Illini Gridders Work Out in Pads
Illinois squad works through two enthusiastic practice sessions - 8/18/98

The Fighting Illini donned full pads for the first time in camp this morning for a full-speed workout. The offensive and defensive lines, along with the linebackers, enjoyed a pad-smacking scrimmage during the morning drills, with several quick runs reeled off by running backs Steve Havard, Jameel Cook and Rocky Harvey behind an aggressive offensive line. The defense also recorded some big plays, behind tackle Karleton Thomas and linebacker Michael Young. In the afternoon, the team returned to shells and shorts under hazy skies with temperatures touching the low 90's.

UNEVENTFUL DAY IN RANTOUL:
The team spent the day in two practice sessions and team meetings with more than 50 fans enjoying the afternoon practice, including the Rantoul team from the local Youth Football League. Following practice, the eager young gridders crowded around Coach Ron Turner, linebacker Eric Guenther, wide receiver Michael Dean and several other Illini players, receiving encouragement and autographs.

INJURY UPDATE:
Junior defensive end Rameel Connor missed practice with a strained left hamstring (day-to-day) and senior defensive tackle Garrett Johnson suffered a bruised left arm (day-to-day).

SPORTY RADIO:
Popular WDWS sports director Dave Loane broadcast the nightly "Sportstalk" program live from Rantoul '98, featuring assistant coaches Tim Kish and Buddy Teevens, wide receiver Michael Dean and offensive tackle Marques Sullivan. Dean, who continues to sparkle in drills, gives credit to his "3-H" motto for receiving: Head, Heart and Hands. Dean moved into the starting lineup late last season and is enjoying a productive fall camp.

"FIRST OF AMERICA ILLINI KICKOFF SPECIAL" IN FULL SWING:
WCIA-TV Channel 3 personalities Chris Widlic, Mike Cleff and Jason Overstreet, along with videographer Gregg Henness have spent parts of every day at Rantoul '98 gathering interviews and footage for the upcoming hour-long "First of America Illini Kickoff Special," to air statewide during the latter part of August and early September. The program will air locally on WCIA, Channel 3 on Friday, August 28 at 7 p.m.and in Chicago on Fox Sports Chicago Thursday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m.