Tupper: Donovonn Young headed in the right direction – Herald & Review

CHAMPAIGN — There are speed backs, finesse backs and jack rabbit backs who can scamper through the narrowest crack.

At times last Illini football season, the play-calling seemed to ask Donovonn Young to be one of those sideline-to-sideline scooters.

Young did as he was told, ran east and west, but wondered all the while why he wasn’t being asked to do what he does best — lining up deep in the backfield, getting a running start, rumbling straight ahead and putting his foot on someone’s face.

Or, as new offensive coordinator Bill Cubit recognizes, “doing what Donovonn does best.”

While the new offense Cubit brought with him from Western Michigan is mostly recognized for its array of quick-hit passes, there’s a role for a get-it-done running back, too. And after practice this week, Young was smiling because he believes Cubit’s offense will finally provide him with a chance to play to his strength.

“It allows me to be the running back I always wanted to be,” the junior from Katy, Texas said. “Downhill running, north and south. Line up seven yards deep and pop it in there rather than stretch it out and try to outrun people.”

Young led Illinois in rushing last season, but his 571 yards (4.4 yards per carry) were a modest total. He also led the team in receptions with 38.

At 6-foot, 220 pounds, he likes to bang and prides himself on being able to run over defenders, even though he believes he has the speed to run past some, too.

Dedicated to learning Cubit’s extensive playbook, Young approaches training camp with two main goals.

“I know most of the concepts, but there’s still a lot to learn,” he said. “It’s a big playbook, bigger than last year. (Cubit) has a way of doing things that has worked over the years, a lot of little things.

“For instance, if I go out on a pass pattern, instead of turning inside, he wants me to turn outside. It will be the difference between gaining four yards and eight yards.”

Young is plenty aware of Cubit’s reputation as a pass master. But he said he has received word there’s still a big role for a productive running back.

“I don’t think he forgets about his personnel,” Young said. “He will work with what he has. We have three pretty good running backs with me, Josh Ferguson and Dami Ayoola. We believe running back is a position of strength.

“We’re shooting to be the most consistent group throughout the season. We want to work on consistency. We don’t want to just have the big play once in a while. We want to have consistent plays and when the big plays present themselves, we’ll make the big plays every time.”

Cubit has told Young that consistency is what will get his attention.

“There’s nothing wrong with a four-yard run,” Cubit said. “Gain four, then four more, then four more. We’ll move the chains. I want Donovonn running more north and south.”

But because Cubit will be looking to throw the ball, he began working with Young in the spring on shoring up his pass blocking. Young said progress has been made.

“Yeah, I want to be an all-around back so that’s something I have worked on,” he said. “Today we had one-on-one blitzing drills and I did very well in those drills. It goes to show hard work pays off. Hopefully that translates into the season.”

For the first time, the team suspends split-squad workouts today and practices as one complete team. The workout is closed to the public and media, although Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany will be there as a he tours all 12 Big Ten campuses.

Then the team heads to Rantoul Sunday night and will scrimmage on Monday. That scrimmage has been moved from Rantoul High School to Camp Rantoul by the old air base on Wheat Street. Start time has been changed to 5:30 p.m. And although it’s open to the public, there is limited seating. So be prepared to stand.

Young is anxious to see how the scrimmage goes.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how good our offense can be,” he said. “And the biggest thing is to get out of camp healthy. I want to show what I can do.”

Going north and south. Not east and west.

Davis versatile, but limited

Jon Davis is arguably the most versatile Illini football player.

He has lined up at tight end, wide receiver and running back. And he’s been productive in each role.

But he continues to be withheld from contact as the coaching staff protects what Davis describes as an “ongoing” knee issue.

Davis wouldn’t say when — or if — he will see full contact during training camp.

“That’s up to the coaches,” he said. “I’m feeling good. It’s just precautionary.”

Asked about his chances to play in the opener Aug. 31 against Southern Illinois, Davis said, “I’ll definitely be ready.”