NORMAL, Ill. – The Redbird football team not only had practice Tuesday morning, but then returned to the field for the team's annual media and photo day at Hancock Stadium. An annual rite of passage for many coaches and players, media day was full of interviews, photos and fun with the players and staff.
Media Day Highlights:
• Working in shells (helmets and shoulder pads) for the second time, the tempo was "thud" in the early morning practice signifying the first real contact of the fall for the Redbirds
• The intensity and physicality was very apparent during the pods portion of the practice, as running backs James Robinson and Markel Smith proved why they could be the most feared tandem in Valley Football come the end of the season
• In a practice that featured the run game heavily, Jordan Birch also shined with several strong runs and big plays out of the backfield catching the football from quarterbacks Jake Kolbe and Brady Davis
• After practice concluded, players and coaches got a quick break to clean up and grab some lunch before returning back to the field to take individual, team and position group photos
• While pictures were being taken, players spoke with representatives from local radio, television and print organizations about their expectations for the season and the team's No.