Normal–The official start of the 2012 football season started today with National Signing Day for the Illinois State Redbirds. The Redbirds got signatures from ten players from California all the way to Florida and in between. Seven of the new recruits are from the Chicago land area. These ten recruits add to the six college transfers that were introduced on January 17th.
The depleted offense line was the Redbirds key focus in this years recruiting class. Six of the ten new recruits will help fill up the depth on the offensive line. Coach Brock Spack said, “I think we upgraded our front, which is obviously an area we needed to work on after we got hit hard there with graduation.” 6’5’’, 315 pound Kyle Avaloy from Glenbard South High School was a three year varsity starter who did not allow a sack in all three years. Sam Campbell a 6’2’’, 310 pound offensive lineman transferred as a junior from Glendale (California) Community College. Campbell was a two year starter and was a unanimous All Western State Conference First Team selection after his sophomore year.
Offensive linemen were not the only players the Redbirds were looking for. Coach Spack said, “We didn’t take a lot of defensive players in this class, but we got quick guys at safety and cornerback. They can run and accelerate, they can get off blocks and make plays, and that’s what we’re looking for.” Andre Allen from Bolingbrook High school is a 6’2’’, 190 pound linebacker who was named Most Valuable Player for his state championship team in 2011. Another player that should be very familiar to Coach Spack is his son Brent Spack. A 6 foot, 205 pound linebacker was a three year varsity starter at Normal Community High School. Spack was named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 6A All State team.
The lone offensive play maker is 5’11’’, 185 pound quarterback Blake Winkler from Lincoln Way East High School. Winkler was named the Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year by ESPNHS. This sign will give the Redbirds five quarterbacks on the depth chart heading into the season.
Coach Spack was very pleased with the new recruits coming to play for the Redbirds in the fall. “It’s a very good class there’s high quality everywhere. We believe that they can all come in here, compete and practice well, and be very good students” Spack said.
The Redbirds begin their spring workouts on March 27th. The team will have 15 practices ending with the annual Red- White spring game that is scheduled for April 28th at Hancock Stadium.