Illinois Football: Who’s Standing Out During Spring Ball
On Monday, Illinois Head Coach Bret Bielema provided an early growth analysis for his 2024 squad. Bret spotlighted certain individual players and positions who have stood out to him in spring, thus far. Of course, this is a very early report from Bielema, as we are still 26 days away from the Illinois Football “Orange and Blue” Game. Bielema spoke highly of the excitement surrounding the program from within. As well as the enthusiasm surrounding many of the new and young faces stepping up for Illinois. Including 4 new position coaches entering the program during the off-season.
Report From Bielema
Per a typical Bret Bielema presser, he (cleverly) does not throw all of his cards on the table. However, he did provide some interesting comments on players and positions on both sides of the football.
Offensive Standouts
“I think offensively to see the growth of our team at certain positions (is exciting). Obviously Luke (Altmyer) at quarterback, but I’m really excited about a couple of guys,” Bielema said. “Donovan Leary has been REALLY, really good, and Kirkland Mischaux has been equally impressive. A new guy Trey Petty, I really like what he did in his first week of being in spring ball.” quotes Bret.
“Josh McCray and Aidan Laughery are really our two top running backs that are healthy and fully cleared, have had a really productive week.” says Bielema.
“Offensive line wise, the standard usual. (Josh) Gesky made a huge jump. Josh Kreutz, Zy Chrysler, a couple of new guys into the mix. JC Davis has been very impressive at left tackle, with what he brings to the skill set. Melvin Priestly, another new guy, Kevin Wigenton, to a certain level at center and guard. I really like that growth and that development.”
“In the tight end room, Griffin Moore probably had his best week since I have been here. Tanner Arkin has continues to come forward and do really really good things. A new guy Cole Rusk, I have been really impressed with his first week of spring ball here in our program.
“At wide receiver, Pat Bryant just continues to be the alpha in the room. I am very impressed with his leadership.” said Bret. “A couple of young guys, Malik Elzy, Ashton Hollins both had good weeks” He mentions that many of the are faces in the room are having good weeks, but does not give much more detail. “Really impressed with that room, and more impressed with what coach (Justin) Stepp brings to the table. He has made a huge impact on out program.
Defensive Standouts
“Really like Alex Bray, and what he brought to the room.” says Bret. He goes on to name Dennis Briggs, Enyce Sledge, Jeremiah Warren as guys who have made their presence felt as new faces. ” A guy that made a big jump in my opinion, TeRah Edwards really had a good week, and has had a good winter all the way through.”
“On the outside, probably our most talented room.” Bielema claims. “Gabe Jacas, Alec Bryant, Seth Coleman, and Trey Smith,” all had solid first weeks of spring ball. However, a new name surprised. “Daniel Brown, a newcomer, and probably one of our more twitchier and more athletic guys on the team.”
“At inside linebacker we are a little banged up. A guy that stood out there and has been able to go the whole week, Jared Badie, Ryan Meed, those two guys in particular really showed up last week.” Bielema stated.
“On the back end (DB), Myles Scott continues to kind of be the guy that turns heads, and makes everybody kinda get excited about where he is coming and going.” said Bret. Max Resetich and Tyler Strain also stood out as guys having good early spring production according to Bielema. “Really like that group.”
Special Teams
Bret spoke briefly on the special teams unit. “Hugh (Robertson), Breesy (Fabrisio Pinton), and David Olano all are hitting the ball extremely well. Lane Hansen has had a great week as a snapper.”
Closing Statement
“A lot of positives, excited about the new coaches, and we are ready to jump into week 2.” Bielema says as the head coach. Of course, as he takes his team deep into the learning stages of Illinois Football Spring Ball 2024.
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