Bob,

I just got talked to East St. Louis coach Darren Sunkett, who has been hearing the same rumors about his receiver.
Sunkett said Appleton is in school and still plans to attend Wisconsin.
"I see him every day," Sunkett just told me.

Steve,

I'm having a tougher time getting information on the Brent case. Normally, you can check the Champaign County Circuit Clerk database and get updated information. But when you put Brent's name into the system, there is nothing there.
I've been told by our reporters who cover the courts that it might mean the prosecutor hasn't decided what course of action to pursue.
I'm sorry we don't have better information. Obviously, Brent's status is an important issue for the Illinois football team. When I get something, I will send it along immediately.

Adam,

I've been told the plans are for the statue to go up in August, before the home opener Sept. 12 against Illinois State.
The sculptor is bringing the statue to C-U on a flatbed truck. Once it arrives, it will take some time to get it set on the stand they are putting up for it.
I drive by that side of the stadium almost every day, so I will keep looking out for it.

Chuck,

Yes, it looks like Rahkeem is going to get some time. He adapted well to the position. Of course, the big question will be his size. But he is adding weight and was already a very strong guy.
He performed well during the spring. His teammates were impressed and so were the coaches. You have to like a guy who is willing to change positions before his senior season.

Dr. Phil,
Jack Ramsey saw time as both a returner and as a receiver. He sat out the 2008 season, but will have an impact on the team in 2009, especially at receiver. A high school quarterback, Ramsey had a rough time catching the ball early in spring practice, but got better in the final weeks.
The punting situation remains a problem for Illinois. Anthony Santella has the job until somebody beats him out. Steve Hull will get a chance. But the coaches are going to be reluctant to send a freshman on the field against Missouri when they've got a guy who has punted in the Rose Bowl.
Ron Zook also might face questions about his place kickers. Matt Eller, who was very good in 2008, doesn't have a guaranteed job for 2009. Derek Dimke will be given a chance to win the position.

Don,

First, you have to figure Arrelious Benn leaves early. After looking at the early 2010 draft rankings, where Benn is listed as high as No. 2 overall, it's difficult to imagine him coming back.
Jeff Cumberland and Chris Duvalt will also be gone after 2009. That leaves A.J. Jenkins, Jack Ramsey, Fred Sykes, Jarred Fayson, Cordale Scott, Chris James, Terry Hawthorne and Steve Hull. Plus, whoever comes in the next class. That's a pretty good group. But if Eddie McGee shows the ability to make big plays as a receiver and Jacob Charest or Nathan Scheelhaase looks ready to make the move to starting quarterback, then you could see a position change for McGee.
Jacob Charest had a very good spring. And I think people are going to be impressed by Nathan Scheelhaase.

Ralph,

I haven't seen Chandler Whitmer play in person. I have seen video clips of him and he looks good.
I'm going to go to one of Chandler's games in the fall, probably during the September off week for Illinois.

Todd,

From what I hear, Chandler will spend the time between now and signing day working on the other players in his class. That's the same approach that Nathan Scheelhaase took with this year's group and Juice Williams did his senior year in high school.
It will be good for all of the Illinois recruits if the quarterback reaches out to get to know them before they start college. That will have to help during their freshman year, when they all try to learn together.

Andy,

In a perfect college football world, you want one scholarship quarterback per class. Not that they will all stay, but that should mean five quarterbacks on the team at one time.
I think you will see a line of redshirts. But the coaches won't let a guy sit if they think he can help. So, if Nathan Scheelhaase comes in this year and looks good during Camp Rantoul, he doesn't have to be redshirted. It seems likely, but not a lock. Same goes for future quarterbacks.
I think Illinois has a very good situation at quarterback, with Charest and Scheelhaase getting to learn from Juice Williams and Eddie McGee without the pressure of early playing time.
It's going to be fun watching the quarterbacks in Spring 2010.

Dan,

Illinois has an offensive lineman Shawn Afryl, a defensive back Corey Cooper and a quarterback Chandler Whitmer. The group will likely grow in the next month or two.
It won't be a large 2010 class. As always, Illinois will want to get a handful of linemen on both sides of the ball. The need isn't as great at running back, where Illinois will be five-deep going into 2010. And I don't think you will see more than a couple receivers in the next class.
Linebacker will continue to be an area of emphasis. And the secondary will be somewhat of a priority with some of the upcoming departures.

Tom,

I hope there is a playoff in the future. I've only been waiting for about four decades (I'm old).
It has to help that Congress is getting involved, even though there isn't a whole lot of substance to the hearings.
There are definitely fairness questions. Why do the power conferences get the bulk of the money? Why can't undefeated Utah play for the national title?
The BCS supporters point to the playoff and say it will kill the other bowls. Why? They never answer the second question. A playoff would have no impact on the Liberty Bowl or Champs Sports Bowl. Nobody affiliated with the BCS has ever admitted that because they know that admission would make it easier to justify a playoff.