Head coach Jim Penley welcomed 30 players on Monday’s first day.

“It’s been a great start to camp,” he said. “Getting the opportunity to see nearly 30 guys out with a large number being in ninth and 10th grade is exciting.”

Penley and his coaches are looking to replace a talented roster from last season led by the Region 3 Player of the Year Caleb Jakubczak, tight end Gavin Lindemuth and fullback Logan Penley, but Jim Penley is excited for the upcoming season.

“All of these guys have been working hard, we’ve had a solid core of guys all winter,” Coach Penley said. “The older guys have been doing a good job of meshing with the younger players.”

Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower assistant coach Chris Sanders works with the Knights linebackers during minicamp this week in Russell.

The Knights close minicamp today and will have the annual intersquad blue-gold game Friday night at 6 p.m.

“We are excited to finish up the week strong and hopefully the guys continue to put the hard work in over the summer to prepare for the upcoming season,” Coach Penley added.

Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower head coach Jim Penley works with lineman Bryceton Coleson during minicamp this week in Russell.

Times Observer photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower assistant coach Jeff O'Brien talks with Knights lineman about footwork during minicamp this week in Russell.