Camp Rantoul chat: 12:30 p.m. Tuesday

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - 12:30pm

Ask News-Gazette Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen about Camp Rantoul

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:31 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Welcome back to another chat. This could be the final one from Camp Rantoul. Ron Zook hasn't made a final decision yet, but it's possible the team will return to Champaign-Urbana a day or two early. Of ccurse, nobody is packing yet, so we'll have to wait and see.
If that's the case, I will still have a chat on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. It will just be from home.
We've got a bunch of questions to get to so here we go.

Jerry from St. Louis, MO — 12:32 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

My Dad is a big Illini fan and has always talked about Grange's big day against Michigan a the Memorial Stadium dedication game. Any info on where someone might get a copy of the famous photo of Grange running the ball on that day?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:37 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Jerry.

I too am a big fan of Red Grange. And so is UCLA legend John Wooden, who was at the Illinois-Michigan game in 1924. Kind of cool.
The photo you are talking about is currently running on the front page of IlliniHQ.com as part of promotion for an upcoming show on WILL.
As for findint the photo, I would start with the Illinois sports information office. They certainly have many copies of that photo and can tell you if it's possible to buy one. When you walk inside the football complex, there is a giant wall-sized photo of the scene that day, shot from the south end. It's really nice.
On Sept. 6, two of the all-time Grange experts will be in C-U for the Illinois-Eastern Illinois game. Dr. John Carroll and Gary Andrew Poole, the authors of the defining books about Red Grange, are planning a visit. I'll get you more details about any possible book signings they have.

Illini1973 from Belleville, IL — 12:37 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Is Zook still running a "shift" on the PAT? What is the intent of that (to be a true spread, ha,ha)?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:39 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Illini1973.
I haven't seen the shift on the PAT. OK, actually, I haven't watched the PAT during Camp Rantoul. Now, I will.
The idea of the play, if the defense doesn't respond, is to score an easy two points. I call it the "muddle huddle." Different teams have different names for it.
I think if you cause an opponent to spend five minutes on it in practice, it is already a bonus. That's time that could be spent on something else.
I'm not sure if you will see the muddle huddle this season. But Ron Zook has used it in the past.

sodbuster from savoy, il — 12:40 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Rate all aspects of the kicking game

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:43 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Sodbuster,
You already know that I know nothing about the extra point.
I'd say the kickers have all been good during training camp. Illinois has some options there, but I'm guessing Derek Dimke gets the start in the opener. He seems poised and capable.
The punting has been much improved. Anthony Santella booms punts in practice. He will be an All-Big Ten level player before he leaves.
The returns teams might be explosive. Arrelious Benn is a threat every time he touches the ball. Ron Zook really cares about special teams and I think you will see that in the return and coverage units.
Having better athletes makes for better special teams. And having coaches who place a high priority on it should also be a plus for Illinois.

Ryan from Decatur, IL — 12:43 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Obviously teams are going to stick to Arrelious Benn like glue (if they can :) ) but, if you had to pick one guy.. who will Juice's next go to guy be at receiver?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:45 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Ryan,
I really think it will depend on the play and the defense. In the past, Juice might have been tempted to force a ball in to a particular guy or situation. Not now. I think he will find the open guy and get him the ball. I know he has great chemistry with Chris James and Chris Duvalt, but you also see it developing with Michael Hoomanawanui, Will Judson, Alex Reavy and the freshmen.
Illinois is going to use a lot of receivers. I'm expecting Benn to be in the 60-plus catch range and several pals to be 20-40.

Scott Anderson from Edinburgh, UK — 12:45 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

How well are Donsay Hardeman and Supo Sanni progressing? Does Donsay have a chance of starting and Supo getting on the field this year?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:46 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Scott Anderson,
I'm guessing that Donsay Hardeman will play a big role in the Missouri game, either as a starter or an early-into-the-game reserve.
Supo Sanni is progressing well and will help the team this season. It could be soon or halfway into the season. The Illinois coaches seem happy with both players.

tot from jax, fla — 12:47 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Since that knee injury does Troy Pollard look fast or did it slow him down?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:49 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Tot,
Generally, when guys come back from torn ACLs, there leg actually is stronger. I don't think the knee was meant for football. But when you take part of the patella tendon and sub it in the for the ligament, you get a better knee.
Until being slowed by a knee injury, Troy looked like he was running well. I think he will be a major contributor this season.

Mark from Chicago, Illinois — 12:49 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

From what you guys have seen in practice which freshman wide receiver do you think will have the biggest impact this season. Scott, Jenkins, Ramsey, Sykes, or even Graham, or Davis

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:51 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Mark,
Both freshman tight ends are going to play, so they will make an impact.
Of the freshman receivers, it still might be too close to call. I'll say Scott and Jenkins, but Sykes has had his moments too.
The returning receivers have done a good job improving their play to the point where the freshmen aren't able to jump in as much as in the past.

Mike from Danville, IL — 12:52 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

What game should we expect to see Cumberland back in action?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:53 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Mike,
Remember that I'm not a doctor, I'll guess that he's back for the Eastern Illinois game. Ron Zook said two to four weeks, which means Missouri will be difficult. But a home game the following week seems possible.
I'm sure Jeff will be begging the coaches to let him get on the field earlier. But they will do the smart thing and not let him return until they are sure he is ready.

cj from jax, fla — 12:53 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Who is the fastest running back y'all got?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:56 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

CJ,
If they are all healthy, I'd say probably Troy Pollard. But it could be any of the four. Are they running with pads on and against a defense? Maybe then it's Jason Ford or Daniel Dufrene. Are they being chased by a linebacker? Maybe then it is Mikel Leshoure.
I will say they are all fast enough to be 1,000-yard backs in the Big Ten.

IWOY from Gurnee, Illinois — 12:57 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Hey Bob. Just wondering what your camp impressions have been on the following players: Garrett Edwards, Bo Flowers, and Dustin Jefferson.

Thanks.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

IOWY,
Bo Flowers, to me, has been one of the surprises of Camp Rantoul. If the Illini played today, I believe he would be in the starting lineup. After a bunch of years away, he has found the passion for football and will be an important member of the team in 2008. And the good part for recruiting, he doesn't cost Illinois a scholarship. The Detroit Tigers are picking up the tab.
Garrett Edwards is getting more and more involved in the defense. After a good spring, he will get plenty of time on the field.
Dustin Jefferson is a bit of a wild card. He might be able to ease some of the concerns about linebacker depth.

Jim from Tampa, Fl — 01:00 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Bob any news on the status of Nixon, Frierson or Ramsey?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Jim,

Sorry, nothing new to report.

Every year at Illinois and at other schools, a player or two falls through the academic cracks. Hopefully, all three will be able to get on the field and move on with their college lives.
Patrick Nixon and Jack Ramsey got off to good starts at Camp Rantoul. Evan Frierson could have helped with linebacker depth.
I promise an update when more information becomes available.

Festusrules from Pumpkin Capital, Illini ois — 01:03 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Have you spoken with Gamble? Do you think he will get out of the doghouse any time soon?

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:05 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Festusrules,

An important point to make with Brian Gamble. Even if he didn't have the off-the-field issues and the "Zook eligible" questions, he still is a long way away from being able to help the Illini on the field. He has an injury that he needs to return from and he switched back to defense at a position (safety) that has suddenly got great depth.
I don't see him contributing this year.

Buck from Chicago, IL — 01:05 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Few questions, answer as many or few as you like.

We hear a lot about Brit Miller and Tez Wilson, but very little about strong side backer. Will Pittman be up to the job? Are the coaches pleased with strong side backer play this fall?

Considering the marked accuracy improvment of Juice in the final four game of last year, has this continued this fall? Has he 'crossed the bridge'?

Other than kicking game, what it the biggest worry of the staff?

Are the UI coaches publicly worried about O line depth?

Who of the freshmen do you think will see the field this season

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Buck,

Rodney is a fourth-year guy who knows what he is doing. From a coach's standpoint, he will be a reliable guy. Maybe not spectacular like Martez, but reliable. I think he is doing a good job and will a plus during the season.
Juice crossed the bridge last year and will never go back to the other side. All that's going to happen with him is his accuracy and decision making will continue to get better. I've said it before and I really believe it: He's a strong Heisman Trophy candidate as a senior. I have a vote and have never put an Illinois player in my top three. I might have to next season. If not before.
I think they addressed their biggest worry during the offseason and got the answer they wanted: complacency. If the players had come back all 20 pounds heavier, the coaches would have freaked out. Instead, they got the team back in the best shape ever and that has carried over to Camp Rantoul.
I think the coaches feel like there are enough quality players on the offensive line. The young guys are going to be very good in the future.
In no particular order: Mikel Leshoure, Jason Ford, Derek Dimke, Hubie Graham, London Davis, A.J. Jenkins, Cordale Scott, Supo Sanni, Russell Ellington, Justin Staples, Graham Pocis, Corey Lewis, Cory Liuget. Jacob Charest is capable of playing, but I'm thinking the coaches will try to redshirt him if possible.

Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Tue, 08/19/2008

Wow,
We are done for the day. Great questions as always. Paul Klee is on tap for Wednesday and I will be back Thursday.