By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Illinois State football’s offense won’t be going through many schematic changes this season.
Co-offensive coordinator Billy Dicken, who will also serve as the quarterbacks coach, said that doesn’t mean there will be no changes as redshirt sophomore Jake Kolbe takes over the offense formerly run by Tre Roberson.
“Skill set wise, with Jake, you know, I guess we expect him to be a little bit more efficient in the pass game – a little bit better in our short to intermediate routes,” said Dicken. “But we still will stretch the field a little bit. He’s got plenty of arm.”
Dicken added Kolbe will not be asked to run the ball as much as Roberson did. However, he said Kolbe is more athletic than some give him credit for.
“He can get us some yards on the ground, so there will still be some times that Jake will run the football,” said Dicken. “We definitely want to be very efficient with our passing game.”
Dicken will be serving alongside fellow co-offensive coordinator Dan Clark. Clark will be coaching the offensive line.
Dicken said for the most part, he’ll be in charge of the passing game and Clark will handle the running game.
“We’ll collaborate together on both. He’ll have input with the pass game, I’ll have input with the run game and (we’ll) put together a game plan,” Dicken said.
It’s looking right now like Dicken will call the plays on game day, while Clark is on the sideline working with the linemen.
ISU starts the 2016 season Sep. 3 at Hancock Stadium versus Valparaiso.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
