Football Opens Training Camp With Saturday Practice - Southern Illinois University Athletics

Football Opens Training Camp With Saturday Practice

08/07/2004 | 12:00:00 | Football

Aug. 7, 2004

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois University football team held a crisp, two-hour practice on an unseasonably comfortable day in Carbondale Saturday. It was the first practice of training camp. Photo Gallery Notebook Junior tailback Antione Jackson ran with the first team offense, however the entire group of running backs was impressive in practice. During a passing game drill against the defense, senior Brandon Jacobs caught a pass in the flat and made a sharp cutback move that left a defender grasping for air. One of the best catches of the day was turned in by wide receiver Phil Goforth, who outleaped a defender to catch a deep ball from Joel Sambursky. Defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys on the secondary. "We have a lot of competition in the secondary. Every day, we'll sit down as coaches and breakdown every play. They may rotate three or four times when we play, but we're going to keep the competition there, and the best ones are going to line up and play and start." Claeys said, of all the newcomers on defense, cornerback Brandon Bruner stuck out with his quickness and coverage ability. Quarterback Joel Sambursky on the team's first practice. "Coach Kill talked to us and said what happened last year doesn't matter anymore. Our biggest thing right now is getting better and using the idea of climbing the mountain. I think it's a great idea. If each one of us focuses on getting better, then I think the wins will come." Cornerback Yemi Akisanya on the cooler than expected weather. "I'm so happy. I just told Coach Sawvel I'm excited if it can stay like this the rest of camp. I hope it does." Roy Kramer, the creator of college football's BCS system and former commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, gave a motivational speech to the team after dinner Saturday night. Kramer, who retired two years ago, recalled a trip to Carbondale in 1971, when as head coach, his Central Michigan team was soundly beaten by the Salukis, 35-8. The team will practice once a day in helmets until Wednesday, when they will begin two-a-day practices in full pads. The team will hold its annual Fan Day on Sunday at McAndrew Stadium from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Fans can pick up free posters and schedule cards and meet members of the team and coaching staff.

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