ScorpioForPrez,
From talking to the coaches, my sense is they would like to do more work in Texas. Eric Wolford has worked there and has good contacts. But the coaches don't want to go into an area unless they are sure if they will have a fair chance to get players. Texas is tough because of all the in-state schools. Plus, Oklahoma and others make regular visits to the state.
In both Texas and California, I think Illinois will try if they have a connection to the player.
There are no players on the current roster from Texas or California, though Daniel Dufrene played junior college football in California.
Of course, before this class, Illinois hasn't recruited North Carolina. The school found a player it really liked in Jacob Charest. So, that state will be considered too.
But you are right when you point out the areas where Illinois seems to concentrate its recruiting efforts. I think Kansas City will open up more with Nathan Scheelhaase picking the Illini.

Ryan,
FIrst, Jeff Johnson has special insight into the Illinois football program. We appreciate all the help he gives to IlliniHQ.com.
You look at the current roster and there isn't an obvious middle linebacker for the 2009 season (of course, the coaches are thinking first about the 2008 season). Brit Miller and Sam Carson will be gone after this season and somebody will need to step in. The coaches will first look internally for an answer. Maybe it's a guy who is currently at a different position. If that doesn't work, they will go get somebody, possibly a junior college player. Antonio Steele, though not a middle linebacker, should give Illinois fans hope that there is a guy out there who can help. And I think the Illinois coaches are looking for high school seniors who can project into the position.
Yes, The News-Gazette has posters for sale from the Illinois-Ohio State game. Email me at asmussen@news-gazette.com and I'll get you to the right person.

Larry,
I like lots of questions.
We won't do a daily chat after Camp Rantoul ends, but I be working into a daily chat rotation that will include Paul Klee and several WDWS personalities. It's going to be a really good deal.
I believe the AP poll comes out next weekend, probably Saturday for Sunday's paper. We will load it up on IlliniHQ as soon as we get it. I'm guessing Illinois is in the 18-20 range. The votes were due a week ago and I've talked to a few voters. They all have Illinois in their polls.
Illinois is No. 23 in Sports Illustrated. SI overrated Wisconsin, which it has at No. 10. What is everybody seeing that I don't see?

George,
I don't believe a player is eligible for the NFL until three years after his high school class graduates. I don't believe age matters.
Benn turns 20 on Sept. 8. He will definitely be here next season. Unless some Greek basketball team offers him $50 million.

redgrange 77,
Great question about the stadium. I will get a real answer for you later today or Monday. My guess is that they will want to limit the traffic on the west side to people who have tickets there. But you're right that you should be able to get there from the horseshoe. I think it would make sense to let fans in on the west. The area is going to have all sorts of history, with posters and murals. Everyone with a ticket should be able to see that.
I will try to ask Juice Williams tonight if he ever met Bernie Mac. He had met Dick Butkus before coming to Illinois, so I wouldn't be surprised if he knew Bernie Mac.

Dave C.,
Here goes:
OL: Steady veteran Ryan McDonald, up and comer Corey Lewis and overall best a tie between Jon Asamoah and Xavier Fulton (they are big guys and I don't want them to pound me).
DL: Steady veterans David Lindquist, Derek Walker and Doug Pilcher, up and comer Cory Liuget (he will play this season) and overall best Will Davis.
DB: Steady veteran Dere Hicks, up and comer Miami Thomas, overall best Vontae Davis.
LB: Steady veteran Brit Miller, up and comer Justin Staples and overall best Martez Wilson.
RB: Steady veteran troy Pollard, up and comer Jason Ford and overall best Daniel Dufrene
WR; Steady veterans Jeff Cumberland and Chris James, up and comers Cordale Scott and Jack Ramsey and overall best Arrelious Benn
ST: Steady veteran Michael Cklamovski, up and comer Derek Dimke and overall best Anthony Santella. On the return teams, look out for Chris Duvalt.

J Todd,
Donsay has had some really good moments, but he hasn't taken over one of the starting positions yet. He will contribute against Missouri. You won't know how much until two weeks from now.