There are a lot more qualified guys than me on here to provide an update, but I'll try to get the ball rolling.

QBs: Childers wasn't heavily involved, but in a drill throwing long he looked pretty good (although he was throwing with a stiff wind behind him what I saw, so not a great barometer). Will be interesting to see how Childers does this year. Thompson throws well and looked solid. If Hall remains at QB all four years I'll be surprised. Does NOT throw well. But boy is he fast, big and strong. Some wildcat this year would be a nice weapon, and maybe WR in his future as a lot of guys have been suggesting in other discussion threads.

RBs: We seem to be loaded here. The Nettles run after catch was explosive--very fast. Harbison will be a load and Rowell as well. In his comments to the season ticket holders after practice, Uremovich talked about employing a two-back set at times to get the most out of a deep group of running backs.

WR: My only impression was about Cole Tucker. When he signed two years ago, he looked like a little kid to me. Man has he filled out, and very quick. Can't wait to see how he does over the next four years. Love the local flavor.

Lines: In a practice like this I thought it was utterly impossible to draw any conclusions. Sorry--didn't have a feel for rotations, starters, etc. Anyone else who was there have better information about the O and D lines?

LBs: Again, hard to tell much. Pugh was held out. Lot of speed among the LBs and DBs. Really stood out to me.

Kicking game: Was very windy out of the north, so again not a good day to judge. The grad transfer can really boom it, but he missed a couple. Carey told the ticket holders the kid's still working his way back from the injuries that cost him during his senior year at Cincy. Our sophomore punter is going to be a weapon. So nice to see after years of pulling our hair out thanks to generally crappy kickers and punters.

Future pro: Carey said "You all know about Sutton Smith" (and everyone laughed), but there's another kid you might not know about." He proceeded to talk about the long snapper, Hayden Sak, who by all measurables is quicker and more accurate than most long snappers currently in the pros. Carey said he has no doubt he'll be playing on Sundays.

Overall impression: We will be one heck of a fast team. But we already knew that.

About the event itself: I'd never been before. The block party was enjoyable. Met two young guys who are working on their PhDs, one from U of Oregon, the other from Costa Rica. Both now at lil' ol' NIU! I asked how they liked their first winter in DeKalb, and the Costa Rica kid said, "Loved it! I want more snow." For real.

Good beer samples from new microbrewery in DeKalb (Forge, down by the McDonald's). Long conversation with STF--he was easy to talk with, in no hurry to cut it off, felt he was pretty open and honest about what still needs to be done. He's a high-energy guy--same impression I've had of him the 2-3 times we've talked. Practice was enjoyable. Great to go down on the field after the practice. Afterward the food/bar in the athletics center was nicely done with good talks given by STF, Carey, Uremovich and Knowles. All and all, a great time and worth the 45 minute schlep from the western suburbs. I'd do it again.

Hope this was useful info.