The Bret Bielema Show 08-28-24
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Inside Fighting Illini Athletics
The Bret Bielema Show 08-28-24
- One, two, three, four. - Welcome to the Brett Bielma Show. On the Busei Bank Aligni Sports Network from Leafield, presented by Bud Light. Easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Also brought to you by U of I Credit Union, the Illinois Signature Cashback Card. Introducing Cashback with the official credit card of the Fighting Aligni. Carl, the official healthcare provider of the Fighting Aligni. Coke, zero sugar, is Coke, zero sugar the best Coke ever? Try and decide. And buy. State Farm. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Now, here's the voice of the Fighting Aligni. Brian Barnhart. - Hi everybody, welcome to another football season here in Champaign, the Fighting Aligni football program. Led now by Brett Bielma, of course, in his fourth year. And this is the Brett Bielma Radio Show. Our sponsor, of course, all year, is Bud Light. A proud sponsor of Illinois Athletics. Easy to drink, easy to enjoy. We've got a great list of affiliates again this year. We appreciate all of our great affiliates up and down. The radio line here as we start another season in Champaign. It is year number four for Coach Brett Bielma. And I don't know, is the time going fast? Or has it gone slow? - It depends on the time of year, probably. I think it always goes fast. Super excited to be with this group. I think they've been a group from last January to where we are now. They've had a steady build. They've kind of added a few players along the way. You know, we had new guys come in in January. I had all of our players returning that came back. But right now, going into fall camp, we had 120 players report, 45 of those 120-year new faces to our program that have never been through a fall camp, never been through a game with us yet, right? But you've added in a lot of experience. I've brought in a group of new coaches as well that I think it brought a lot to the table. Just super excited to finally get here and see where we go on game day. - I know consistency is something you're always looking for. And we had a lot of close games. All three years you've been here so far. I mean, last year, I think the last six games were decided by a total of 15 points. They were all close. - You know, I think the part that we tried to establish coming in is, you know, you take over a program and regardless of where you took it over at, you just got to build it from there. And there's a certain element of, hey, you got to teach guys how to win, right? How to stop from doing the things that have caused them failure in the past. And I think that was a hurdle. And then he had to learn how to win, right? And there was some success there in year two, obviously to get to a bowl game, where is that? And I think the hardest challenge in building a program is just really truly making kids understand that nothing is given, right? You got to earn every penny of it. And I think because of the success of year two, when we turned things around quickly and we're off to a 7-1 start, they just thought things were going to happen. And the reason they got to that point was they earned it, right? And no one's going to give you anything that's legal for free and this year's going to be no different. So we got to start off with the Eastern Illinois on Thursday night and see where we go. Yeah, and the league is a hole and we get into the league play. It got bigger with the four teams out West and certainly different dynamic now with no divisions. But a chance with the 12-team playoff, you know, as you work your way through the season, you got more teams. You think about it two years ago or 7-1 going in November, you'd have a shot at something like that. You know, I think during my coaching career, you take every year for what it is and you go into that first week and you just try to improve and get better. And, you know, you'll see how things lay out. It's fun to, I think on the outside world, talk about where it's at and what it is, but our goal every year is to try and take advantage of each week we're giving. And I think we'll have a group that takes on that dynamic, but I'm excited to see this group carry a little edge to them. I like the way that they play. I like the way that they practice, whether it's conducted a meeting, conducted a practice, conducted a film session, like they take a lot of pride in doing things the right way. And I think that's the kind of group you want to coach and be around. We got to stay fortunate to, you know, stay on the healthy side of things. I had a couple of guys in fall camp that, unfortunately, won't be with us. I think, you know, Mason Rockin as a kid, it was on the verge of being into our playing time. And then we, the next guy that Cole Russ was a tight end. We're, you know, can planning on being in the mix, but obviously next man up and they've done a really good job of that all fall camp of kind of putting herself in a good position. - Yeah, and I know there's guys that have come up in camp that you've noticed, some younger guys maybe or new guys. Anybody stand out? - You know, on the offense side of the ball, no doubt. There's some of the new transfers who've made a huge impression. I think J.C. Davis, I'm a priestly guy that, you know, came in in spring and showed that they can play and will be effective players, but also on the offensive line, the growth of Josh and Crews and his crew. I think Geskey is really playing really good football at the left guard, as I, Chris Lloyd Wright, Reggard as well, have Brian continue to grow, but Count Dixon is probably a newcomer that you're going to be excited to watch, Alex, Captain Jones, Zachary Franklin, of course. And then in the backfield, we get the three guys with Hayden and Caden and obviously Joshua Cray, but you're going to really like Jordan Anderson and even Khalil Valentine, a young man from the Bay Area has been pretty impressive. On defense, there's no doubt some of the new newcomers up front Dennis Briggs has been very impressive. Kind of in that Keith, the Johnny type role. T-Rod Edwards has transitioned and done a really nice job and then on a perimeter, Miles Scott and Matt Bailey are two guys that play a lot of really good football for us, but I think they've been complimented by a couple of guys on a perimeter that gave Xavier Scott to get him back from ACL surgery to get him back playing. It's been fun to watch him have a little bit of success. Well, Zachary Franklin is one of those newcomers. We saw what he could do two or three years ago and had a big game and reuniting with offensive coordinator Barry Lunny again. And that should be fun to see those two guys reunite again. Yeah, Zachary is a very talented, extremely intelligent, a pretty impressive young man, just a really big catch radius, got good hands, soft hands, very good feel for the game. I think there's a connection to him and Luke. Both spent some time at Ole Miss, so they both have come our way now and I think both those guys have found a nice connection since they've been together here in Paul Camp. Yeah, and what I've heard of him are seeing, he gets open. He runs really good routes, it seems to me. Yeah, he's a very intelligent receiver. Sometimes those receivers, the DB's are behind him, so they can't exactly see and feel and understand what the quarterback sees or what the coach is trying to tell him. But Zachary literally plays like he has eyes in the back of his head, really does a nice job of settling into zones, knowing how to run through man coverages and do a lot of really good things after the catch. Are there receivers in camp that you've seen? No, canari Wolters has been out there? Anybody else? Yeah, I think, again, Pat Bryant, really, really impressive with him since last January. One of our more accomplished receivers that would return, Capka Jones, was on the verge of playing a year ago. Really excited to get him out there and see what he can do. I would say Malik Elsey is a guy that, just very impressive looking. Had, by far, has had his best two weeks of Paul Camp. Excited to see him get out there and then a newcomer that I think we're all excited to count Dixon is a very impressive young man that has been a guy that is, really from day one, has turned some heads. Yeah, we talked about the offensive line a little bit with Josh and the newcomers. And offensive line is getting those guys to play together. Yeah, and Nash, have you seen it? Mashed pretty well? Yeah, I'm excited, obviously, the five starters. But I also think we have some key guys behind them. Hunter White next played a lot of football, can be both back up guards. Magnus Moore, Brendan Henderson, has had an incredible camp. Brandon Hanson has really got on the last couple of weeks here. So I'm excited to see exactly how those guys play out and how they can help us overall. You said this the other day, and obviously, you don't want to see anybody get hurt. Crews was out for a little bit, but in a way, it got some other guys, some snaps that if anything happens during the year, you've got to experience. Josh has been such a reliable player and been in there so long that we just hadn't got a lot of experience behind the people behind him. But when he was out there for about a 10-day window, really, really impressed at how he handled things. Just not only the attitudes towards our younger players and the teaching, the guidance that he gave them, but also the expectation for him to get back out here as soon as he could and get to work. It's been pretty impressive to watch. All right, we're going to take a break. We're visiting with Coach Brent Beelerman tonight. Again, our show brought to you by Bud Light. And we're back with more in a moment on the Busey Bank, a line-eye sports network from Learfield. Some days, you hit snooze, but not today. Today, you have to go on a run to get burgers for the tail game. You've got to haul something heavy, a cooler, stocked with Bud Light. When you've got beer and football, nothing is hard until the other team scores. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly. 21+ got your right 2024 and Heizer Bush, Bud Light Beer, St. Louis, Missouri. In the heartland, where ambition thrives, there are those who are made and those who are made for more. Just like the Align Eye on Game Day, Closs, a leading producer of ag equipment, unleashes the power of ambition in the view. Discover why our cutting edge machinery and unwavering support aren't just a promise. They're a commitment to your success. 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[MUSIC PLAYING] Welcome back to the Brad Beelham on Radio Show. As we get ready to start the season coming up tomorrow night against the Eastern Illinois Panthers. The neighbors from Charleston, we'll talk about them here in just a little bit. And their coach, Chris Wilkerson, in his third year-- of course, Brad Beelham and now with Illinois in his fourth season. As far as playing an Eastern team, they've got a proud history. They do. They're in Charleston. Yeah, and Chris was a part of it. He played it at Eastern, came back to his all-in-water. Obviously, very successful coach was at the University of Chicago and had great success up there. Defensive coach by nature, you can see in the way that they play very tough, very sound. Doesn't matter, offense, defense, or special teams. They're always aligned, right? They just play with a lot of aggression, a lot of anger. Overall, both sides of the ball have a lot of seniors, a lot of juniors. They're very advantageous group and don't make a lot of mistakes. So Eastern's always had-- they've had a little long history, I shared this earlier in a week. But I played them when I was a defense coordinator at Kansas State, and they had a quarterback role in New York Stadium by the name of Tony Romo, who threw it around and did some good things. So they're always going to have good players. Their quarterback is a guy that very decorated, multi-year player is pre-season for his conference, offensive player of the year. So a very, very tough guy to defend. You think about that history. You mentioned Romo and Sean Payton and Mike Shanahan and Garoppolo. I mean, all from playing at Charleston, Illinois, that's pretty remarkable. Yeah, and a lot of the good players along the way, too. They've had good linemen. They've had good wide receivers, some good skill players. It's just really a good program. They do a really good job of making guys play incredibly smart and intelligent. It's a fun team to watch play. Well, I know they like us. They get a lot of close games last year, I saw. A couple of overtime games along the way and able to get together eight wins, probably should have and or could have and in the playoffs. Yeah, you know, they really, I think, especially as the year went on, they began to feel it. Offensively, took advantage of some late moments, both in the end of half end of game scenarios that were super impressive to watch. But I think in general, a group that returns a lot of veteran players as an edge to them will definitely come in here. Sky high and excited to play for us. Barry Lunny mentioned this week in the press conference about his relationship with Coach Wilkerson. Interesting story. Yeah, they were together both on a previous staff. If I'm not mad, Callie, I can't remember your name. It was San Jose, maybe. Yes, San Jose. I believe, actually, Chris's daughter or son is Barry and Janelle, our godparents, right? So they've connected on many different levels, which is kind of common in the coaching fraternity. You get guys that have coach together, spend time together. They usually grow together and you've got most respect for him and his staff, but more importantly, for their players, right? They just-- they play the game the right way and a very impressive group. That's the one thing I've learned to really appreciate over the years is that coaching fraternity, you know, because you start out, you weren't assistant at one time. I mean, you meet guys that, you know, later along the way, you're going to be a head coach. He's going to be a head coach. Yeah, it's-- You know, I think in this journey we're on, you just formulated and shaped so many times by people you don't even realize when you're around them, right? You know, for me to go into my, I guess, the 16th years I had coached and to think about not only that, but the number of years I had before that, formulating my relationships and where they are now to have so many different former players and coaches that are around the country and excited to watch college football start off and see where some of these guys are at. Yeah, there is a bond that develops there. There's no doubt. Eastern Illinois, the opponent tomorrow night, as we look at it here on the show tonight, looking ahead to tomorrow night, things that stand out, style of play, anything that's-- You know, for sure, offensively, very dynamic. Probably a lot of 11 and 12. They're driven by their quarterback. He kind of makes everything go. Have always been a team that, I think, takes advantage of what you give them. Very advantageous group. Defensively, their head coaches is a defensive guy by nature, so they're into a four-down front, play a lot of man, well, I'm sorry, a lot of quarter coverage, a lot of cover-three, some man stuff. They'll be pressure-oriented on some longer yardy stuff. Their special teams are very strong. They basically do a good job of making everything be earned, whether it's offense, defense, or special teams, so they don't give you anything. And overall, I would say, efficiently, they're very good, fundamentally. They tackle well. They block well, not a heavily penalized team, so it's one that we've got to work out for. We talked about their experience. Erdo, you mentioned in all the juniors and seniors and grad guys, they gave up 19 points a game last year, and led, I think, or was second in the FCS in turnovers, caused. Yeah, they're a very aggressive group. Always take a shot at the ball. We have this very CTO-TTY catch the ones they throw you, and you didn't see many of their DBs, not catch the ones they were thrown to, right? So it's a group that's advantageous, and one that I think, you know, for us, we got to stick to what Illinois does, right? Like, we got to concentrate on what we do. Good football players are usually a result of good fundamentals, and in these early games, as you saw, even last weekend in those week zero games, right? Like, there's so many things that pop up that cause failure, right? So you want to make sure you avoid the things that cause that, right? Capitalize on the moments you have it. Ride the emotional highs. We want to get a good crowd here at Memorial and kind of feel the energy a little bit and see where it could go. Well, having known you now for these four years the way you approach things, we've been practicing at night until school started, because what, three of the first four games are at night? Yeah, it's been, you know, not only that, different times, right? So we're eight o'clock tomorrow night, and obviously when we go out to Nebraska, I think that was at seven, and I think the Kansas game is at six. We have three different time slots in those first four windows. So, you know, it's what we do on the flip side of it. This week also started, you know, classes, and I would tell you, as a head coach, and one of the most advantageous things I've learned is, you know, that first week of school, usually we've got guys and minds going in a million different places. So we got that going on as well, and how to play a Thursday night game right in the middle of the week, but hopefully we'll have our guys ready to go and get that student section out there in full effect. Getting those night practices in, and do you even get it down to the hour? Do you move practice? Oh, yeah, yep. Yeah, so we had three scrimmages, and each one of those scrimmages started, or simulated starts at six, seven, and eight. So, literally, 'cause we always eat four hours before pre-game time. So to start those pre-game meals four hours out ahead, so you get used to eating, digesting, feeling where your body was at, going into a four-hour break before the game. It's just important to kind of set that routine and ritual up. Yeah. I don't know how long that's been going on the four hours before, 'cause basketball does it, too. Is that right? Brad does it, same thing. Yeah, I've always probably, I think for 16 years, as a head coach, it's always been four, and even when I went to the Pats, and the Giants, any organization I've ever been in, it's probably usually always in that four-hour window. Probably a little scientific evidence in it. Probably so, yeah, 'cause everybody does it. All right, the final segment coming up here with coaches, we continue. Our show tonight brought to you by Bud Light, proud supporter of Alina Athletics. Back with Coach in a moment on the BC Bank, Alinai Sports Network from Learfield. Seeking quality materials for your upcoming project? Kirchner Building Centers is here to help. Our sales team excels in handling all your special order needs, from custom cabinetry to unique siding windows and doors. No matter how specialized your request, we'll work with you to find the perfect solution. Trust our expertise and dedication for exceptional service and quality. Kirchner Building Centers, your partner in building excellence, and the official building supplier of the Fighting Alignite. It's time to trade up. A job is just the place you go to work. A career is a path that moves you forward. Trade your job for a career in welding, HVAC, medical assisting, dental assisting, and more with hands-on training at Midwest Technical Institute. At MTI, you don't just get an education. 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Trophies will be awarded in June 2025 to the winning institutions in all college sports divisions. Learfield Directors Cup, the crowning achievement in college athletics. (upbeat music) - Welcome back to Brent Miele. The show continues here on this Wednesday night with you every Wednesday night here throughout the football season as the Alanae opened the season against Eastern Illinois tomorrow night. And again, the Alanae kickoff is a little after eight. Might slide a couple of minutes after that, we'll see. But to the Alanaee playing Eastern Illinois for the third time in school history, the other two times, '06. Pierre Thomas rushed for 126 yards in that game. Tim Brasek was a quarterback, although Juice Williams made his debut in that game. And then two years later, Juice rushed for 174 yards, 100 in the first half, and the team nearly had 400 yards rushing. But surprised just over the years, and played more than that two times, which is interesting. - You know, obviously this new world of football we're in, it's just scheduling has become so dynamic. You know, we have to play obviously nine conference games and then it allows three non-conference opponents and you know, just have a little bit of flexibility. I think it's a good thing for the in-state schools. You know, we've got a couple of them coming up on the radar here. So I got tremendous respect for Eastern Illinois, who they are, what they are, what they represent. I'd love some of those rushing yards to carry forward for us tomorrow night. So whatever the truth is, right? Like what we're gonna do is get ourselves in a position to play this first game, hopefully get better every game and see where we're at after these 12 games. - Speaking of getting better as the season went on last year, I thought Luke got better. He had the initial struggle with Penn State, and then after that, he was, I went back and looked at the Minnesota game, which we all know what happened where he got hurt late. But he was playing really well in that game. - Yeah, I think really that Penn State game was, you know, one of those moments where it kind of defines who you are, what you are, what you wanna become. I say it all the time to our guys where we're driven and oftentimes actually become more sturdy in moments of failure than you do in moments of success. Everybody kind of just has those times where the wheels are against you and you gotta rise out of it. And it's exactly what he did coming out of Penn State and has really had a fall camp. I think his last two or three practices are here. Some of the best that he's had since we've been here, so I'm excited to see where it goes. - And Donovan, of course, I thought had a great spring. - Yeah, really well in the spring game, so. - He actually had his own little perseverance during the fall here and battled through it and has really been pretty impressive the last week, 10 days here as well. Just really excited to get out here and see where we're at. You know, I think the part that our guys have kind of formulated to is everything behind us is behind us. You gotta remember it as part of our past, but we're trying to build to the future. And every day is an opportunity to get better and they've really taken advantage of it. - You've added some guys on the defensive side, Briggs on the defensive line, Florida State. You've added from Texas, of course, Brooks. How have they done? How have they filled us? - Yeah, I'm taking it back in for sure. T Brooks and also a guy by an inventory of Cox. Those two guys are very impressive young men that have been a pleasure to be around up front. For sure, Dennis Briggs. We also added a guy by the name of General Hunt and also on the edge, a guy by the name of Daniel Brown. So we've kind of added guys here and there literally throughout the entire team, law offense defense and really excited about the work ethic they've brought in, the attitude, the demeanor. And again, the proof will be in the pudding tomorrow night, see where they're at, but it's all good. - Yeah, and it does give you, I mean, you worked in the NFL too, the flexibility. If you, you know, got some guys out there, you know that's a need you have or a position you can deepen a little bit. - Yeah, the portal world is really kind of turned it into the NFL pre-agency market, right? Like I knew coming out of spring ball, there were certain needs that we needed, even going out of last year after the January, after the December season and jumping into that, that December, January timeframe portal window, we knew the players that we needed to at least put on our roster didn't know the player itself, but we knew the positions we needed to fill. And offensive tackle was a big one. We got two of them, they're starting for us right now. Defensive line was a big one. We got one of them to start and force. Wanna bring in some experience in the backhand. Got two guys that are, I think, are factors into the playing rotation against each in Illinois. So really excited about what they have done, what they've accomplished, but super excited for the future. - What talk special teams here real quick? How's Hugh looked, how's David looked, and your other kickers. - Yeah, so Chow will be our new kicker from A&M. He'll be our kickoff man, David Alano, be our field goal kicker and Hugh will be our punter, our long snapper, Lane Hanson, who's been kind of holding it down for the last couple of years. So I think that group overall has been very impressive, very consistent group of kids that kind of do everything together. They're a specialist kind of through and through, but I really like the demeanor they've had off all camp. They just really, really impress just their maturity and their ability to make things happen. - I guess you can call him a kid, right? Hugh Robertson. I mean, what is he, 31 or? - 38, 39, I don't know what he is, but he's been fun to be around. And he actually has another year of eligibility after this year as well. - Yeah, and surprise, surprise. Eastern has an Australian punter as well. - Yeah, about that. - It's been crazy. You know, we've been really focusing on special teams in these early week zero games, 'cause a lot of times there's things that happen in those games that just haven't popped up on everybody's radar. They're kind of just game day things that materialize. So really been paying attention to that. And I think our guys in general have been locked into that phase pretty good. - All right, a couple of things that are different, and then we'll wrap it up with you tonight. We've got Pat Embleton coming up here in a few minutes, but you've got what the two minute, or they call it two minute time out, the two minute warning, but two minute time out. And you got the tablets on the sideline. So we saw some high schools even that had the tablets or whatever. So college football now with those two things. - Yeah, high school football has had it for about 10 years. - Is that right, that moment? - I remember going to, yeah, as even before I was out of the league or out of college football back in the early 2010, 11, 12, I'd go to a game day in high school and they'd be sitting under a tent. They'd be watching the plays they just ran on a big screen TV sitting in lounge chairs, right? And I'm just like, what are these guys doing, right? But yeah, I think the video is going to be huge, but also coach the player, right? So in the world of college football, now they have the same helmet to helmet communication that the NFL has to allow our coaches to talk to our players. I think that's really going to bring a dynamic never seen before. And then also just not only the tablets on the sidelines, they get to go to the halftime with you. So literally for the first time in college football, you're going to have the accountability on the sideline of happening, what just took place, right? So there's a lot of times as coaches, you would watch a play, you know, it unfold and then you didn't, hey, did anybody see that? Did anybody watch replay, da, da, da, da. And then you would get in there on Sunday morning and you'd be watching the film and be like, oh, Jesus, like I wonder how they didn't see that or whatever it was. And now it's going to be literally replayed on every snap at the touch of a button. So it's a different world in college football for sure. I was talking to Jay Layman about that very thing this week because I'd have killed to have that playing back then. Everybody says that, but I don't know, you know, I think the big thing that everybody is missing out on is, you know, obviously they're going to take care of their strengths, right? But on the flip side of it, everybody's looking for their weaknesses, right? So if you're a player that maybe didn't get to that drop the right way or maybe there's a technique or a leverage you didn't quite expose yourself to, there's a lot out there that can be taken advantage of. - Sam, with the two minute timeout, how does that, does that get scoring go up before-- - I do, I think there'll be a significant increase in scoring before and a half. And then I think the ones that understand it, the end of half can be, or the end of game can be a much more manageable for teams that don't have a lot of time out. And in college football, I think you'll see a lot of teams that have to burn a timeout here or there late on the substitution or a timeout clock or whatever it is. So I think it will add some very unique end of game scenarios to the college football chase. - Well, coach, we're looking forward to it. Another start coming up tomorrow night against Eastern in this historic year, 100 years of Memorial Stadium. We've got a lot, we'll be talking about that throughout the year, the helmets and the great, those uniforms, by the way, look fantastic, the ones for Michigan. I gotta get me one of those somehow. - I don't know. - You had any idea how many times people have had that too. - Excited, it's gonna be a great year. I appreciate everything. I love all the fans buying tickets and putting themselves in a position to be with us tomorrow night and super excited about the opportunity. - Very good. Thank you, sir. - Thank you very much. - Very good. - I and I, Pat Ambleton will join us after the break. This is the coach, Brent Vila, a show sponsored by Bud Light, BUC Bank, a line ice sports network from Learfield. (upbeat music) - Listen up, Alignite fans. Cashback is here with the new Alignite Visa Signature Cashback Card brought to you by the U of I Community Credit Union. Earn cashback every time you make a purchase. 5% cashback on gas and travel, 2% back on groceries and restaurants, and 1.5% back on everything else. But that's not all. U of I Community Credit Union will match your cashback earnings up to $150 for the first year. Learn more and apply today at AligniteCard.org. - Jake from State Farm, I'm winning. I've finally cleaned my house, so I'm breaking out my new tropical room spray. - Keep winning and create an affordable price just for you by bundling your home in auto with the State Farm Personal Price Plan. It's like your own personal paradise. - Ooh, hey, grab me a coconut water. - Bundling, just another way to save with the Personal Price Plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. - Prices are based on rating plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts and savings and eligibility vary by state. The Make It Forward Summer Sales Event is on. So make it your best summer ever with Ford. Now's the best time to get our best deals on a great selection of Ford trucks and SUVs. Like the Ford Explorer, the Ford Bronco Family, Ford F-Series and the all-electric F-150 Lightning. These are the deals you've been waiting for. So don't wait. It's the Make It Forward Summer Sales Event. So make it yours. Make it now at your Ford dealer today. (upbeat music) - Alainai fans sell your home with a trusted leader in local real estate, your official real estate team of the Fighting Alainai, Ryan Dallas Real Estate. Ryan's team outsells and outperforms the competition as the number one team in home sold year after year. Proven results, five-star service and an unmatched commitment to help you win. All backed by Ryan's 48-hour offer guarantee. Get started today at RyanDallasRE.com. Ryan Dallas Real Estate, the official real estate team of your Fighting Alainai. (upbeat music) - Back on the Brad Peele radio show. Again, a reminder that kickoff to the 2024 season is right around the corner. In fact, it's tomorrow night. Catch the action on August 29th. Alainai face Eastern Illinois. Thanks to our game sponsor, State Farm. Like a good neighbor. State Farm is there. All right, we're joined now by General Manager, Pat Embleton. That's something new. - Yeah, it's a new title, new title. Nothing, nothing. - Job's the same. - Job is the same, just a little bit different wording this time. - How many years for you now? - This is the start of season 12. - Yeah. - Now, among staffs in college football, I'm guessing, and I've been here 23 years now, that that's a little rare to be in one place that many years, which is a testament to you, I think, and the job you do. - I thank you for that. It is, it's a little bit uncommon, but love this place and, you know, it's just a little bit of luck, and hopefully been doing somewhat of a good job to be kept. - Well, college football, of course, is changing under our feet. So what are some things as a general manager now that you have to do differently than maybe a year ago or two years ago? - I think the biggest thing that we're looking to, and we're still trying to get answers on, is just what this revenue sharing is gonna bring to us. We have an idea as to, you know, how we can financially assist in paying players, and how that's going to go about in terms of attracting talent. That's the biggest thing. And there's still a lot of unknowns out there, which to some may be very concerning. I think it's exciting because, you know, it's something new, and we're all going through it, and it'll help even the playing field a little bit. - Yeah, there's two big earthquakes, and they happen at the same time, where the NIL and the transfer portal, looking back, I mean, I'm not in charge, but I don't know if I had a staggered those a little bit or something, but that was back-to-back earthquakes, basically. - That shook up college athletics peak time. And because of that, you know, all you can do is adapt and adjust. And if you don't, then you're outside looking in. I think we've done a good job in terms of the transfer portal. And we'll continue to do that. And this revenue sharing will be a huge part of it. - Well, you look out west, for instance, what Primetime did out there, Dion. I mean, he's using the transfer portal in probably the extreme way. That may or may not be the way to do it, but it seems to me you guys have done a really good job of seeing what your needs are, recruiting the state of Illinois for high school players and just moving a lot of pieces around. - Yeah, that's the delicate balance that you have to continue to assess every year as to, you know, how are you gonna attack an off season between a transfer portal and a high school? And we are a developmental program. And so high school recruiting is still a huge part of our recruiting efforts, especially in this state. And so, but like you said, Brian, we do every week, we get a chance to look at our depth and get a chance to look at, hey, I think we need to make an impact here in this off season at a certain position. And that's the way we attack it. But we won't be like, you know, some folks, there's two different styles to do it. We won't be like some folks that wanna go all in, just because we do look at this program is still getting in high school recruits and let them develop and blossom. - Well, you think about young guys from small schools in this area, blossoming. I mean, Aidan Lawfrey, Gibson City, not a very big place. And you've got Mr. Fagan from Atwood, Hammond. - Yep. - I mean, that's pretty, you gotta be pretty proud of that. The guys, you've been able to find guys like that that can contribute. - Yeah, and that's the whole goal, is to leave no stone unturned, especially when we're evaluating. And you look at a kid like macro study, choose from Spring Valley Hall. And it's a, you know, nobody really knew about them. We did, we kept them under wraps and we're gonna continue to do that and hopefully find some more players that can impact us early. - I'm always fascinated by the whole recruiting because everybody, I mean, if there's a really good player, there's a bunch of people there looking at him. I mean, the word is out, but how do you find the guys that nobody's looking, not nobody's too strong, but not everybody's in the, you're over here looking and they're all looking at somebody else. - Right. Well, I think it first starts with, which is our relationships with the coaches in state. And that no matter what size of the school is, one A or eight A, when they send us a player, they recommend a player. We're gonna be diligent in our efforts of evaluating them and evaluate them on multiple different levels in terms of their full game tapes or if they play basketball, we'd love to watch some basketball tape as well. But that is the main thing. And it's a big effort to Pat Ryan or who's our director of high school relations. I know he stays in context with 500 plus high school coaches in this state every week. And we've gotten a lot of great players just based on the relationships that we've built within this state. - It's interesting you say you watch basketball too. Tell me about that. Why is it just being a good athlete or? - Being a great athlete, yeah. We like to recruit kids that are multi-sport athletes just because there's so many things that pop up when you're evaluating an athlete in terms of how they can put their body in certain positions that translates to the football field. So I love basketball. I wasn't very good at it, but I played it. But I love watching basketball players just because you can see different types of explosion, vertical, linear explosion, especially in online and D linemen. You love what a big fella's moving on the court and he's playing a center position 'cause you can see how athletic he is with his feet. But it gets a chance just to see the competitor as well. And that's a big part of kind of an off-the-field trait that we look at is how competitive is this person and do they compete in all phases of athletics? - Pat Immleton is our guest general manager now. He looks at recruiting and follows the transfer portal and everything else that he does day-to-day. A lot of big guys you'll see on the offensive line probably wrestled. I mean, do you watch that too? - Yes. - Yeah, wrestling for O-line D-line, our outside the I-backers and side-line-backers, we love that because mentally we know that they are very strong and very tough. But then the flexibility comes a new big part of play when you see wrestlers. And so it's just wrestling is a fun sport 'cause it's mono, Imano. And so you can really kind of tell the ultimate competitor too and the grit and the nasty and the toughness that they display when they're on the wrestling mat. - And also, I mean, it's obvious with some of the defensive backs or wide receivers they ran track. - I mean, they were on the four by 100 or whatever. - Yes, yeah, that's huge. We want to always because, you know, track gives you two things. You see how fast they are and you get verified times from it. And so a lot of the athletes that recruit in the skill position, you'll see that they are running track in the springtime. - Yeah, there's a lot that goes into it. Any shot putters or any rugby players or anything like that? - There's been a lacrosse players, shot putters for sure. Especially some bigger skill guys because that equates to a lot of hip explosiveness, believe it or not. And so, you know, there's rugby players. I've had a couple in my past, but they don't really do that much in high school right now. I don't know if it's sanctioned by the HSA, so. - Well, yeah, in this state, anyway, there's other states that have it, other countries too. I guess all these sports are in my head because of the Olympics, which is we just saw all these different sports. - Yeah, I know, that was fun, that was fun. - Pat Immelton is our guest here in this segment. We talked to Brad Beelam a little earlier. Of course, during the course of the year, we'll be on every Wednesday night. We'll have coach, we'll have players as we do the show from the Smith Center with invited guests coming up during the course of this year. And the Alana, of course, against Eastern Illinois coming up tomorrow night at eight o'clock. Our network pregame comes your way at seven tomorrow evening from Memorial Stadium. Back with Pat Immelton in a moment here as we continue on the Brad Beelam a show presented by Bud Light on the B.C. Bank, Alanae Sports Network from Learfield. (bell rings) Some days you hit snooze, but not today. Today you have to go on a run to get burgers for the tail game. You've got to haul something heavy, a cooler stocked with Bud Light. And you've got beer and football, nothing is hard, until the other team scores. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly, 21 Plus, copyright 2024 and Heiser Bush, Bud Light beer, St. Louis, Missouri. (upbeat music) Premium is proud to celebrate agriculture today and every day, on the field and off. We were founded on the potential of agriculture more than a hundred years ago and are more than 1500 employees embrace this heritage as we look to tomorrow. To learn more about how Premium teams are working to enrich lives through plant-based solutions across the food, feed and industrial ingredients markets, visit the Premium website at premium.com and follow us on LinkedIn. (upbeat music) Since BC Bank first opened our doors in 1868, we have built upon a tradition of close relationships and broad financial capabilities. 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(upbeat music) - Back on the Red Beetle of a radio show visiting with GM Pat Embleton, Align Eye fans, whether you're in Champaign Urbana for game or you're reminiscing about your time spent on campus, experience Champaign Urbana as ideas to help you discover our vibrant community. Unique festivals and events, thriving arts and culture, tranquil outdoor adventures and our award-winning culinary scene, all add up to a brilliant experience. You can learn more at experiencecu.org. Pat Embleton is with it. We talked about the recruiting high school guys, but of course the transfer portal. And when you're evaluating a guy, you obviously want it to be a good fit. But what goes into that decision-making? What are some things you look at? - Well, the first thing is what's our need for the transport? Probably attack everything. And we're doing a lot of things right now in terms of just evaluation of other schools, lower level schools because every year, there's a dozen plus FCS players, Division II, Division III players that end up making an impact at the power four level. And so anything that we can do in prep time to get ahead of that, we do that because come December, I believe it's sixth this year, is one of the transfer portal window open. So that's when kids actually can put their name in that window. So that window's small. It only goes for about a month. And you got 80 some teams fighting after a lot of the same players. And so how we can differentiate ourselves and set ourselves apart is relationships still play a huge part of it. Although there's revenue sharing and you can offer some financial package to persuade a player at the end of the day, these are still 18 to 22 year old kids and relationships are gonna make a huge impact on them. And so that's really the first and the reason main thing that we look at. And then the second part is when we do get in contact with the kid, we try to be very fast and efficient and effective and there's certain methodologies that we use to try to get a kid to know a kid to see if he's a fit for this building. And how we go about that, I won't give all the trade secrets, but it's just about talking as much as you can and asking certain questions about, everybody's going to the portal for a reason, but we wanna make sure that that reason is not a negative reason, if that makes sense. - Did you imagine when you started this type of job 12 years ago, I started working that we'd be talking this way about financial incentives and guys hopping around from team to team. You know, when we first started, you had to get waivers approved to get a kid to transfer and be immediately eligible. So that's been a nice part about that piece is less typing about why somebody should be immediately eligible, but yeah, it's changed. And I do think it's good for the game. You know, I think that there's obviously a lot of money in the sport and, you know, there's some things that you wish were changed, but that's out of my power. And so I think that with all the networks and everybody watching a certain player that do deserve a chance to make some money other day. - So I'm guessing recruiting never really, is it 12 months a year now? I mean, you're watching it, you got a high school game starting this week. - Yeah, yeah, I mean, it's year round. If you're not recruiting, then you're losing. If you're not recruiting every day, then, you know, somebody else is out working here. So, you know, our motto is that we're not going to be outworked. So we, from call logs to texting to high school coaches, there is a full list of what we do and who we talk to every single day. - GM Pat Emeraldton is our guest here on the Brett Bielema Show on this Wednesday night night before the Eastern Illinois game, tomorrow night, at eight, seven o'clock, our pregame show, tomorrow night. - How does it work mechanically with you? When you start, the coaches, assistant coaches are out. Do they all go through you? Do you send them out? I mean, how does that work? - Well, I have a tremendous staff, right? And so, the majority of who we sign or who we look at is coming from our recruiting department. And so we do all the call to the, all the call, cultivizing all the players and finding the names and putting them together in groups as to who we're going to target. And that's all the vision from the head coach and myself, that we meet daily on terms of what we're looking at. And so, from there, we develop, each coach has a certain recruiting area that they go to and within their recruiting area, they already have names and targets as to who they're going to see. And at that point, that's called area recruiting and then you get it to more finalized where they go and see their position. So everything that we do on the recruiting front, not everything, but about 90% of the players that they're going to see is coming from our recruiting department. - Now, a guy like Zai Chrisler came from junior college or other guys we've had on the team, more part college or wherever. - Yeah. - I mean, how do you find guys like that? - Yeah. - I mean, there's so many databases and services that provide you names and schools and lists of people. And so, you know, we subscribe to a couple of those services, but we also have a lot of tactics that we use, especially in the junior college rank. You know, we do have several JUCO players on this team and we have a lot of good connections in the junior college world. And so, we evaluate everybody that's on a roster in junior college and it's been a hit for us, so far. - And something like that, if you're at a junior college in California, I mean, that's a long way away or Mississippi, how to, does somebody reach out to you and say, "Hey, we got a guy?" Or is that just through contacts over the years or? - It's a little bit of both. We actually set up, you know, just an initial email out to all the junior colleges that play football and ask them for contact information, ask them for lists, ask them for recommendations, and then from there, you've already got a contact made and you can start striking up a conversation once you find a player roster that you like. So, it's, you know, it goes into a lot of communication 'cause you gotta make sure their grades are right, transcript set that their hours can transfer in here. So, there's a lot of work that's done behind the scenes that, you know, we get a player like Zai who got here in January and has been, you know, who's going on his third year to be a starter, right? - And then you've got guys like Zakari Franklin, which is kind of a, I mean, I don't wanna say no-brainer, but it kind of is. I mean, he played for Barry Lunny. He had 155 yards against us, whatever it was, three years ago. - Right, right. - I mean, that is like, well, that's for you to unite those guys. - Yeah, and that was a big part of it. You know, Zakari's passed with Coach Lunny and Coach Lunny ultimately telling us how much of a, you know, great person he is. And that's what it is. He's such a good person and he's such a great fit for this team. And so, that's the main thing, 'cause you can bring in a great player, but they might not fit your locker room. So, that's the due diligence that our staff does and especially our coaches when they get in front of a player and their family. - Pat Emilton is our gas general manager here for the Fighting Alina football program. We talked to Brett Bielemma earlier. We've got more to come here, more with Pat. Couple of segments left here as we go on the Bud Light. Brett Bielemma's show here from Learfield. (bell rings) - Some days you hit snooze, but not today. Today you have to go on a run to get burgers for the tail game. You've got to haul something heavy, a cooler stocked with Bud Light. You've got beer and football, nothing is hard. Until the other team scores. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Enjoy responsibly. 21 Plus, copyright 2024 and Heizer Bush, Bud Light beer, St. Louis, Missouri. - Health is a precious thing. And when it comes to deciding who to trust with yours, you can count on Carl. On your life's journey, count on care beyond our walls with mobile medicine, virtual health, and community partnerships delivering personalized care. When you're not sure what's next, count on clinical excellence today because we're researching and investing in the care of tomorrow. And when you need someone by your side, count on highly specialized care close to home. Carl Health will be the neighbor you can count on. - Can we cure cancer? What can we learn from history to make a better today? What in our culture and biology makes us unique? How can I change the world? The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois is asking the big questions that lead us all forward. - LAS students, faculty, and alumni find the answers to research, creativity, and personal growth. You have questions? Seek your answers in LAS. Find out more at go.illinois.edu/LAS. - Jake from State Farm. - I just beat my running PR. - So, I'm celebrating with the Banana Bonanza's movie. - Hey, and you can keep celebrating when you create an affordable price just for you by bundling your home and auto with the State Farm Personal Price Plan. - Go bananas. - I will. - Hey, make it a large. - Bundling, just another way to save with the Personal Price Plan. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. - Prices are based on reading plans that vary by state. Coverage options are selected by the customer. Availability, amount of discounts, and savings and eligibility vary by state. (upbeat music) - We continue our visit here on the brand feel of our radio show sponsored by our friends at Bud Light. Appreciate them being our title sponsor. The show will be here Wednesday night in the Smith Center, and we'll have coach again next week ahead of the game with Kansas, couple of players as well along the way. If you miss any of the show tonight, you can always catch it on demand via our podcast, Inside Fighting Alumni Athletics. Download and subscribe wherever you get your podcast. Bad Hamilton with us here for another segment. Conference expanded. I mean, we're now 18, who knows what's in the future, but is there any, I think I mentioned this to coach a little bit, any prep that you guys do when it comes to recruiting potentially players out on the West Coast now that, hey, we're gonna be out that way. - Right, right. - For your family to see you, I guess. - Right, right. I think that it just expands our recruiting footprint, and not saying that we're gonna go out there as a major primary area on the West Coast, because there's a bunch of schools in between Cali and Illinois. And so, but there are select targets that we can go to, and it starts again with relationships on staff and who's recruited out West. And so we have a few of that, but the junior colleges will come into play a lot. But I do think that just with the Big Ten expansion, and you know, parents can watch their son's play every Saturday or Thursday for that matter. - Right, yeah. - But, and so that does play a part of it. So yeah, we will, we have started to explore a little bit on the West Coast and have a few high school offers out there, but it's gonna be a really relationship base until we really get our foot into the ground out there. - Yeah, ready to go to Oregon? - I can't wait. - Yeah. - It's a long way out there, for sure. And of course, as we go along, some of the West Coast schools will be coming here. We've been talking about this, some of the Olympic sports, you know, basketball will be affected a little more than football. I mean, it's a, it's the kind of a one trip out there, maybe per year, you know, I would say. - Yeah, I imagine some other sports have to, I don't know, take a couple of week or 10 days, or they're playing multiple, multiple schools out West, but it'll be, it'll be interesting to see how it plays out. - A couple of other transfers, we can have the transfer portal, the young man Brooks from Texas. - Yeah. - And then of course, young man from Ohio, in Cox. - Yeah, yeah, yeah, both, both DB's, both corners. Obviously when Terrence went into the portal, knew that he would be a pretty highly sought after recruit just because of, you know, his pedigree and how much he played on a college football playoff team. And so I give coach, coach Aaron Henry a lot of credit because he's such a personable and relationship person that some, you know, stuck with Terrence and that family when Aaron went and visited them. And, you know, it's just, that part is, like I mentioned earlier, the relationship piece is huge because parents still have to feel comfortable leaving their kids with somebody that's not them, that can guide them in a, in a parental role. We'll teach them some football too. - Pat, Pat Embles in with us for a couple more minutes. We've got in this game tomorrow, and I have two more Australian punters. - Yeah. - Are you, you still peak at Australia? Do you follow that? - The funny thing is that my sister still lives in Melbourne, Australia, so she, the first time we recruited Blake Hayes, it's a crazy story, but her and the Hayes family, without knowing this, they lived about two streets away from each other, which is cool. So, I do know that, that Hughes got a couple years of eligibility left, but I will volunteer to go out there to recruit another pilot by all means. - It is amazing. I mean, it is literally a punter factory. - Yeah, yeah. - They do a great job of prokic Australia. That's what it is, so, and they do a great job. - Yeah. We appreciate you coming on tonight, Pat, and joining us. We've always enjoyed our visits with you, and keep up the good work and all that happens, you know, the players are ready to start playing. I'm sure you're ready, you've been focused and putting the team together. Now you want to see it. I can't wait. I mean, like every time I go to practice and my God, I'll redone with practice. Can we get to Thursday? We play our game now. So yeah, I can't wait. It's going to be an exciting year. Very good. Good to see you. Thank you, Pat. Great to see you all. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. General manager Pat Ebelton with us. As we continue in a moment on the Brett Bielamut Show presented by Bud Light, Busey Bank, Alanae Sports Network from Learfield. In the heartland where ambition thrives, there are those who are made and those who are made for more. Just like the Alaini on Game Day, Kloss, a leading producer of Ag equipment, unleashes the power of ambition in the view. Discover why our cutting edge machinery and unwavering support aren't just a promise. They're a commitment to your success because at Kloss, we know you are made for more. Visit your Kloss dealer or CLAS.com. This is Coke Zero Sugar. Could I be the best Coke ever? Try and taste with your ears. Hear those bubbles. Imagine them tingling on your tongue. Busy deliciousness. Listen to that cascading liquid, a mouth-watering waterfall. Here is sisterly tasty, zero sugar, crisp, refreshing, and ice-gold. Is Coke Zero Sugar the best Coke ever? Try and decide. Listen up Alaini fans, cashback is here with the new Alaini Visa Signature Cashback Card brought to you by the U of I Community Credit Union. Earn cashback every time you make a purchase. 5% cashback on gas and travel, 2% back on groceries and restaurants, and 1.5% back on everything else. But that's not all. U of I Community Credit Union will match your cashback earnings up to $150 for the first year. For more, apply today at AlainiCard.org. At Whiffles Hybrids, we know what it takes to win on the field. Commitment, teamwork, superior performance, and a daily focus on the 100 little things that separate the good ones from the greats. Whiffles is developed and tested right here in the Corn Belt so that we perform in the Corn Belt better than anyone else. Just like you. Whiffles Hybrids is proud to support Alaini Football. Aski Wauwau. Well, we're back on the Red Viva Show again, a visit with a coach tonight. We'll do that every Wednesday night from the Smith Center and a couple of players along the way each week. Our show tonight brought to you by Bud Light, proud sponsor of Illinois Athletics. Easy to drink, easy to enjoy, and don't forget the game sponsor. Tomorrow night is our friends at State Farm, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Illinois football tomorrow night against Easter and they played twice before September 2nd, 2006. Illinois won 42 to 17. Tim Brasek, remember him? 49 yards per year, Thomas, 126 yards, Illinois snapped a nine game losing streak in that win. Alaini rolled up over 500 yards of offense and of course some of the members of that team in '06, guys like Jay Layman and others that began to play and of course in '07, Alaini wound up winning games, winning in Ohio State, wound up in the Rose Bowl January 1st of '08. Interesting note in that game. Couple of notes. The U coach of the time was Bob Spoo, he missed the game with surgery. Alaini led by Brasek had drives of 90, 83, and 80 yards in that first ever meeting in September of '06. Second meeting was in '08, done right after the renovation of Memorial Stadium with the new student section and a lot of the changes in the media center, the press box. Illinois won 47-21, Eastern only trailed, 13 to 7, late in the first half, but Alaini blew it open, juice Williams, 174 yards rushing, 100 yards in the first half and Alaini had nearly 400 yards rushing in that win over Eastern. So 2-0 all time as they get ready to play coming up tomorrow night at eight. That's going to do it. Thanks to Drake, our producer, thanks to Ed Bond producing here and for Coach Brett Beilema and for Pat Ebelton. Thanks to them for being with us. I'm Brian Barnhart. We'll see you tomorrow night. Talk to you then from Memorial Stadium in Champaign, 7 o'clock pregame, 8 o'clock kick against Easter. Go Alaini. This has been the Brett Beilema Show. From the UC Bank Alaini Sports Network from Lea Field presented by Bud Light. Bud Light, easy to drink, easy to enjoy. Also brought to you in part by Carl, the official healthcare provider of the Fighting Alaini. Coke Zero Sugar is Coke Zero Sugar the best Coke ever. Try and decide. State Farm, like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. By U of I credit union, the Illinois signature cashback card, introducing cashback with the official credit card of the Fighting Alaini. The preceding has been a Lea Field presentation on the UC Bank Alaini Sports Network. Reservation for two, booked on Rezi, right this way. With Amax Gold. Your gotcha, baby. So good. You can enjoy over $400 back in dining value annually. Including up to $100 back on eligible Rezi purchases. So every dish is a winner. Okay, now this is the one. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Enrollment required. Terms apply. Learn more at AmericanExpress.com/withamax.