Saturday’s scrimmage was a practice for more than just the players on the field. While the game was moved to Memorial Stadium’s Astroturf due to the threat of bad weather, it meant the coaches could have a dry run of how games will go.

Putting people in the press box and headsets on the field was just one more way the Illini prepared for the season to start.

“We tried to do it in a game-like situation for the coaches, guys in the press box, get the mechanics of that down,” Zook said. “That helped us.”

The Illini plan another run-through next weekend, with even more elements of a typical game.

Jones jumps around

Wide receiver Kendrick Jones spent most of his time with the second string Saturday. The senior said he has not been told why he was moved, but that he is learning the offense well and has worked hard throughout camp.

Zook said he was not trying to send Jones a message with the move, but was doing what he thought worked best on the field.

“I want him to be the best receiver that he can be,” Zook said. “He has a chance to be an awfully good receiver. He’s going to determine how good he is, but it’s not just going to happen.”

Jones ranked seventh in the Big Ten in receptions last season with 4.27 per game and averaged 62.5 receiving yards per game, the sixth-best number in the conference. He was named a preseason Honorable mention All-American by Street & Smith.

Reda kicks into gear

Kicker Jason Reda missed two field goal attempts Saturday, but Zook says he has complete confidence in the sophomore. With all the elements that go into a kick, Zook said, anything from the snap to the angle of the wind can factor into a missed kick.

“He’s fine. His thing is more confidence. He’s got as good a leg as any that I’ve been around. No, I have no concerns about him.

“He knows he’s the kicker. I told him, ‘you’re the kicker. You’re not going to make every kick. I’ve never known one that has.’ But no, I’m not worried.”

Cheering section

Basketball players Calvin Brock and Brian Randle both stopped by Memorial Stadium to watch Saturday’s scrimmage. Brock was there to support high school teammate Bryant Creamer, while Randle came with his sister, whose boyfriend is on the team.

Injury report

A number of players sat out Saturday with injuries.

Tight end Melvin Bryant hurt his ankle in camp and the training staff chose not to risk re-injuring it…Defensive back Justin Harrison is sitting out after injuring his hip… Defensive lineman Josh Norris hyper extended his elbow in practice and should be back next week…Defensive lineman Ryan Matha sat out with a sprained ankle.

Quote of the day

“Camp Rantoul’s a great chance to get away and think about football, but coming back in the locker room, listening to the jukebox, you get that pump coming out of the tunnel.

“Yeah, my arm’s a little more sore this time around. I’ve got a couple more reps than the last couple years.”

– Likely starting quarterback Tim Brasic, on returning from Camp Rantoul.