McLean County Times

For the first time this fall, the Redbird football team heard head coach Brock Spack utter the phrase "We Are Live!" signifying the team's first full-contact drill of training camp. Full pads were donned for the initial session on Tuesday morning at Hancock Stadium, focusing on Red Zone work and featuring three specific situations during the team period at the end of practice.

The practice began with special teams circuits and position drills, followed by a passing under pressure drill. During this session, Cam Wilson broke up the first pass attempt, but Jake Rubley rebounded with two consecutive completions before Tommy Rittenhouse took over at quarterback. Rittenhouse started strong with three completions before being sacked by Jalan Gaines.

In the 7-on-7 period that followed, Rubley completed 5-of-6 attempts, including two to Brett Kasper. Rittenhouse finished 4-for-6 with connections to Scotty Presson Jr., Jalen Carr, Tommy Donovan, and Braden Contreras. On another side of the field, Jimmy Makuh went 4-for-4, connecting with Brady Probst, Quinten Johnson, and Valient Walsh.

During the team period in the red zone scenario starting from their own 25-yard line, the first-team offense was held to a field goal by Ian Wagner's 33-yard kick after being stopped by the defense. The second-team unit quickly found success as Rittenhouse connected with Carr for a 25-yard touchdown on their first play. The third-team faced challenges but managed to move forward after freshman running back Matt Lawson's significant gains led to a touchdown pass from Makuh to Donovan.

The next scenario placed the offense at its own 2-yard line needing space. The first-team unit secured a first down initially but was halted by Amir Abdullah’s tackle for loss. The defense forced subsequent three-and-outs in later series.

In final drills starting from their own 34-yard line aiming to drive downfield, Josh Robinson converted a crucial fourth-down run for the first team despite earlier setbacks caused by Jalan Gaines' tackle for loss. However, defensive efforts led by Teon Parks resulted in forced punts for both units. A promising final drive featured Makuh’s long completion to Walsh and several effective runs by Lawson before concluding due to defensive stops and penalties.

The Redbirds will return Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. for their seventh practice of fall training camp. For updates and multimedia content from Redbird Football Spring Camp 2024, follow official social media accounts or visit GoRedbirds.com.