Southern Illinoise University Athletics
News | Football opens Spring Ball practices
03/21/2024 | 4:31:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois football program held its first spring ball practice of the 2024 season on Thursday morning. The team will have 15 spring practices, including the annual Spring Game on Saturday, April 20 at 12 p.m.
For the first time in three years, there will be an open competition for the quarterback position, as the school's career passing leader, Nic Baker, has graduated.
Junior Hunter Simmons attempted 35 passes last season as Baker's backup, and senior Michael Lindauer has fully recovered from shoulder surgery. Murray State transfer DJ Williams has two years of starting experience and was the OVC Freshman of the Year in 2021. True freshman Jake Curry passed for more than 5,000 yards at Edwardsville High School last fall.
Head coach Nick Hill said the strength of the offense will be at offensive line, where four starters return. Guard Chase Evans moves to center and will replace Jacob Caughell, who elected not to use his final year of eligibility. Two transfers — tackle Noah Fenske and guard Marcelo Mendiola — are both expected to battle for starting spots after sitting out last year.
Practice Schedule
March 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 30
April 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20
Weekday practices at 6 AM. Saturday practices at 9 AM.
April 5 is at Du Quoin HS at 6 PM
April 20 is Spring Game at 12 PM
For the first time in three years, there will be an open competition for the quarterback position, as the school's career passing leader, Nic Baker, has graduated.
Junior Hunter Simmons attempted 35 passes last season as Baker's backup, and senior Michael Lindauer has fully recovered from shoulder surgery. Murray State transfer DJ Williams has two years of starting experience and was the OVC Freshman of the Year in 2021. True freshman Jake Curry passed for more than 5,000 yards at Edwardsville High School last fall.
Head coach Nick Hill said the strength of the offense will be at offensive line, where four starters return. Guard Chase Evans moves to center and will replace Jacob Caughell, who elected not to use his final year of eligibility. Two transfers — tackle Noah Fenske and guard Marcelo Mendiola — are both expected to battle for starting spots after sitting out last year.
Practice Schedule
March 21, 22, 23, 26, 28, 30
April 1, 3, 5, 9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20
Weekday practices at 6 AM. Saturday practices at 9 AM.
April 5 is at Du Quoin HS at 6 PM
April 20 is Spring Game at 12 PM
Players Mentioned
QB
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C
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QB
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C
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OT
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QB
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G
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QB
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