Al,

The consensus among fans is that the news is troubling. I didn't get to see any rugby-style punting yesterday. The team was working on kickoff returns and punt blocks. I will be watching to see how it works.
The fact that Anthony Santella was put on scholarship tells me the coaches are happy with him. And they wouldn't have made this move unless they were comfortable in his ability to perform it. I think we will get a look at it during Saturday's scrimmage. Like you, I'm curious to see how it will work.

Jimmy,

Nixon-Youmman had a very painful injury last spring that required major surgery. He is working his way back into shape and appears to be moving OK. Because of the depth at cornerback, I don't think he will be counted on to play a ton of time. But I know he is eager to get on the field. Each day, he feels better about the injury.

Shief,

You have beeen great with questions each week, so thank you.
Here are my projected big splashes:
Tailback: Justin Green
Cornerback: Miami Thomas
Safety: Donsay Hardeman
Defensive tackle: Corey Liuget and Josh Brent

On the coaches, I think Ron Zook made three very good hires. Mike Schultz has been universally praised by the guys on offense. And the offensive lineman really like Joe Gilbert. Keith Gilmore has done very good work with the defensive linemen. Remember, he coached at Cincinnati last season, which will be a big help for the Illini when that game is played.
Illinois has plenty of challenges and I think the coaches will do their best to have the team prepared. Those five games are the key to the Illinois season.

Marc,

Both Bud and Justin are off to good starts. If I had guess based on watching four days of practice, I'd say Green has a little bit better chance to play this season than Golden. But both will get a long look from the coaches.
I don't think there is any way Green moves to defensive back unless he asks for the move. And he won't. Watching him four days in practice, he looks like he could be a special running back.

Sandy,

Great question, one that I doubt the coaches have even thought about. But given that as a suggestion, I'm guessing they will consider it. It could become the Howard's Rock of Illinois.
The stand is basically up and the statue will be put in the week of the Illinois State game. I can't wait to see it. I know I will make sure to go by it each week.
I think it's going to become a popular place to both meet and to take pictures. George Lundeen has done an incredible job.

Carter,

He is working his way into the rotation and looks very good in the early practices. The coaches have been very kind when talking about Scott, who needed last season to see what it takes to play receiver at a high level. It reminds me of what happens to guys who go into the NFL as receivers. It often takes until the second year for them to figure it out. But I think Scott has great potential.

Bob,

It's weird that I would ask a question to myself, but I am hungry.
I see Fayson as an experienced player with limited game time. But he has played on the biggest stages. I think he will be a major contributor. Put me on the spot, and I'd say he'll catch about 40 passes and be a big help on special teams.

Bud,

Thanks for the kind words. And I agree with all of your points.

I think it would make great sense for Illinois to play series against the SEC and Big 12 South. Texas is going to become a place Illinois recruits. So, scheduling a game at Tech or A&m or even Texas makes perfect sense. Maybe that will start to happen after the end of the Missouri series.

JE,

It's hard to get a great read on the Illinois defense, but I will tell you when the guys line up, it looks like a Big Ten unit. That hasn't always been the case. I remember some of Ron Turner's teams looked undersized against some of the Big Ten. That is no longer the case.
A couple years ago, we made suggestions for a possible Camp Rantoul replacement and I think Decatur was on the list. The only downside would be that it's a bit farther from campus. I know the coaches like that they can jump on buses and go home for a workout if the weather gets nasty here. That wouldn't as easy from Decatur. Still, I like the idea.

Puck,

Early in camp, there seems to be more of an aggressive attitude on defense. That's probably because Ron Zook wants a more physical training camp. As I look at the guys playing linebacker, it's an aggressive group, starting with Martez Wilson. He looks completely comfortable in the midddle and should have a huge season tackles-wise.

Tom,

Derek Walker is not on the Washington roster. I will check with the coaches here and see if he signed with another team.

Louie,

I think it will start with the offensive and defensive linemen, although one or two of the latter might play.
At the skill positions, I expect Nathan Scheelhaase to redshirt. And I think receiver Steve Hull will too. There is just too big a glut at receiver. He'll be much more valuable as a fifth-year guy.

Puck,

You ask that like you think I have any control. I will pass it along to the higher ups. Then, I will go get a big steak and some biscuits. Yum.

Tom,

Not yet. It won't go up until the week of the Illinois State game. And I expect they will try to keep it covered until it gets unveiled before the game. I will update you when I get more details. It's going to look huge.

Charley,

Funny you asked. We're going to do a food story later in camp.
I have heard the food is very good here. I'm not sure what the players eat the most, but I'm guessing lots of chicken gets put away. I know that Lou Hernandez has some items he doesn't like to see the players eat on a regular basis.
Last time I looked, and it's been a while, there is a huge salad bar that gets well used.

D,

I think Hoomanawanui will get the ball thrown his way a lot. Teams will have to double cover Benn, which should leave the middle wide open for the tight end. He's a very athletic guy and appears ready for his final season. Like with Fayson, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a 40-catch season.

Jerry,

I think he will be leader, but maybe not in the same way as J and Brit. Those two were very vocal. Martez is like that some, but not to their levels.
Wanting to be responsible for the defensive signals is a good sign of leadership.

Rick,

Reading between the lines (a hobby of mine), I don't think Ron Zook wants to suspend Josh for any games. And if the decision is left to Zook and Ron Guenther, I think there's a good chance he'll play against Missouri. The guy spent a month in jail and Zook thinks that's enough. I agree with him.
Now, if Josh doesn't follow the rules between now and the opener, all ideas will change. But I think he will behave himself. It sounds like he's got some good people helping him.

Bubba,

You can't go wrong eating Italian food on The Hill. There are a bunch of other places that aren't as well known that you might like. One of our family favorites is a place called Crown Candy. And there are endless places near the stadium.
Email me at asmussen@news-gazette.com and I'll send you some more ideas.

Terry,

It seems like all three guys are off to a good start. Eddie McGee is definitely the backup, but I think Jacob Charest and Nathan Scheelhaase are getting plenty of reps.
It's going to be interesting to see the quarterback competition in the spring. I think Illinois has a good situation at the position and has plenty of options.

James.

Many people have commented on how good Scott looks. I think last year really helped him learn what he needs to do become an important player. And Arrelious Benn has been a big help to him both on and off the field.
I think he will play a lot. How often he gets the ball will depend on how opponents decide to attack Illinois defensively. He should be very effective inside the red zone.

Ralph,

There's no such thing as a stupid question.
I think you hit it: the only way he returns is if he gets injured. Otherwise, he's a Top 10 pick in next year's draft. I'm volunteering to be his agent (just kidding).

Shief,

Happy birthday. Ron Zook said he's leading at the position, but that nothing has been decided. All of the running backs look to be in great shape. It seemed like Troy Pollard had a good workout Monday.

Eric,

The players seem to be doing very well. Remember, they spent the entire summer working out, preparing for Camp Rantoul. And the Illinois coaches and training staff are smart about how they work the players in practice.
I think the Florida kids might have a small advantage when it gets really hot. But, so far, the temperatures haven't been that nasty.