CHAMPAIGN — Most Illinois football practices are closed to fans and the media.
But not to Howard Griffith.
The NCAA record-holder for rushing touchdowns in a game (eight against Southern Illinois), drove down from his Chicago-area home to watch Tuesday's workout.
"To me, this team is further along than they were last year," Griffith said. "You had the youth movement last year, and I think they will continue to build on that.
"Just watching the way they practice. Flying around, being engaged, you see them being coached up."
During Griffith's playing days, the Illini won at a high level.