Football opens fall camp

Aug. 7, 2011

By Jason Clay
SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - The Southern Illinois football team hit the practice field Sunday morning for the first time, opening fall camp in preparation for the 2011 season.

Head coach Dale Lennon was harping on the little things during day one, emphasizing focus and consistency. He said he came away pleased with the first practice and looks for the team to improve as it progresses through fall camp.

"I liked the attitude coming out, I liked the enthusiasm and the guys were ready to go," Lennon said. "It's definitely practice No. 1, so we aren't quite doing everything the right way, but I think we are definitely on track.

"I like the potential of the football team. I think the talent is there, it's just a matter of bringing it all together."

As the Salukis go through the NCAA mandated five-day acclimation period before they can go in full pads, the main emphasis early in camp is on fundamentals and attention to detail.

"Right now it's all about technique and getting the plays back in our memory," senior center Bryan Boemer said.

Despite wearing just helmets and the schemes being toned down for practice No. 1, the players were still glad to be back on the field.

"It feels good to get out and fly around with your teammates," senior wide receiver Cam Fuller said. "It's exciting starting practice and starting a new season."

Redshirt freshman LaSteven McKinney changed positions from running back to wide receiver on the first day of the fall, a move that offensive coordinator Kalen DeBoer said will be very beneficial for the team.

"I think everyone is on the same page and agrees that it is a good move for our team to move [LaSteven] over to the receiving position," DeBoer said. "Fortunately, he is a team-first guy, but he also see's it as a chance to get on the field a little bit quicker."

Although he redshirted a season ago, McKinney has shown in practice and scrimmages to be a home-run threat with the ball in his hands. The coaches would like to get him the ball in open space.

McKinney brings a lot of speed to the position, something he showed in a 7-on-7 drill Sunday when he got behind the defense for a long touchdown catch.

"He gives us a little different dynamic than the rest of the guys do," DeBoer said. "He's a little quicker and is very explosive."

McKinney will be a work in progress throughout fall camp as he learns the new position, but after one practice there, McKinney said that he enjoys his new gig.

"I like it actually," McKinney said. "There is a lot more space and you are able to catch the ball in space and make people miss. I'm embracing it, I'm liking it, I'm learning the ropes and just out there having fun."

The Salukis practice once each morning from Monday through Thursday before holding their first two-a-day practices on Friday. SIU will go full pads for the first time on Thursday.