Sept. 02--Illinois coach Bill Cubit is in the getting-to-know-you phase with his team's defense.
The Illini offensive coordinator the last two seasons, Cubit was promoted to interim head coach Friday when Tim Beckman was fired. So he has made a point during his three practices in charge of spending time with the defense as it prepares for the season opener against Kent State.
"It was my job to go to the defense and show my face," Cubit said during Tuesday's Big Ten coaches' teleconference with reporters. "Go over there and be an encourager. Tell guys they're doing well and getting involved in drills. Just letting them know the head coach is on your side. Almost all of them came up and said we have your back coach."
Cubit has described himself as a "cheerleader" for the defense and said he will be more of a "game manager" and overseeing the offense during games.
One boost for the Illini defense is the progress of defensive end Jihad Ward. Ward, who was expected to miss the first two games of the season, practiced Monday and Tuesday.
Cubit described his Monday practice as positive.
"He looked very good," Cubit said. "We'll get him out there again and get him a little more reps and see how he's running around."
sryan@tribpub.com
