Davis sets big example as spring practice opens
CHAMPAIGN -- For the first time since trudging off the perfectly manicured Rose Bowl grass on New Year's Day, Illinois strapped on the pads Saturday and started hitting its way back to the BCS.
"We've been waiting for it," said senior defensive end Will Davis. "We're in all these meetings, and we're ready to go out. We tell the coaches, 'Forget the meetings. Let's just go out and play.' "
A lot happened to the Illini during the 87 days between collisions -- and not just the loss of Big Ten offensive player of the year Rashard Mendenhall to the NFL.
For example, Davis, a second-team all-Big Ten pick by the media last fall, added 17 pounds of muscle -- the product of a 6,000-calorie-per-day diet and fierce hours in the weight room.
Now packing 267 pounds, Davis hopes the extra power can widen his arsenal of pass-rushing moves. He's the Big Ten's No. 3 returnee, with 9½ sacks in 2007.
"I still kept 10 percent body fat," Davis said. "I feel stronger. I feel more powerful on impact. I feel I can be at 265-270 and still keep my speed."
Davis showcased his improved body early in Saturday's practice when coach Ron Zook called for the Oklahoma drill.
The famed drill, which asks a defender to fire off the snap, shed a blocker and tackle a ballcarrier in a narrow space, strips the game to its essence.
The large crowd inside Illinois' indoor practice facility, including approximately 20-25 junior recruits, crowded onto the field to watch the high-octane hitting.
Davis and senior left tackle Xavier Fulton split a pair of battles. In other intriguing bouts, senior defensive end Derek Walker twice had his way with sophomore right tackle Ryan Palmer, sophomore nose guard Josh Brent dominated twice, and right tackle Graham Pocic pancaked end Whitney Mercilus.
Pocic and Mercilus are among the seven freshmen who graduated high school a semester early in order to be a part of spring ball.
The Oklahoma session ended with an arranged battle between Davis and junior tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.
The players got fired up and crowded in to get a close look at the action. So much so, Zook had to hold back cornerback Vontae Davis.
Who won the fight? Hard to say as neither refused to let go when Zook blew the whistle.
Junior Day: Several high-profile players in the class of 2009 got an eyeful of the Illinois experience Saturday.
Among the recruits who attended practice: Morgan Park defensive end Craig Drummond (No. 23 prospect nationally per Rivals.com), East St. Louis wideout Terry Hawthorne (No. 82), Kansas City quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase (four stars) and West Des Moines tackle David Barrent.
Closer to home, Sandburg tackle Michael Schofield and Maine South quarterback Charlie Goro were in the house as well.
Depth charts: With center Ryan McDonald and guard Jon Asamoah taking it relatively easy this spring, Illinois' first-string offensive line Saturday was as follows:
Left tackle Xavier Fulton, left guard Randall Hunt, center Eric Block, right guard Jack Cornell, right tackle Ryan Palmer.
Illinois' first-team nickel defense included senior Sirod Williams in Chris Norwell's old defensive tackle spot.
Brit Miller and Martez Wilson were the linebackers while Travon Bellamy played the nickel. In the base defense, Bellamy, Bo Flowers, Nate Bussey and Downers Grove North product Garrett Edwards are splitting reps.