Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Football training camp notebook
08/10/2005 | 12:00:00 | Football
Aug. 10, 2005
By Tom Weber
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Saluki football team had its first practice in full pads on Wednesday, including a 45-minute scrimmage. The practice ended with a spirited goal-line tackling drill.
Hill hooks up with Jones
QB Nick Hill and TE Braden Jones seem to be developing great chemistry in passing drills. Both worked with the second team, and Hill connected with Jones on two, nice deep routes during the scrimmage.
"We use the tight end a lot in our offense," Hill said. "Braden is so fast that on a deep route, it's going to be hard for a linebacker to cover him."
After making one catch downfield, Jones bulled over CB Clayton Johnson for additional yardage. The senior, who transferred from Northwestern, is still waiting for the NCAA to rule on his eligibility. Although Jones has one of the best grade point averages on the team, at issue is the number of credit hours completed at NU during the fall in 2004.
Busy Quarterbacks
With Jon Cairns injured, Hill and Joel Sambursky handled all of the quarterbacking duties during the scrimmage. The only other quarterbacks in camp are true freshmen Kurt Long and Ryan Patton.
"The more reps I get at game speed, the more it helps me," Hill said.
Cairns Improving
Cairns said he expects to be off crutches later this week. He will have to wear a protective boot on his fractured left foot for two more weeks, but could be ready for the team's opener on Sept. 1, at Southeast Missouri State.
The goal, Cairns said, is for him to be ready to resume his role as holder on field goals and extra points by game one. It will take longer to get into playing shape.
"It's hard watching," Cairns said. "It puts you behind. The other quarterbacks are out there getting reps and you're over here watching. The best thing I can do is take mental reps and know what's going on."
Notepad
Per NCAA rules, the Salukis have practiced once a day for the first five days of training camp. They will begin two-a-days on Wednesday...QB Joel Sambursky looked sharp in the scrimmage. His only incomplete passes were a dropped ball and a nifty interception by CB Clayton Johnson who muscled WR Nigel LeBlanc out of the way on a slant pass...The defense was stingy against the run, allowing just a handful of plays longer than five yards...LB Tony Rinella delivered a punishing hit on RB Arkee Whitlock, but later, Whitlock turned a screen pass into a 30-yard gain...RB Antione Jackson busted free for the day's longest run, out-racing S Kyle Colborn to the endzone...Backup K Jason Emert held for kicks during practice Wednesday.
Sims Will Redshirt
Western Michigan transfer Blake Sims will redshirt in 2005, according to head coach Jerry Kill. The sophomore cornerback played in nine games as a true freshman for the Broncos in 2004, but transfer rules have made him ineligible to play for SIU this season, though he can still practice with the team. "He has Big 12-caliber skills, and we think he could be one of the best corners in the league next year," Kill said.
Late Additions
There were several late additions to the Saluki roster this summer. One has a familiar name - Watson. Freshman WR Aaron Watson is the son of former Saluki head coach Shawn Watson. His father is now the offensive coordinator at Colorado. Aaron was an all-state wide receiver at Niwot High School in Longmont, Colo. last season. He caught 38 passes for 1,125 yards and helped his team to a 13-1 record.
Three more freshman added to the squad are CB Lance Caldwell (Detroit, Mich./Bishop Caldwell H.S.), K Alex Tietz (St. Charles, Ill./North H.S.) and QB Ryan Patton (West Frankfort, Ill./West Frankfort H.S.). Caldwell is a cousin of for former Saluki linebacker and current Baltimore Raven Bart Scott.
