give you a close-up view of what to watch for in 2009...and you will be impressed with the professional way the camp is run. Plus...the Rantoul community will treat you right. 

See you there!

 

 

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