By Eric Stock
NORMAL – Illinois State football closes out a month of spring practices with its annual showcase on Saturday at Hancock Stadium.
Coach Brock Spack said he’s been pleasantly surprised by what he’s seen on the practice field.
“I’ve been stunningly pleased,” Spack said. “I haven’t really been through a spring practice like this. This team has been a little different from the start. They hold themselves to a little higher
standard and we pushed them pretty hard in the offseason and they’ve really responded during spring practice.”
Spack added quarterback senior Jake Kolbe appears to be solidifying his role as starting quarterback but he hopes a quarterback battle emerges. Sophomore Malachi Broadnax played eight games during his freshman season. Spack added he expects incoming freshman Bryce Jefferson from Indianapolis to emerge as a candidate for playing time.
Spack has been breaking in almost an entirely new coach staff this spring, with eight new assistants guiding those who will be back for the 2018 season in the fall. Spack said adjusting has been seamless.
“The changes that were made, it’s been unbelievable,” Spack said. “The whole vibe in the Kaufman Building and on the practice field is completely different than it has been, very positive, very instructional, very professional.
“I’ve been very impressed with all the new hires.”
The spring showcase will be broadcast live on WJBC at 1 p.m. Saturday. The day will start with a Redbird Athletics Garage Sale, from 9-10:30 a.m. inside Horton Field House. The ninth annual Kids Football Fest will then take place at Hancock Stadium, followed by an expanded Reggie’s Kids Club Fun Zone from noon to 1.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
