Scott,

You make a lot of good points. I think Brit Miller, Vontae Davis and the defensive linemen will be missed. But I also think there are some potential stars on the field, especially Corey Liuget.
I think it will be the most athletically gifted defense in Ron Zook's tenure. Will that translate to better? We'll see. But I'd rather have a strong, fast guy than a strong, slow guy.
The biggest issue on the defense, in my view, is twofold: Getting more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing more turnovers. A more athletic defense makes both of those areas easier to improve.

Jason,

I might have jumped the gun a bit. Ron Zook said today that Josh is still suspended and won't be with the team during the spring. The legal process will determine part of Brent's football future.
But I think, ultimately, Josh will get back on the team and be ready to play in 2009. Of course, there might some mandated missed games. Or, Ron Zook could use internal discipline against Josh (early morning workouts, etc.)
Bottom line, I believe Illinois wants to help Josh to try to return to the field. But he can't get into any more trouble.

jshaw,

I couldn't agree with you more about the latter point. I just saw Coach Johnson and he looked happy and healthy. The big winner is the local YMCA, which made a great hire.
Illinois promises a national search, but I think Carl Perry would be an excellent choice. He wrestled and coached at Illinois. He has played an important role in recruiting. And he will want the job.
Another possibility is Steve Marianetti, a former Illini who is the wrestling coach at Elmhurst College.

Gregg,
The coaching staff has used that model in the past, which helped bring Craig Wilson, Rahkeem Smith and others to the program.
I know there have been some changes in how much you can enhance your academic standing through prep school work. It still happens, but isn't the cureall it once was.
The coaches won't give up on a player if they feel he wants to return to Illinois and if they feel he can help the program. So, I won't be stunned if we someday see Tank playing at Illinois. I also won't be stunned if he ends up at another Big Ten school or in another conference. He's got a difficult home situation from what I understand. The folks at his high school are trying to help him continue with his education, which is the top priority.

Steets,

Patrick Nixon is on the spring roster and, I assume, ready to go.

He is a talented player who stuck to his commitment at Illinois. I'm not sure everybody would have done that.

I enjoy talking to him and look forward to seeing him on the field. He's the first guy I'm looking for at today's practice.

Al,
Start with Jarred Fayson. He looked very good last spring. And I think Cordale Scott will have a breakout sophomore year. Ron Zook today mentioned Jack Ramsey, who played quarterback in high school. The coaches feel he can be a top receiver.
I think you will see more red zone passes directed toward Jeff Cumberland. But he also effective in space because of his speed and jumping ability. If he puts together a big senior season, he could be an early pick in next year's draft.

Chester,

My guess is that it will be improved. There is new space opened up because of the lot next to the west side of the stadium. I've got to think everybody will get bumped up a notch. So, if you were in the southwest Assembly Hall lot last season, you will move to the northwest lot.
I can't imagine they would do it any other way. In a sluggish economy, I think the school will do everything it can to make its customers feel good about the way they are being treated. Improved parking should be a part of that.
For the record, the parking at Memorial Stadium is among the best in the Big Ten.

Andrew,

I think the coaches will find every way possible to get Arrelious Benn the ball. They will also want to establish Fayson, Terry Hawthorne, Cordale Scott, Jeff Cumberland and others to take the pressure off of Benn.
This is the best set of receivers at Illinois since 2002 and it could top that group if Fayson, Jack Ramsey, Hawthorne and others develop.

Jerry,

I will be shocked if Jacob Charest isn't the third quarterback (or second) and if Nathan Scheelhaase does anything but redshirt. Jacob has already sat out a season, so he won't redshirt. Nathan is willing to do whatever the coaches ask. And think of how good he will be as a scout team quarterback mimicking some of the good quarterbacks Illinois will face?
I saw Jacob Charest at pro timing day and he looks much bigger. He will definitely compete for the backup job.

Phil,
That's a tough call. They both are about the same size and will be given a chance to show they are ready to play. But I'll go with Frierson based on conversations I had with the coaches in the past. But it's close.

Gregg,

Daryle Ballew is out with a shoulder injury. Hardeman is out with a neck injury and Miami Thomas has had work on his shoulder and knee. Zook said Miami Thomas could be back by the end of the spring.
Sirod Williams is ready to go, though Ron Zook said the coaches won't let him overdue it in the spring. With a veteran player, it's more important to have him ready for Camp Rantoul.

Harmony,

Terry can play on defense, but the plan is to have him work on offense. His high school coach thinks he can be a star at either spot.
You're right about the other receivers. The list is so long that you forget a handful of quality players. Ron Zook specifically mentioned Chris Duvalt today.

Mike,

Usually, it's some version of "What kind of record do you project for the team?" Though I'm terrible at predicting games, I don't mind offering my opinion. But it's going to be complicated.
Illinois should win against Eastern Illinois, Indiana, Purdue and Fresno State. So, that's 4-0.
I think Michigan, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Missouri, Northwestern and Michigan State are more in the tossup column. So, figure 3-3.
And I think Illinois will have a difficult time with the teams coming back at Ohio State and Penn State. So, that's 0-2.
It adds up to 7-5. But it can be much better. And it can be somewhat worse.

SJ,

I like the Tate idea. He's tough though.
Special teams are a huge priority for Illinois this spring. Ron Zook will be heavily involved, like he always is. He needs to find the players he wants on each unit and stick with them. But that's hard given the limited amount of practice time.
One area where Illinois is set is at kicker. Matt Eller is going to only get better after a very good debut season.

Ricky,

We will have photos for sure. I don't know about video. I know we are going to have Ron Zook's press conference up later today. I like the idea of video any time we can do it. Maybe for the scrimmages.

Matt,

Martez is full go. He will be one of the starters. I'm going with Aaron Gress and Ian Thomas at the other two spots. But a bunch of guys are going to play, including Ellington.

Jeff,

Season tickets will go on sale in April, I'm guessing sooner rather than later.
The prices aren't going up from last season, but there are two premium games (Penn State and Michigan) for the single-game buyers.

David,

It's good that Coach Zook has twitter ability to keep the fans informed.
He mentioned Bussey to me on the way out of the press conference. Rahkeem Smith is listed as a defensive lineman on the spring roster. He played defense earlier in his career and the coaches must feel they've got fullback covered.