Camp Rantoul chat: 12:30 p.m. Monday
Monday, August 11, 2008 - 12:30am
Ask News-Gazette Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen about Camp Rantoul
Ask News-Gazette Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen about Camp Rantoul
Welcome back to another chat. Don't forget we are going to have another one Tuesday at 2 p.m. We'll get back on the usual 12:30 schedule starting Thursday.
So, let's get to the questions.
Will the scrimmage be podcast or on illini network.
Mike,
WDWS will carry the scrimmage starting right after "The News-Gazette Sports Page." It will not be on the network beyond the flagship station.
WDWS is hoping to have a podcast of the scrimmage shortly after the end of the workout. It is awaiting final approval to make sure it owns the rights to the work.
I know that Brian Barnhart will be working the scrimmage for WDWS and I believe Kurt Kittner might be on as well.
Hello Bob,
NCAA football 09 made Will Judson the fastest man on the planet and a pretty good player. Does he have any chance of duplicating any of this on the field or if not what will his role be?
John,
I bought the game the first day it came out and noticed the same thing you did. The reality is that Will Judson is really, really fast. Based on the early practices, I believe he will have a chance to make an impact. He catches everything and is very good after he gets the ball. He is listed in the two-deep I put up Saturday, so yes, I believe he's in the rotation.
Bob,
Will Rejus Benn be allowed to be a return man more often this year with Kyle Hudson out of the picture?
And how is the golf game?
Chuck,
I watched the punt work at this morning's practice and Benn was handling some of the returns. I think the coaches want him to handle the ball as often as his body will stand it.
Another guy you might want to watch out for on returns is freshman Jack Ramsey. He has really looked good during training camp and the coaches wanted him involved.
My golf game is almost nonexistent. I played three or four 18-hole rounds this summer. I have played several times at the new Legends of Champaign course. It's a par 29 and cost $8. And it takes an hour to play nine. Check it out. It's a great way to work on your short game.
what is your opinion of Eric Block's chances on cracking the starting lineup?
Gary B.,
I think he will start the opener against Missouri at left guard. And I think he will have a good senior season. I remember him playing well last season against Ohio State late in the game. He stops his guy from getting to the quarterback and running back, which is all that really matters. Block did a good job this summer preparing for the season. He is in the best shape of his life. Plus, there isn't a nicer guy on the team. He is one of those players who you want to see succeed.
Even if he doesn't start the opener, he would be the sixth man and get plenty of time on the field.
I want to get back to Mike's earlier question. I just got off the phone with Jim Lewis at WDWS and the scrimmage will be podcast on IlliniHQ.com soon after the workout ends.
I have been hearing a lot about Chris Duvalt lately. What can you tell us about him from what you have seen at camp thus far? Thanks Bob.
Kyle,
Chris Duvalt is certainly one of the fastest players on the team. Probably the fastest. But he got stuck behind three guys at cornerback and his time was going to be limited. So, he found a place where he could be used, receiver, and seems to be taking advantage of the situation. I expect him to be in the receiver rotation. Don't be surprised if he makes a big catch or two early in the season. He hasn't played in a game at receiver, but if you talk to him, you realize he has confidence that he will be ready. He has the speed and the hands to be a breakout player for the Illini, giving Arrelious Benn more help and becoming a reliable target for Juice Williams.
A couple of quick things before I cut it off for the day:
1. At tonight's scrimmage, I will be blogging and be available for questions. Just send them to my email: asmussen@news-gazette.com.
2. Check out Loren Tate on ESPNews at 4:10 this afternoon.
3. The podcast of the News-Gazette Sports Page will be available at about 7 p.m. tonight. Scrimmage coverage will be available about 30 minutes after the workout.
4. My chat Tuesday is at 2 p.m. instead of 12:30. It's Paul Klee on Wednesday and then I'll be back at 12:30 Thursday.
Thanks again for all the questions. Hopefully, you have a chance to go to the Rantoul High School scrimmage tonight.