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What Bret Bielema said during Illinois’ spring preview presser
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A new era of Illinois is soon getting underway.
The Fighting Illini are preparing for the start of spring practice, marking the first time new head coach Bret Bielema will be on the practice field with his team. Last season’s squad finished with a 2-5 record and is looking to turn heads in Year 1 of the Bielema era.
On Thursday, Bielema met with reporters to preview the upcoming spring practice schedule, talk about potential position changes, speak on recruiting and plenty more. He’s clearly excited to be back in the B1G as a head coach.
Illinois’ 2021 season kicks off in a big way, hosting Nebraska in Week 0 to open up the B1G season. It’s a tough game right out of the gate for the Illini, so Bielema understands his team has to make the most of spring practices.
Here’s what Bielema had to say while meeting with the media on Thursday:
#illini Bret Bielema: will practice every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday during spring ball. Other days will focus on film and workouts with Tank Wright.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Media will have access to practice for 15-30 minutes. Players and coaches available for interviews six days a wee.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Main reason to go with a spring football game on Monday night is "to promote the Block I" on BTN.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Wish Brad and his crew the best of luck. It's been fun to watch.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
Just asked #illini coach Bret Bielema about the evaluation of his roster so far. He said there are positions that give him optimism, especially with super seniors returning. Admitted some others give him concern.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Contrast of what they were exposed to in the weight room "was pretty dramatic early."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema said football team needs someone like Ayo Dosunmu who wants to create an in-state legacy.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema said staff recently had a Zoom call with 70 high school coaches in Chicago.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: "We'll have a few positional changes I'm sure before spring is done."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: "[Daniel] Barker's always a good target to jab him up a little bit."
Mentions he tries to get Brandon Peters to speak more.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Jake Hansen returned to campus on Sunday and had to go through three days of quarantine.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: "I do like being the head coach and being at the head of the room."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: "We'll add some more players over the summer."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Last four weeks, we've been installing scheme and situations.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Excited about our recruiting department. "Close to adding another former Illini who will help us in that department."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Several 2022 prospects have visited campus on their own.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: DEs who moved to OLBs will be on their feet as edge rushers.
"It's a 4-2 concept" but outside guys will be on their feet. Also could be 3-4 looks.
As I've said, "multiple."
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
#illini Bret Bielema: Part of Brandon Peters next step is communicating better with his teammates better.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) March 18, 2021
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB