Former Illini quarterback credits coaching for team's success
Jeff George graces Illinois stands, offers opinion on coming season


by Larry Hawley
Senior writer

As the Illinois offense returned to the forefront of the Big Ten Saturday in the Orange and Blue Scrimmage, so did one of its most prolific quarterbacks.

Former Illini quarterback Jeff George, who was the No. 1 pick of the 1990 NFL Draft after he passed for 31 career touchdowns and led Illinois to two bowls, watched the practice on the sidelines.

George, who now plays for Illinois coach Ron Turner's brother Norv in Washington, has seen some of his Illinois records broken by this year's offense. He attributes the Illini's recent success to their new system.

"The coaches brought in a system, and it has been able to work," George said. "You have to give the credit to the coaches for all of the recent success."

Watching the first-string offense score 27 points on Saturday, George said he has confidence that this season will bring even greater things.

"There is no doubt that compared to the last few years this offense is a lot better and is a threat," George said. "That is all a credit to coach Turner.

"There is a lot of success in the future."

Kicker relief

When the Illini tried a 46-yard field goal in the first quarter of the spring practice, fans, coaches and players held their breath.

When junior kicker Steve Fitts' ball split the uprights, he, along with the fans and coaches, let out a sigh of relief.

"It was a big relief," Fitts said. "It was the first time I got to show that I was a pretty good kicker, so it was big."

The kicking game on Saturday helped give the Illini a better feeling on Saturday, as the top two kickers - Fitts and sophomore JJ Tubbs - connected on their kicks.

Turner said their performances were encouraging, especially with the recent question marks.

Currently holding on the No. 1 kicking spot, Fitts said that he was pleased with the job he and the other kickers did during the spring.

"Throughout the whole spring the kicking unit as a whole made some strides, and we did well today," Fitts said.

People have been concerned with the prospect of Fitts pulling double duty in the fall and how that may effect his punting. Contrary to that belief, Fitts said that he excels more when performing both duties.

"I've wanted to do this, and a lot of people don't think I can do both," Fitts said. "But whenever I do both, I traditionally do better."

Third-string kicker sophomore Peter Christofilakos had his kick attempt blocked on the final play of the scrimmage.

Hodges steps in

Baptism by fire is a good way to describe the path of redshirt freshman offensive guard Aaron Hodges.

Forced into the lineup after the injury to starting senior guard Ray Redziniak, Hodges is now learning the position and competing at the No. 1 position.

Turner said that Hodges still has a way to go, even with recent progress.

"We have seen a lot of good things out of him on film, but he has to get more experience and live in the weight room," Turner said. "He loves to play the game, so he is on the right track."

Taking a leadership role

In a group of young receivers, sophomore flanker Brandon Lloyd has begun to emerge as the leader of the pack.

With a year of experience under his belt, Lloyd said he believes he is prepared to take the leadership of the corps.

"I think I have become a leader because of my experience," Lloyd said. "When I tell players something, they have enough respect for me to listen and give me tips as well."

Lloyd opened many eyes last season with 30 receptions and 511 yards in his freshman season. Turner said Lloyd's actions on the field have thrust him into the role.

"He is always a threat to do something," Turner said. "Even when he is not in the play, him just being out there forces the defense to pay attention to him."

Mission accomplished?

Illinois' No. 1 goal going into the spring game was to stay injury-free to avoid any further player loss. With no serious injuries reported during the practice, it appears that the mission was accomplished.

"We were injury-free," Turner said. "I talked to the trainers, and they said that nothing major or minor happened injury-wise, so we are pleased about that."

It's war