Chris, Grady, Harry and Matt,

Let me tell you what I think happened based on talking to some of those folks close to Craig.
First, he graduated early from Chicago Morgan Park with the hope of enrolling early at Illinois. When that didn't happen, he decided to look for other spring options, which include Mississippi, Syracuse and Michigan State.
Houston Nutt came to Chicago on Monday and had a great visit with Craig. Craig will be in Oxford later this week. If I had to guess, I think it is very possible he signs with the Rebels and enrolls right away.
However, if he can't get into Mississippi or Michigan State at the semester, then I think Illinois gets back in the picture.
The problem for Drummond is that because he is out of school now, he wants to begin college. The last thing the Drummond family wants is for Craig to have to stay at home for the next few months while waiting to go to college. But if that becomes necessary, they will do it.
When I talked to Craig, I asked him specifically, "Does Illinois remain a possibility?" He said yes. I know there are different reports out there about Craig, but all I can go by is what he said to me. I'm not going to take the word of another source when I talked to Craig myself.
One thing that I didn't put in the story was the answer Craig gave when I asked him "What do you think about the recruiting business?" and he said "It's pretty stressful."
We have to remember that these are 18-year-olds making life choices with a whole lot of outside pressure. I feel sorry for him in this case because I think he is dealing with the situation in the best way possible. He didn't rip the Illinois coaches. In fact, he had nice things to say about them.
And he made it clear that the departure of Tom Sims didn't force his decommit. But, from what I understand, had Coach Sims stayed, it would have been another selling point for Illinois. The two had apparently developed a good relationship.

Joe,

I think Craig will get through his Mississippi visit, then make a decision. If he wants to go to college now, he doesn't have much time to wait.
If he doesn't enroll in the next week or so, I think Illinois gets back in the picture.

Wade,

A lot depends on what new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz thinks of the idea of using his backup quarterback at receiver. Obviously, it gives the opponents one more thing to think about. That will appeal to Ron Zook.
I don't think Eddie McGee will be moved permanently to receiver. He is too valuable as a quarterback to make that switch.
Eddie is a talented runner and thrower. Mike Schultz will figure that out and find a way to get him on the field.
Cordale Scott did play in 2008 and will be a sophomore. I ran into him last week and he looks to have gained some weight. In a good way. I think he has a chance to be a very good player in 2009.

Grady,

I checked with Illinois ace equipment manager Andy Dixon, who told me a new logo hasn't been talked about. The team made a subtle change to the helmets three years ago, outlining the white letters with blue.
The ILLINOIS helmets have been around since 1989. It isn't easy to make a major change in the helmets because of all the different licensing and merchandise deals involved. Making changes to the uniforms is easier to do.
Andy told a story about how his alma mater, Wyoming, went through five head coaches in one seven-year span. And each new coach wanted to change the helmet to make his own mark. That can't be easy on fans or the helmet companies.
Schools tend to keep their helmet designs for a long time. Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State wouldn't dream of changing their helmets.

John,

A couple of years ago, Illinois recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell did a chat with us on the day after signing day. It went very well. I'll ask him if he would like to come back to do another one. Or maybe we can one of the other assistant coaches. I will check it out and let you know what we have planned.

Nate,
Patrick Nixon will not be here in the spring. That doesn't mean he won't return to the team in the summer. But he will not be here this semester.
The only two early enrollees, as I understand it, are Aaron Gress and Jamar Bass, who both came from junior college.

Tom,

From what I hear, Joe Gilbert has the coaching trifecta: Good recruiter, good technical coach and a good guy.
While he came to Illinois from Texas, he only spent a year there. He'll have more recruiting contacts in Florida and Ohio, both critical areas for Illinois.
Mike Schultz and all of his time in Texas gives Illinois a chance to recruit the state. I think it's definitely an area it will pursue in future classes. I t would be difficult to get in with many Texas players at this late date.

Eric,

That's the question everyone wants answered. I continue to believe that Appleton will sign with Illinois. He has told The News-Gazette that. Plus, he has current teammates and others in the Illinois class working on him.
I'm sure Kraig will want to hear what Mike Schultz has to say. If he is satisfied with the direction of the Illinois offense, I think he will sign with the Illini.
Give Ron Zook a lot of credit for arranging all of the late visits. Very smart move.

Joe,

Eventually, the horseshoe will need a structural upgrade. Those stands aren't meant to last forever.
It would be difficult to announce an major renovation now. But when the economy turns around (and it will, by the way), then the school can move forward.
I think you will see some sort of store incorporated into the horseshoe and more permanent restrooms and concessions. And I think the school needs to continue to improve the east side. Now is not the time, but maybe in a year the school can start making plans.

Matt,

I think Jarred Fayson will have a major impact in 2009, taking pressure off of Arrelious Benn and pals. If you saw Jarred in the spring game, you realized he is a talent.
I don't think Jeff Cumberland will go back to tight end. Though there aren't a ton of guys there, the returnees have ability. Cumberland works better as a receiver.
I think Terry Hawthorne will have a great impact no matter where he is on the field. After him, I'd go with Jenkins, Appleton, Scott and Sykes. All of them are going to play and all will get plenty of help from the double coverage drawn by Benn. We don't say it enough, but he is the best receiver in school history (sorry, David Williams.)