CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois head coach Nick Hill briefly huddled his team together after two, intense hours of practice on Wednesday morning to ask the players a question.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Kellen Francis, the newest addition to the offensive line for Southern Illinois, grew up watching Saluki Football games. So even though the Illinois transfer had FBS offers after entering the portal in January, he wanted to follow his father’s footsteps and play for the team he rooted for as a kid.

MARION, Ill. — Friday night’s Saluki Football scrimmage at Marion High School was a chance for less-heralded players to showcase their talents, and numerous players took advantage of the opportunity.

MARION, Ill. — Southern Illinois held a public scrimmage at Marion High School on Friday night. Head coach Nick Hill took a break during practice and invited kids down to the field to run drills with the players.

MARION, Ill. — After visiting Du Quoin last week, Saluki Football trekked east to Marion High School on Friday night for its second scrimmage of spring ball and another chance to mingle with fans.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois long snapper Ryan Algrim sees similarities between his current job on the football team and his future occupation as a firefighter.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Drew Wilson, the newest grad assistant on the Saluki Football staff, said he’s wanted to be a football coach since he was old enough to watch the sport on TV.

DU QUOIN, Ill. — College teams are permitted three, live practices during spring ball, and the Salukis took advantage of their first live opportunity on Friday night, running approximately 60 scripted plays at Du Quoin High School.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Salukis took a break during Saturday night’s practice at Du Quoin High School and let the kids take over.