Young optimistic he’ll head ‘north’ in new Illini offense – Bloomington Pantagraph

CHAMPAIGN — There are speed backs, finesse backs and jackrabbit 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 focus on his strengths.

Which are?

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,” said the junior from Katy, Texas. “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) is 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.”

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.”

Davis versatile, but limted: 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.”

Road to Rantoul: For the first time, the team suspends split-squad workouts today and practices as one complete team. Then the team heads to Rantoul on Sunday night and will scrimmage on Monday. That scrimmage has been moved from Rantoul High School to Camp Rantoul by the old air base. Start time has been changed to 5:30 p.m., and although it’s open to the public, there is limited seating.

A waiver request submitted by Illinois seeking permission to hold the scrimmage at the high school was denied Friday by the NCAA.

In the summer of 2011, an NCAA rule went into effect prohibiting practices at off-site facilities, such as a local high school. Illinois’ 2011 waiver was approved for Rantoul High School. The Illini did not apply last year because no off-site practice was planned.

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.”

Future games set: Illinois athletic director Mike Thomas announced Friday the addition of two future football games at Memorial Stadium: Middle Tennessee State on Sept. 26, 2015, and Western Kentucky on Sept. 16, 2017.

Scheduling Middle Tennessee State leaves one nonconference game to be set for 2015. The Western Kentucky contest is the first of three nonconference games to be announced for 2017.