Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. Before I get to the questions, here's a reminder that Jeremy Werner, our recruiting guru, will be chatting at 11 a.m. Friday. Load him up with questions.

Thanks again for taking the time to visit. And remember, you can always write me at asmussen@news-gazette.com between questions.

Jack, Rantoul, Illinois: Will Illinois run a wildcat formation this season?I think they should use Benn in the formation. They could also use Fayson or Ramsey because they played QB in high school

Moderator: Jack,

First thing I know is that if Illinois does use a version of the Wildcat, the coaches won't be talking about it before the season. But you have to assume they will try to get the ball in Benn's hands as often as possible, so the Wildcats is a good idea. I'm not sure I've ever seen him throw a pass, even in practice. I know all receivers think they can throw. I have seen Jack Ramsey pass and he's got a strong, accurate arm. Opponents will have to prepare for him in all sorts of situations.

Ron , Gainesville , florida: Will Illinois get new uniforms any time in the next couple of years. Could we possibly be like Oregon and multiple jersey combinations?

Moderator: Ron,

Last time I asked equipment guru Trent Chesnut about this, there wasn't anything substantial coming soon.

But I do know the players have been talking about the uniforms. Juice Williams told me a couple weeks ago that he would like to wear every combination during the upcoming season, which means the all-orange look could be back again. Ron Zook will listen to his players about anything that will make them happier. And the uniforms are an area where he might be up for suggestions. But remember that Zook is superstitious, so he probably won't use a combination that brings back a bad memory for him.

Cupcakes, Champaign, IL: Bob -

After reading this article, I'm glad at least one of the Big Ten teams actually plays a challenging schedule. What type of teams would you like to see in the future for our non-conference? I wish they'd keep Missouri for a home & home, but can we expect a competitive non-conference game to replace it?

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=4247827

Moderator: Cupcakes,

I just read the article. Mark Schlabach is an excellent writer and made some very good points. Given that eight of the Illinois opponents in 2009 played in a bowl after last season, I'm not surprised to see the Illini make the good list. But I don't think Cincinnati, Missouri or Fresno State are as good as they were last year. I like the idea of Missouri as a home and home and think that will happen at some point in the future. I just drove by Columbia during the weekend. It's easy to get to and the fans here would like having Missouri at Memorial Stadium. Other teams I'd like to see on future Illinois schedules include Kentucky, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Vanderbilt, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Auburn, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, Memphis and, of course, Notre Dame. Home and home for that one, please.

As long as Ron Guenther is in charge, the nonconference schedule at Illinois won't be full of, well, cupcakes.

Tom, Champaign, illinois: Is Arrelious Benn a legit Heisman candidate?

Moderator: Tom,

Great question and the answer rests with Juice Williams. If he can get Benn the ball close to 100 times in 2009, the answer is a strong "yes." Of course, if that happens, Williams might be ahead of Benn on the Heisman list. If you look at recent receivers who won the Heisman, they didn't have a superstar at quarterback. And they put up numbers as returners too, which is a possibility for Benn. He'll have an early national spotlight against Missouri. If he catches eight passes for 150 yards and a couple of scores in an Illinois win, he's on the board. He'll have another game three weeks later at Columbus where he can make another statement.

I'd put Juice Williams ahead of Benn on the Illinois Heisman list going into the season. But it's close and they will both be in the hunt if Illinois wins a bunch of games.

Mark, Champaign, Illinois: Are incoming freshman Justin Green and Terry Hawthorne going to start this season or be in the rotation? Do they have the oppurtunity to be all-conference players by the end of their careers?

Moderator: Mark,

I think both have a chance to be in the rotation this season. I think Terry Hawthorne has a better chance to be a starter because Illinois uses three or four guys on the field at one time. Ron Zook started freshman receivers last season and has since he took over. It's a little bit tougher for tailbacks, though Jason Ford and Mikel Leshoure saw extensive playing time last season.

Both Terry and Justin have a chance to go beyond All-Big Ten performers during their careers. They both have the ability to be college stars.

tom, peoria, illinois: Can Illinois win the National title and go unbeaten?

Moderator: Tom,

Simple answer, yes. Now, before you go reserving a room in Pasadena for early January, realize there are about 30 schools that have the same possibility. Some, like Florida, Texas and Southern Cal, have a much better chance than Illinois.

I asked Phil Steele "what happens to a 12-0 Illinois team in 2009?" and he said it could be playing for a national title. If Illinois beats Missouri the first week, it will jump high into the polls. Then, the climb up is a matter of process of elimination as schools lose.

But don't go to Vegas and bet money on it.

Shane, Indianapolis, IN: Why does Illinois continue to schedule the way that they do? We always start off with a neutral site game with Mizzou, and now schedule home/away contracts with tough opponents. I understand you must play a tough schedule, but why not have at least 7 home games.

Moderator: Shane,

I think the seven-game home schedules are coming starting in 2011. But I think two of the four games will be against BCS teams. That doesn't mean Southern Cal and Texas, but it could mean Arizona State and Baylor.

Ron Guenther wants to see good teams in Champaign-Urbana and on the Illinois schedule. That will mean series with other BCS schools. The good part for Illinois is that almost every school in the country is willing to play in C-U. Illinois and Alabama almost had a deal a couple of years ago.

Dan, Milwaukee, Wisconsin : Hey Bob, We keep seeing all of these ranking of big ten stadiums, etc. but it seems to always come down to the fans in them and not the buildings.

What do you think is the best in terms of the actual venue for a game?

Moderator: Dan,

Very easy: Ohio Stadium. It just looks like something from another era. I was on the field for the final 10 minutes of the 2007 Illinois-Ohio State game and it was one of the coolest things I've ever been a part of. Overwhelming.

My other favorites: Illinois' Memorial Stadium, Penn State's Beaver Stadium and Wisconsin's Camp Randall. Not a big fan of Michigan Stadium. Indiana will be better with the fixup, but still toward the bottom.

I'm looking forward to seeing Minnesota's new stadium. It looks great on paper.

Bill, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin : Why is every team willing to play in C-U? Because they have traditionally seen us as an easy win?

Moderator: Bill,

No. I don't think that's it. I think schools from the Pac-10, etc. like to venture into the Big Ten. You see it often. Heck, Southern Cal is going to Minnesota.

Will, Peoria, Illinois: On the first question you did not say anything about Jarred Fayson do you think that they could use him?

Moderator: Will,

Sorry, my bad. He will definitely be used in multiple situations. He has abilities beyond catching the ball.

Mike, Madison, Wisconsin : So the Wisconsin media is all over the fact that Badger season tickets decreased about 6% this year - they blame it on the weak schedule. Do you know if Illinois had an increase or decrease in overall season tickets this year?

Moderator: Mike,

Last time I asked, which was about a week ago, Illinois was doing well with its season tickets. It helps that about 13,000 are gone in the horseshoe. That's a great base no matter what the price. We've been told season tickets sales are going well. The final numbers won't be known until the season starts, but I don't think there will be a drastic decrease. Illinois has big names coming here in Michigan and Penn State. That will help sell tickets.

Kyle, Elgin, IL: I know the new guys are on campus now. You had talked to Nathan's family before. Any chance you can get access to him again and find out how things are going? Thanks.

Moderator: Kyle,

You must be listening in on my phone. I just called to ask about access to incoming freshmen. Ron Zook puts them off limits, but I'm hoping that won't include media day during Camp Rantoul.

I will try to talk to Nathan before then if at all possible. He will jump right in to the workouts.

David, Champaign, IL: Do you think that the Illini defense will be strong enough to shut down drives and allow the offense short fields? And will this lead to a possible 8-4, 9-3, or 10-2 season?

David, Chenoa, IL: The Illinois passing game is being touted as the best in the Big Ten and one of the best in the country, but will the running game and defense be able to keep up and bring home the victories to take Illinois to some upper level or mid level bowl games?

Moderator: David and David,

Illinois won't win this season if Juice Williams leads the team in rushing. One or two of the tailbacks has to provide a consistent threat. And it will be on the offensive line to open holes for those backs.

Honestly, I think the Illinois defense will be better than it is being given credit for. There is plenty of athleticism returning, but experience is lacking in some places. The guys on the defense will spend the summer hearing about how they aren't any good. That will add to their motivation.

I think Illinois, at a minimum, should get the six wins needed for a bowl. And it can do much better than that. A win against Missouri would be a help for the Illini. But even more important is the three-game stretch to open the Big Ten season.

Chris, Columbus, OH: Hey Bob - - if Zook were a wild animal, what would he be? On a serious note, do you believe the '08 season was particularly hard on him, considering the expectations and slight step back that many perceived the year to be? I have to imagine that the prospect of an amazing '09 has a hop back in his step.

Moderator: Chris,

Zook would be an animal that never stops moving. So, how about a panther or a cheetah?

I think '08 was very hard on him because he wanted to keep the bowl string going. It is huge for a program to get those extra practices. You could see on his face late in the season how hard it was on him. The way his players responded during the winter has him fired up again. And another good recruiting class helped his mood too.

Zook had a bad experience at Florida, one he doesn't want to repeat here. That explains why the losing season was so hard on him. What you'll see if the team bounces back in 2009 is an even more determined Zook in 2010. He won't want to take another step back.

Dr. Phil, Orland Park, IL.: Bob, in Loren Tate's article last Saturday, he mentioned the situation with the d-line, especially the lack of veteran depth. Is Jerry Brown really done at Illinois? If the team decides to give Brent a four-game suspension, the situation would get worse. And let's pray that Corey Liuget does not get hurt. What other players will step up? Will the coaches move some offensive linemen to the d-line? On another note, will practices at Camp Rantoul be open to the public?

Moderator: Dr. Phil,

Let's start with the last question first. Yes, practices at Camp Rantoul will be open to the public. I think that will be the plan into the future. I'm still hoping Coach Zook will change his mind and open practices to the media during the season.

It's important that a healthy Sirod Williams returns for Illinois. And I don't think Josh Brent is facing a four-game suspension. I guess anything can happen, but that seems a bit extreme given that he wasn't involved in an accident and has been nothing but cooperative.

Jerry Brown won't likely return. Ron Zook brought it up during his conversation with Loren. That wouldn't have happened unless the coach was pretty certain that Brown won't be back.

I don't think you will see any moves over from the offensive line to the defensive line. The incoming freshmen will get a long look on the defensive line. And Rahkeem Smith did enough to move onto the depth chart.

Steve, Champaign Co., IL: The NG gave Zook a D for last years dismal performance.(Couldn't follow Rose Bowl appearance with another bowl trip; couldn't beat Western Michigan). What will it take for RG and fans to realize that a D for football is a massive problem and the leaders better make sure they have righted the ship? I don't get this sense from Zook about last year.

Moderator: Steve,

I think the Rose Bowl season raised expectations maybe above where they should be at Illinois. Had the 2007 team gone 7-5 and won a minor bowl, a slip to 5-7 wouldn't have seemed like as big of a drop.

But you're right, Illinois football at this point can't be a negative at the school. The school should be in a bowl game every year and I know that's Ron Zook's intention.

While in 2007, almost everything seemed to go right for Zook's team. It was the opposite in 2008. He knows that he must turn it back around in 2009 or face questions about his future at the school.

BW, Tyngsboro, MA: Bob: Thanks again for these great chats.

How do you see the D line developing? Is it a strength or a weakness?

Moderator: BW,

The defensive line, to me, is the biggest question mark on the 2009 team. Even more than the linebackers or safeties. If Josh Brent comes back in past form or better, then I think the line will be a strength. If Brent gets a long suspension or struggles in his return, it could turn into a weakness.

There is enough talent at end to be effective. I think Doug Pilcher has a chance to have a big season and Clay Nurse looks ready to go. So does Antonio James, who sometimes get overlooked in the discussions.

Ubbenholdthekraut, chicago, illinois: Who are the top 5 fastest players on the team, in order?

Can you share any weight room success stories from this offseason?

Rich, Champaign, Illinois: Who is the fastest player on the team. Is it incoming freshman Justin Green.

Moderator: Rich and Ubbenholdthekraut,

Justin Green will move to the top of the list when he arrives.

I'm going to guess the five fastest are, in some order: Chris Duvalt, Jack Ramsey, Arrelious Benn, Jarred Fayson and Miami Thomas.

I don't have any weight rooms stories. Maybe later in the summer.

Jim, St. Louis, Mis-ery: Bob: Thanks for the great chat opportunities! What is the status of a player we picked up within the last year or so with the very difficult probably Nigerian name (First name starts with an "o")? Is he a walk-on, scholarship, what position and prospects? How do you rate the midwestern states this year for numbers and quality of recruits?

Moderator: You are thinking of Ugo Uzodinma, another Washington (D.C.) Dunbar player. He is on scholarship and plays defensive tackle. He seems to be making good progress and could be in the rotation as soon as this season.

Taking a quick glance, it seems like the Midwest might be down a bit this year in recruiting. Kyle Prater is rated just No. 19, which tells me something. He looks like one of the best players I've seen at his age. It might just be that the rest of the country is better in 2009.

Marcus, Monument, CO: Bob,

How do you see coach Zook handling summer camp differently this year? Recently he stated that he made mistakes in the last week of practice.

How do you see us improving our special teams.

Marcus

Moderator: Marcus,

I think Camp Rantoul will be more physical overall, all the way to the end. I think the coaches will be a little harder on the guys and push them just a little bit more.

I do think the quarterbacks will continue to be protected, but even that might change some.

The special teams at Illinois have to improve if the team wants to contend in the Big Ten. You can't be near the bottom in the country in net punting and hope to be a great team.

corey, southlake, Texas: How concerned should we be that we only have 3 commitments for the class of 2010? Down here in Texas the big schools already have 15-20 commitments.

Moderator: Corey,

Illinois is at about the same pace it has been in the past. There is no rush to fill the list. The coaches will work later into the recruiting season, hoping to land a few unexpected gems. It worked last season with Justin Green and Michael Buchanan.

I admire the work done by the Texas schools. It must be nice to have all of those players on their lists. But signing day is so far away and so much can happen between now and then.

Stu, Champaign, ILlinois: Bob - If you could change one thing about memorial stadium or the renovation, what would it be?

Moderator: Stu,

Two things: I'd make the East Hall as nice as the West. I assume that will be part of the future work. And, I'd put up another giant scoreboard.

But the place looks great. I always liked going to work there in the past, but it's better now. The new pressbox, though down the sideline, is very, very nice.

Moderator: I'm going to cut it off for the day. Thanks for all of your great questions. Don't forget to check out Jeremy Werner's chat at 11 a.m. Friday.

Have a great week. I'll talk to you next Tuesday.