Saluki Football camp notebook Day Two — wide receiver Landon Lenoir makes impressive recovery

Sam Straub (#4), D.J. Hampton (#27), Withney Simon (#42)

Saluki Football camp notebook Day Two — wide receiver Landon Lenoir makes impressive recovery

08/02/2018 | 6:28:00 | Football

By: By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — An already deep wide receiver corps has received a big boost with the return of sophomore Landon Lenoir, who has had two excellent days of practice so far in training camp.

Lenoir impressed as a freshman and was set for a breakout-campaign in 2017 before a knee injury wiped out his season. He wasn't at full strength during spring ball but has shined the last two days, and has become a reliable target on intermediate passes from his slot receiver position.

"We're really excited about him coming back," said wide receivers coach Nick Williams. "In the spring of 2017, he was the most productive receiver, and this past spring he was slowly but surely trusting that knee. He's probably the best route runner we have and he's very mature for his age. When he gets to 100 percent he'll be a really good player for us this year."

Lenoir has impressive football bloodlines. His brother, Lance, holds the Western Illinois school record for career touchdown catches and is currently a member the Dallas Cowboys. His cousin, Laquon Treadwell, is a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings.

The heat kicked in on the Salukis' second day of practice at Saluki Stadium, but players stayed well hydrated and ice baths were available after practice. The team is practicing in helmets-only and will add shoulder pads tomorrow. Sunday is the first day in full gear.

It was a good day for a trio of Saluki cornerbacks, especially Madre Harper, who stood out during the skeleton passing session that usually favors the offense. The Oklahoma State transfer, who also impressed during spring ball, showed quick change of direction and closing speed to break up throws intended for TE Nigel Kilby and WR Sam Thompson. CB Torian Lewis, who starts on the opposite side of Harper, had a solid coverage day. CB James Ceasar had the defensive play of the day on the final play of practice, reaching across WR Darrell James to deflect what looked like a sure touchdown pass.

The first 11-on-11 session took place in the red zone and was narrowly won by the offense. On first down, OLB Cody Crider knocked down a pass attempt by QB Sam Straub at the line of scrimmage. Straub responded with a 15-yard strike to James to set up first-and-goal. The defense held for two plays before James scored on an end-around.

Some other scrimmage highlights — DE Jordan Berner had a deflection at line of scrimmage, DE Anthony Knighton picked up a sack by beating RT Ben Bailey. QB Matt DeSomer bought time rolling to his left then threw a 30-yard touchdown strike to a wide-open WR Sam Bonansinga.