J.J. Guedet, who played prep football in Washington, Ill., spent the past five years at the University of Minnesota. He will use his final year of college eligibility at Illinois State. (Photo via Twitter/X)
Third in a four-part series.
By Barry Bottino
The Illinois State fall camp depth chart listed J.J. Guedet as the starting left tackle.
But exactly where the transfer from Minnesota plays for the Redbirds isn’t his primary concern.
“I couldn’t care less,” said Guedet, who told Prairie State Pigskin that he’s worked at guard and tackle this off-season.
He chose ISU for a much simpler reason than a specific position.
“One of the big things was playing time,” the 6-foot-8, 305-pound Guedet said. “That’s why I entered the portal. I had gotten in (at Minnesota), but I wasn’t really a starter.
“I just wanted to play football again.”
Guedet, a senior with one season of eligibility remaining, is one of four Fresh Faces at Illinois State this fall. The annual Prairie State Pigskin series introduces readers to newcomers to the roster and returnees who will play expanded roles.
Spending the past five years at a Big Ten school resulted in 10 career appearances for Guedet, who played his high school football in Washington, about a 35-minute drive from the Illinois State campus.
But he gained a wealth of valuable experience in practice.
“I saw a lot of really good players come and go,” he said. “I had a lot of looks against older linebackers and defensive ends, some of whom have gone on to the (NFL) and are still there. Some of them are athletic, some are super smart and some are really strong.
“I’ve seen a ton of guys and broken down film on a ton of guys.”
A three-time All-Academic Big Ten selection, Guedet is no stranger to good study habits. That extends to the football field when picking up a new system at ISU.
“We taught conceptually at Minnesota, so I can understand why are we calling this play here?” he said. “What are we trying to achieve? How are we separating the defense? What’s the goal here? That made it a lot easier learning the offense here with (offensive line coach Harold Etheridge).”
As Prairie State Pigskin reported in June, ISU will use a two-quarterback system with returnee Tommy Rittenhouse and Kansas State transfer Jake Rubley.
Guedet said the process with both players has been rewarding.
“I love both Tommy and Jake,” he said. “They work real well with the O-line. They’re both really good at explaining, ‘I saw this in the defense. This is what we want to do. We’re going to attack this point right here.’
“Both of them have different perspectives but they’re both great at articulating what they want.”
Another benefit of joining the Redbirds for Guedet is having a quick trip home.
“Outside of camp, I was pretty much going home every weekend to hang out with my family,” he said. “My little sister plays basketball and volleyball, so I’ve been going to see her games.
“And mom cooking meals is great. She’s great at it.”
ISU’s other Fresh Faces include:
Offense
Xavier Loyd, WR, Junior
After spending the last three seasons at Kansas State, Loyd brings his abilities as a deep threat to the Illinois State offense.
He played in eight games last season for the FBS Wildcats, but made only one catch. Loyd was a teammate of new Redbird quarterback Jake Rubley at Kansas State.
Loyd joins a deep receiving corps and should be a regular contributor as the backup to starter Braden Contreras at the Z receiver spot, according to ISU’s fall camp depth chart.
Defense
Nick Kessler, DE, Junior
Kessler played in all 11 games last season for the Redbirds as a reserve. This spring, he was listed as the starting defensive end in ISU’s 3-4 system.
The 6-6 Kessler thrived in fall scrimmages, knocking down passes and disrupting the offense.
“He’s a big guy. He’s a smart guy. He’s been anchoring down the line,” Guedet said.
Last fall, Kessler collected a career-high 13 tackles on the season and the first two sacks of his collegiate career.
Steven Curtis, DE, Sophomore
At 6-5, 255 pounds, Curtis makes an impression with his athleticism.
“In the summer, I worked out with him all the time. We’d be doing sprints and he’s big but he’s running with our linebackers,” Guedet said. “He’s quick, he’s explosive and he gets off the ball really fast.”
Long arms and speed will likely help Curtis make an impact in the defensive line rotation.
The Florida native was listed as the second-team defensive end on the fall depth chart.
Barry Bottino is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin and spent 19 years at three Illinois newspapers. He has covered college athletics since 1995.
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