Illini Football Media Day: What it means to be an Illini

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois football season kicks off at Memorial Stadium in just three weeks.

They've been grinding in their fall practice sessions in order to make sure they are as prepared as possible for the road that lies ahead.

But these practices are also about setting a winning standard and demonstrating what it means to be a part of the Illini family.

"We have a lot of older guys we all know, making sure we set that standard together. We just hold each other accountable," said senior defensive lineman Terah Edwards.

Edwards is one of many players who's enjoyed every ounce of the fall session. The group understands that raising the bar is done every day, and as a team.

"Terah and Dennis Briggs put together a packet on their own unsolicited about what it means to be a D lineman in his program," said head coach Bret Bielema. "That thing was like liquid gold."

The camp is designed as a test, not just of skills but endurance because when players show up daily and push themselves, the battle is both the opponent and the mind.

"It won't be like that the whole summer. This is just three weeks of fall camp where it's just straight football every single day," said safety Miles Scott. "People aren't always going to be All-Americans as soon as they get into a spot."

Some guys find ways to break up the schedule. But Atwood native Kaden Feagin doesn't mind the repetition of waking up and taking the field.

"I feel like in high school, like I said, do stuff like that, like I'd always be on a pretty tight routine," said Feagin. "I mean, I guess I learned that from my grandpa. He always had me working when I was younger, so he'd always have me like, you gotta wake up at this certain time."

When all is said and done, fall camp sets out to show Illini Nation this team will do all they can to make them proud.

"I think the most special thing about the Illini is the fans, and they all are supportive," said defensive lineman Ezekiel Holmes. "They're all our diehard fans. I feel like they're like the biggest thing."