Moderator: Looks like no one wants to talk today. We'll check in again next week.

Jim & Loren

Moderator: Hold on...questions coming in now.

Moderator: Good morning ... let's see what we have. Loren and Jim

Jimmy, Dallas, TX: Loren and Jim -

It seems that many of the "minor" sports are in pretty good shape and competing nationally at a high level (gymnastics, golf, tennis, baseball, volleyball, soccer, etc). Is this the best they've been in your memories?

Moderator: Jimmy: Across the board, and as a group, the teams seem to be better than we've seen in recent years. Not like 1951, which was an amazing time for men's sports. These teams are young and part of the optimism is the fact they should be even better with all those returnees. Jim and Loren

Andy Busch, Champaign, IL: With regard to Vonte-Eric Loy had a draft guru who reported some of the pro team scouts had reservations and were conducting extensive interviews about his attitude. 2.With regard to Loren's gentlemanship (caller)-the NG guys last week said next year Rosso would assign Loren to RUN the marathon. I want to be a fly on the wall when that happens and see the gentlemanship come out.

Moderator: Andy: If I could run, I would be happy to. But both Jim and I have knee problems that preclude such activity. Twenty years ago, we'd both be running and happy about it. Jim used to run five 9-minute miles every night in the 1970s. We jogged on every Illini road trip.

We are aware of concerns about Vontae. But sometimes these things stem from rumors. Loren

MR, Chicago, IL: Just making the obligatory basketball recruiting tidbits request.

Moderator: MR, here is the obligatory answer. Illinois is recruiting many young stars and you'll probably know sooner than we will. It is not the No. 1 thing on our agendas. Jim and Loren

Chris R., Savoy, IL: Gents: what's the deal with Donsay Hardeman? Will someone ask Ron Zook in plain language whether he expects Donsay to play against Missouri?

Thanks.

Moderator: Chris: Why would you want Zook to make a projection when he doesn't know and won't know the status of Hardeman's neck until late summer or fall? Hardeman wants to play and continues to show up at practice (to observe) but it will ultimately be up to the doctors. The neck is a difficult type of injury to predict. Jim and Loren

John, Champaign, Illinois: It seems like every year at least one or two players transfer or leave the men's basketball program. Who would you deem most likely to leave this summer or do you think this is the first year in a while that we retain everyone?

Moderator: John: At this point, based on the recent statements by Bruce Weber and Bill Cole, it would appear that no one will leave. Cole said he wants to graduate from the UI, as his dad did. But it is much too early to be sure. Players always say they're staying until they leave, just like coaches. Jim and Loren

scott, moline, il: What 3 games do you see being the most important "must wins" on the football schedule, regardless of overall record?

Moderator: Scott: Missouri is No. 1. Then the big games with Penn State and Michigan State. With the goal of reaching a bowl, each game counts one, which means they all count the same. But if Illinois can get off to a good start, it should fall in place. The middle portion of the schedule is workable. We don't know what to say about Cincinnati and Fresno State. Jim and Loren

TK, tampa, Florida: Haven't heard much about Jeff Cumberland this spring. He is a big target and adds to the tremendous depth at receiver/tight end/ split end.

With so many talented receivers, how does the new OC keep everyone happy including JC?

Moderator: TK, Cumberland is having a good spring. But the coaches are emphasizing the younger players. Schultz may not keep everybody happy but it is a good situation when you have an overabundance of quality receivers. Jim and Loren

scott, moline, il: Got one more for you. What illini do you see being added to the Big Ten traveling team this year? Which player could use it to their benifit the most?

Moderator: Scott: There is no Big Ten team going overseas. It would be good for Simpson, and the coaches will be looking for a place for him to play. Jim and Loren

Moderator: Thanks, see you later. Jim and Loren