Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. There a bunch of great questions posted already. And don't forget that Jeremy Werner, our recruiting guru, will be chatting at 2 p.m.

Away we go.

Kyle, Champaign, IL: Chances Coach Zook discusses generic academic difficulties he's had this class at the presser on Wednesday?

Moderator: Kyle,

I'd say that's pretty unlikely. It's signing day, which is a time to celebrate the class. I know in the past, Coach Zook has been reluctant to discuss players he didn't get. I don't blame him. I think stressing the positive is the right way to go and is the way he operates on most issues. Complaining about academic difficulties does him no good.

Stan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin : Hey Bob,

First, I know that Illini football has been on the upswing with ticket sales, especially last year. Do you think we'll see a large drop this year because of last years performance and the economy?

Also, I just wanted to say I got the ILLINOIS Football Vault Book for Christmas. How long did this take you to put together? It is extremely impressive and really interesting. Best present I got this year!

Stan

Moderator: Stan,

I don't think you'll see a huge drop in ticket sales. First, the team is supposed to be good. The home schedule is solid, with Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State coming to town. And the prices, especially in the south end, remain reasonable.

Thanks for the kind words about the book. It was a lot of fun to write and the company did a great job with the photos and extras.

Gregg, Pittsburgh, Pa: 1. Will the 2009 Illini win more games than the 2008 version?

2. If you are Ron Zook, are you concerned with the depth at linebacker?

Moderator: Gregg,

1. I think the 2009 Illini will win more games than the 2008 version, which means they will be in a bowl game. The critical games for a successful Illinois season are the opener against Missouri and the early Big Ten stretch against Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan State. Go 2-2 or better in those games and Illinois will be a bowl game, maybe a very good one.

2. I don't think you are concerned about the depth. The bigger issue is finding two or three he can count on from play to play.

David, NYC, NY: Could we possibly see Hawthorne on both sides of the special teams unit next year? He is an awesome returner, and with Anthony Santella struggling despite showing a glimpse of hope in the 2007 Rose Bowl, using Terry as our punter could bring diversity to our special teams plays and the flexibility to run fakes at will.

Moderator: David,

That's an interesting idea. It sounds like something the coaches would work on just to make the other teams worry about it. I think he has the ability to punt in college, but I don't think you ask him to do it as a freshman. Having him in punt formation with the threat of a fake will drive teams nuts. So, I think you'll see it.

tom, bloomington, IL: Bob, I'm almost afraid to look at the paper or the IlliniHQ website as everytime I look we lose another FB recruit. What is going on?

Academics/admissions also seems to be an issue or more so this year. It seems that admissions and the DIA need to have a meeting of the minds. What do you think?

Steve, Champaign Co., IL: I like that the Admission Dept. is holding firm and some recruits can't get in this year. How could Zook have avoided this last minute pr and recruiting blunder? Plus, we need to be consistently in the top 1-3 classes of Big 10 - not "maybe" the top half.

Jimmy, Pana, IL: We have lost three recruits here in three days to academic issues. Do the DIA and admissions work together at all to see if these kids are going to qualify? Does the DIA have an admissions person on staff to advise them and help them out. Because right now it seems like there is not a lot of communication going on with Zooks staff.

Moderator: Tom, Steve, Jimmy,

You have all hit on the question of the day. And there isn't an easy answer. Obviously, the coaches at Illinois and other schools want to get every player into school that they recruit. But sometimes, the numbers don't add up. There is disappointment from the players and from the schools. Ultimately, there has to be cooperation between the athletic side of the school and the academic side.

I don't think Ron Zook is worried about the pr aspect of this. He wants to right by the players he recruits and will go to bat for them.

I believe there is communication between the football and admissions offices. Sometimes, the answers aren't what the coaches want to hear.

Bottom line is you hope that every player is taken by a case by case basis and that every effort is made to get the players into the school.

I've talked to all of the players in the class and almost every one of them brings up academics as a big part of the reason they picked Illinois. I do believe it's important to them and I do believe that Ron Zook more than values the "student" part of student/athlete.

JE, Decatur, IL: Is Illinois ever gonna compete for a national championship or have a top ten caliber team with consistency?

Moderator: JE,

Here's where I have a disagreement with legendary N-G columnist Loren Tate, who doesn't believe it will happen. His ideas are based on the history of the school.

My argument with Loren is that history can always change. Before Howard Schnellenberger arrived, the Miami program was a mess. It turned into a power. West Virginia, Virgina Tech, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Utah, Oregon, etc. show you that there is no limit on what you can achieve if you hire the right people and make a commitment. Illinois has made a facilities commitment, is paying its coaches good money and gives them total support. So, with the right set of recruits and a little luck, there is no reason Illinois can't put together a long stretch of competitive teams. The key, however, is stringing together bowl seasons. When Illinois goes in consecutive years that will be a start. It takes time, sometimes decades. But it's possible.

jim Morris, Batavia, IL: Dear Bob:

Has there been any backlash from area coaches about the ILLINI Recruiting efforts being so focused on Fla, D.C and now Texas and less so on the state of Illinois? I just wondered if we expended a majority of our efforts in landing every top rated football player in the state instead of having Michigan, Ohio State, Iowa. Wisconsin and worst or all.... Notre Dame.... and then some of the top programs in California and Arizona (USC, AZ, AZ ST) or down south..... come into Illinois and cherry-pick our top developing Illinois recruits.?|

Moderator: Jim Morris,

I think the high school coaches in Illinois feel they are valued by the current staff. And they also realize that Illinois can't win without recruiting outside the state.

Do they want their kids to hear from Illinois and be offered scholarships by Illinois? Absolutely. But they are also realistic and know that Illinois can't take every player in the state.

There are always going to be other schools trying to take top players from the state and they will always have some measure of success. Ron Zook's job is to limit that outside impact.

John, Mattoon, Il: Is there any chance what so ever that we are still in the running for Jelani Jenkins. He seems to have everything that Illinois needs at linebacker for next year.

Moderator: John,

I don't believe Jelani Jenkins will sign with Illinois. Probably Florida. Maybe Penn State, but I doubt it.

Steve, St. Joseph, IL: Bob,

Do you see any position changes next year, most importantly, anyone moving to LB with our lack of depth?

Moderator: Steve,

Great question, one that won't likely get answered until the spring. I have always heard that Mikel Leshoure could be an excellent linebacker, but I don't think we will see that move made.

The coaches will look over the possibilities in the coming months. The news guys on the staff might see something in a player that the others hadn't considered.

Gregg, Pittsburgh, Pa: Was there any talk of Illinois helping to put some of the academic risk type recruits into prep school? Didn't they assist Craig Wilson and Mark Jackson go that rute?

Go Steelers!

Moderator: Gregg,

From what I understand, the prep school option isn't as helpful as it was in the past. There are limits on the amount of improvement a player can make academically.

You are right, it worked well in the past. Rahkeem Smith also went that way and enrolled at Illinois.

Rick, Peoria, IL: Why aren't the Illini considering the punter Joe Cloud from Dunlap,IL who won the national invitational punting camp with a 57 yard average and who averaged 42.3 yards on 38 punts this past high school season? Seems like a no brainer to me, and by the way, the kid is a great student also, so no Drummond or Carradine problem there.His long snapper, who also should have been an Illini recruit, is going to Nebraska.

Moderator: Rick,

Illinois has Kyle Yelton on scholarship this season and, from what I've been told, Ron Zook doesn't want to add another scholarship punter.

I think Illinois will look at punters in the 2010 class.

Cloud sounds like a great player. I hope he has great success in college.

Brad, Belleville, Wisconsin: How would you describe this year's recruiting class, as it stands now?

Moderator: Brad,

Not as deep as past classes, certainly. But there is star potential in Terry Hawthorne, Nathan Scheelhaase, Bud Golden, Lendell Buckner, etc.

I have a sense, for some reason, that this group is going to outperform its national ranking. Just a hunch. And I'm wrong a lot (had the Rays in the Series, Cardinals in the SB).

Jimmy, Pana, IL: Bob,

Do you see anymore JUCO's coming in and any suprises tomorrow.

Moderator: Jimmy,

I don't anticipate any more junior college players. The possible surprise could be Michael Buchanan from Homewood-Flossmoor, a talented guy who is apparently down to Illinois and Purdue. I just tried to get ahold of his coach with no luck. I'm sure it's a bit of a zoo at H-F.

Rob, Bartlett, Illinois: Hey Bob,

Great work, as always. Has the date for the Spring Game been announced yet? I want to make sure that gets on the calendar in ink!

Thanks, and Go Illini!!

Moderator: Rob,

It hasn't been announced yet, meaning it isn't official. Then again, the school hasn't announced the Cincinnati game in late November, but we all know it's going to happen (get your hotel reservations now before Bearcats fans find out about the game).

A parent of an incoming recruit told me today that the spring game is being played on April 25. He had already made plans to travel here for the game, so I'm guessing that's the right date.

Jimmy, Pana, IL: Bob,

As someone who does not live in CU. What is left with stadium upgrade or is it done?

Moderator: Jimmy,

There will be a permanent fence going up around the stadium, with six gates being established. There's a large Red Grange statue being prepared for one of the gates. I can't wait to see it.

I believe the school will continue to make improvements in the East concourse. And, eventually, the horseshoe is going to have to be redone. That's not going to happen for a few years.

It's funny, but I'm having a hard time picturing the stadium before the renovation.

Kyle, Champaign, IL: Bob,

have heard rumors that Gamble is back on campus. any truth?

Moderator: Kyle,

I have heard the rumors too. I haven't seen him myself and I haven't asked the question yet to Ron Zook. But I promise I will on Wednesday.

I don't think Brian is a bad kid. He is very friendly. Like all of us, he has made some poor decisions. But if the Illinois coaches think he is ready for another chance, I think that's the right thing to do.

Ryan, Cooksville, Il: Bob,

Assuming no defections between now and Wednesday, what to you think the coaching staff thinks of this class. Sometimes, we as fans, get caught up in the rankings. We miss sight of a solid class from top to bottom, as opposed to a top heavy, light at the bottom class. I would think that as fans, we should be encouraged that the grades of these kids not their opinion of the school is what kept them out. That may sound odd, but my alarm starts to go off when they have a change of heart about the school and staff versus their grades being the problem. This has been the most turnover since Zook has been here from a staff perspective and we still may have a top 30 class. I am trying to remain optimistic, your thoughts.

Moderator: Ryan,

Every player I've talked to that was here last weekend has praised the weekend. That to me is a good sign for Illinois. The coaches have put together a group of kids who get along and their parents get along. That will be a big help if something goes wrong during the summer or fall.

I think the coaches are thrilled with the work in East St. Louis and in pulling Nathan Scheelhaase away from schools that might have seemed more likely.

Ohio and Florida continue to be solid recruiting areas for the Illini. And, despite the loss of Mike Locksley, a tie continues to D.C.

Overall, there aren't as many players in this year's class, but maybe that's a good thing.

Dave C., Champaign, Il.: Bob,

What's the deal with Darius Moffet. He's had the Illini listed high on the Recruiting Sites but here we are close to signing day with no verbal. Are there grade issues? Another linebacker wouldnt't hurt.

jay margolin, boynton beach, fl.: What do you hear about Darius Moffett?

Jason, Greenville, SC: Bob,

What's the deal with Darius Moffett? Many fans are worried about our LB recruiting. He's listed as offered and high interest on a couple of recruting sites. Is it grades or the staff waiting for better options?

Moderator: Jason, Jay, Dave,

From what I understand, there are some academic questions. And I'm not sure that Illinois like him as much as he likes Illinois.

He's got solid options beyond Illinois and will have a nice signing day. But I don't think he will be coming to C-U.

Ron, Frankfort, IL: Any chance that we could land Je'Ron Stokes and Michael Buchanan?

Bob, New Buffalo, MI: We need Stokes any info on who he is leaning toward?

John Conner, New York, , NY: Bob, give us the odds for signing the following. Justin Green, Ja'Ron Stokes, Sam Barrington, Michael Buchanan.

Moderator: John, Bob, Ron,

Justin Green sounds like a long shot because of the family ties to Ohio State.

Stokes is on the unlikely side too. Maybe he honors his commitment to Tennessee. Maybe he signs with Michigan. I won't be stunned if he picks the Illini. He plans to announce Wednesday night.

Barrington is down to Miami, South Florida and Illinois. I'm guessing Miami, but Illinois has a chance. He will announce tonight.

I think Illinois has a good chance to land Buchanan. He won't make his call until Wednesday.

Andy, Memphis, TN: Which potential recruits might have some impact next season? Awfully tough as a frosh..

Moderator: Andy,

Terry Hawthorne is going to play. The defensive backs will all have a chance to contribute. So will any linebacker Illinois signs.

On the defensive front, the guys will be given a chance, but there is a logjam developing.

The offensive linemen should all redshirt (Loren Tate wrote that).

Mike, Chicago, Illinois: I have read that Pat Nixon, Brian Gamble and Mark Jackson are all enrolled for this spring semester taking classes, and will be given scholarships if they perform this semester academically.

Do you know is this is true or could you verify this?

Moderator: Mike,

Here's what I'm hearing:

Pat Nixon is back in school and awaiting for a good word from the NCAA clearinghouse. It sounds like he is pretty optimistic. Though he signed with the 2008 group, you'd have to consider him a part of the 2009 class, which is a big plus.

Mark Jackson has had some off the field issues and Ron Zook has shown he won't tolerate that. I don't know if we will see him back on the field or not. It's a close call.

I think Brian Gamble is going to get another chance. I'm guessing he is with the team in the fall and has a chance to play a significant role. Of course, he hasn't played football for a while.

Joe , Warrenton, MO: Bob,

With the loses of Drummand and Carradine will we know if Ty Phillips (East St. Louis) was offered a scholarship,and a Buchanan decision before letter of intent day?

Who are the defensive lineman signing this season?

Moderator: Joe,

I think it's possible Ty Phillips will switch to the Illini. He did make a visit here. But I'm guessing he sticks with Missouri.

The defensive linemen are Lendell Buckner, Tim Kynard and Akeem Spence. We'll have a story tomorrow on Tim.

Kyle, Champaign, IL: You ready for Spring ball? What are the big questions you are looking to be answered this spring? Thanks.

Moderator: Kyle,

I can't wait for spring ball. I'm hoping the practices are open to the public and to the media. I haven't seen some of the freshmen since Camp Rantoul.

Illinois is looking for a running back to emerge. It needs to figure out linebacker and safety. And it needs to come up with a five-man group that is ready to go on the offensive line.

Moderator: I'm going to close it up for the day. I'll be back with a signing day chat Wednesday.

And don't forget about Jeremy Werner's chat, which starts in 45 minutes.

Thanks again for all of the great questions.