Saluki Football wraps up Spring Ball with annual Spring Game

04/06/2019 | 4:11:00 | Football

By: By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois football team held its annual Spring Game on Saturday, the exclamation point at the end of the set of 15 full-squad practices every college team is permitted during the Spring.

Many of the regulars who would normally play during the season were held out or saw limited reps during the 40 live snaps in the second half of today's practice. Established veterans such as D.J. Davis, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, and Landon Lenoir and Jeremy Chinn, who are nursing injuries, watched from the sidelines. Head coach Nick Hill said a total of 17 players were held out because they don't need the reps, were injured or had the flu.

"We're right on track with where we want to be as far as the progression of this team," Hill said. "We still have a long way to go and each step in the process is equally important."

All five quarterbacks got to play at least one series and Hill said afterward that he will not name a starter this Spring. The quarterbacks who have taken the most live reps so far are junior college transfer Karé Lyles and redshirt freshman Nic Baker,.

"That's a good group," Hill said. "You've seen them grow. In spring football you're going to see a lot of peaks and valleys, that's how it is. Sometimes you're going out there with the No. 2 tackle and the No. 3 center and the No. 4 Z receiver and you gotta make it work. Sometimes you create those situations to see who can manage it."

No matter who ultimately wins the starting job, Hill said he's confident in the talent in the QB room.

"It's going to work itself out," he explained. "Whoever goes out there under center in game one, I'm going to feel really good about that he can be a high-level player in our league. I'm excited about the talent and makeup and personalities in that group, and Blake (Rolan) coaching them and the system that they're in."

One player who has consistently stood out on offense this Spring is redshirt freshman running back Javon Williams Jr., a 6-foot-2, 240-pound converted quarterback. On one drive this afternoon, he accounted for all 65 yards, either on the ground or as a receiver. Williams Jr. finished with 10 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown, plus two catches for 17 yards, and displayed a unique combination of power and elusiveness.

"You can tell every time we go live what he can be," said Hill. "He's still learning the details of pass protection, what your keys are and not just going and running. To be an elite-level back you have to understand the fronts, what guy you're reading here, when it's time to cut it back. When he gets into the open-field, he's just going to be him. That's all God-given natural ability. He's got a knack for making people miss tackles and he's so big."

Defensively, Tyree Jackson and Chucky Sullivan each recorded 1.5 sacks and both have had productive Springs in new coordinator Jason Petrino's revamped defense.

Hill cited numerous players who he said have made significant improvement and are ready to be key contributors in the Fall.

"Beau Branyan and Brett Groves —two redshirt freshmen tackles — Brett we moved inside a little bit to see him at guard but the majority of time he's taken tackle reps. I think both of those guys are going to be excellent players here and will compete.
We're going to have legitimate competition at tackle and we're bringing in a junior college kid who we think can be a really great player. I like our depth at offensive line."

"(CB) Madre Harper hasn't missed a practice, his effort has been outstanding and he's finally feeling healthy. Last year he didn't go through spring, he was still nursing a knee. This is the first time he's been truly healthy since he transferred here."

On LB Nick Terrana:
"I think he's proven he can play in this league and be a really good player for us. That was kind of a surprise for us on defense. You didn't know, then you put him out there in game situations and he's made plays every scrimmage."

"(CB) Jon Thompson has done a good job of coming in here, learning the system and proving that he can be a good player for us."

"Oliver McDowell moved to SAM linebacker. I feel like that's a great spot for him. He's athletic and can run. Makel Calhoun at that position, too, I've been happy with those guys who didn't get to play a lot and now you get to see that, hey, he's going to be a player."

"(WR) Avante Cox has been outstanding in the first 14 practices. He's made plays consistently every day. He's been a worker, he's been detailed, he hasn't missed a practice, he's been reliable. I think he's just going to keep getting better."

On Jaden Roberts-Thomas:
"Big body receiver and another outstanding kid. When you have that (great) attitude, you're only going to get better. That's what you look for in recruiting — great kids who want to get better and get coached."