Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. I'm up at Camp Rantoul, checking out the sites. We've got a bunch of questions, so I'm going to get started early.

Thanks again for your participation.

Al Ryle, Champaign, Il.: Bob,

You quoted the coach saying we would be doing rugby punts. What gives very troubling to me?

Moderator: 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, Bloomington, IL: How was Patrick Nixon looked so far? How has he been moving around? Doing full activities?

Moderator: 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, Champaign, IL: The Illini are practicing in Rantoul now and getting ready for the season, who do you think will make the big splash at running back? corner back? safety? defensive tackle? And will the new offensive coordinator, defensive line, and offensive line coaches be able to prepare the players for tests against strong teams like Mizzou, Ohio State, Penn State, Mich State, and Cincy?

Moderator: 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, Chicago, IL: Should we expect anything out of Justin Green and BUd Golden? And if Green does not work out at RB do you see him at DB in year two

Moderator: 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, Champaign, IL: On game days, will the team alter their walk from the busses into the stadium so they can pass by Red's big statue?

Moderator: 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, Chicago, IL: How do you think Cordale Scott will factor into the WR mix? He was vastly talented coming out of Ohio. Thanks

Moderator: 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 Asmussen, Champaign, IL: Hey self,

How much can Illini fans really expect out of Fayson. His experience is limited to practice, granted at two quality schools. Should his contribution be expected to be that of a freshmen (less of an impact with sporatic big plays) or that of an upperclassmen (consistency to the point we can go to him on 3rd and 7 at a key point in the game).

p.s. I'm hungry.

Moderator: 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, Lake Forest, IL: Dear Bob,

You do a great job and it shows with all of the work you put into these chats!

Loren Tate's August 2nd piece was a real eye opener. Illinois is 35th overall in athletic department revenue and 9th (yes 9th!!!) in the Big Ten. Mr. Tate argues persuasively that there is an important link between revenue and recruiting. I won't dispute that. But I wonder whether Illinois football is missing a few opportunities in the various talent rich regions we are actively hunting for talent?

For example, Notre Dame will play Army again at Yankee Stadium in 2010. Troy (State), University of South Florida, Southern Mississippi, Texas Tech and Fresno State aggressively went out to play non-conference away games to get exposure. Therefore, if we are going after the Washington D.C. area, why not play Maryland? Or Navy? If we want exposure to the state of Texas, why not play the A&M Aggies? If we need the southeast, why not Ole Miss, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Clemson, Miami? This list could go on and on.

Scheduling Fresno State and Cincinnati this year is fine with me!

I submit that we have more to gain from a home-and-away exchange with top tier opponents in targeted regions than buying an extra home game with Illinois State. Let's schedule Illinois State after we have a string of successful bowl games under our belts.

Best wishes,

Bud

Lake Forest, IL

Moderator: 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, Decatur, IL: How is our defense looking so far,be able to stop anyone this year? How about moving camp Rantoul to "Camp Decatur" (original home of the Chicago Bears)?

Moderator: 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, Windsor, IL: after watching our linebackers take their time and make their reads, hoping this year is when they "fly" to the ball. Is there going to be more aggression out there?

Moderator: 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, Lombard, IL: Where is Derek Walker? IS he still with the Redskins

Moderator: 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, Indianapolis, IN: Who do you think are the best candidates for a red shirt this year?

Moderator: 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, windsor, il: not a question but on that hungry thing, It only adds to feeling when we keep refreshing this page and see that Beef House add on the bottom of the page. Fix that will ya!

Moderator: 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, Winnetka, IL: Bob,

Is the Grange statue up?

Moderator: 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, Bellingham, WA: What are the players' favorite foods at the training table? I hear the food at Camp Rantoul is great, and I wonder what foods they look forward to?

Moderator: 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, Campus , IL: Bob, saw cj fiedorowicz yesterday walking around the ARC with some guys. He looks like an athletic tight end. Speaking of tight ends, do you think Ho will be utilized much this fall. I know he has the talent but i can't see him getting enough looks with Benn, Cumberland, Fayson, and Jenkins looking for the ball.

Moderator: 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, Decatur, IL: Bob,

I saw above that Martez is looking good. Do you think he'll be the leader like Lehman and Miller were?

Moderator: 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, Westmont, IL: Any word on Josh Brent's playing status? Has Zook hinted at a suspension at all, or is hearing nothing mean no suspension?

PS: I am about to grab McDonalds.

Moderator: 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, Chicago, IL: Bob,

Headed down to St. Louis for the first time to see the opener. Any suggestions on grabbing a bite to eat before the game?

Moderator: 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, Chicagao, IL: Bob, How have the backup qb's looked? Especially Charest? Do you think he will be ready for next year?

Moderator: 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, Bloomington, IL: I was at the practice yesterday and took notice when watching the WRs how hard Cordale Scott goes on each repetition. Looked real good in my opinion. He is alot bigger than I expected. How much does he factor into the WR rotation this year?

Moderator: 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, Hinsdale, IL: This may be the stupidest question of the day, but is there ANY chance (barring injury) that Rejus Benn returns for his senior season?

Moderator: 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, Champaign, IL: Today is my 22nd birthday, how is the progress of Daniel Dufrene?

Moderator: 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, Bloomington , IL: Bob,

How are the freshman handling their first experience at Camp Rantoul and the heat? Are the Florida players handling the heat any better than the rest of the team or is heat hard on all?

Moderator: 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.

Jason, Sherman, Il: Hey Bob,

I feel great about the offense and pretty good about the D-line and corners (if all healthy). I am wondering if you think the linebackers and safeties will be good enough to allow us to have a great(8-9 wins) season? Thanks

Moderator: Jason,

I think the linebackers and safeties might be good enough for an eight- or nine-win season. To me, the key to winning at a high level is having other players move up their games to help overcome trouble spots. So, maybe the defensive linemen play a bit better to help the linebackers. Or the corners do more to help the safeties. And the offense can help by hanging onto the ball and sustaining drives. Illinois is due to be on the good side in turnover margin.

Tony, Oak Park, IL: With Brit Miller graduated, has anyone stepped up as the jokester of the team? Any good pranks you hear of yet?

Moderator: Tony,

I haven't heard of any pranks yet. But there are plenty of clever guys on the team, though none like Brit. These guys seem to be loose and having fun. I'll report back later in camp on anybody who has taken the jokester job.

CBJ, Columbus, OH: Bob- I've been holding off on this issue until you have a few practices under your belt. I think Suppo Sanni has a lot of upside, and that he and Hardeman might be our 2 best options at safety. Have you seen any evidence of them working together in the defensive backfield?

Moderator: CBJ,

There has only been on practice with the team together and I didn't get much of a look at the safeties Monday. I will pay close attention to it today and report back to you.

I think the safety spots could be several combinations of guys. Corner seems more set with Tavon Wilson and Dere Hicks looks very solid.

Shief, Champaign, IL: In a post by Adam Rittenburg of ESPN, he said Illinois "possibly" could go to a bowl game, what are your thoughts? He said if we do it will be the Insight Bowl if I remember correctly.

Moderator: Shief,

Adam is a good guy and a great reporter/writer. I would never argue with him about anything football related.

But, I think Illinois has a very good chance to go to a bowl. The Insight would be an option for a six-win team. But if Illinois wins seven, eight, nine, it will be in the Capital One, Outback or Alamo bowl.

Harbaugh, Indianapolis, IN: Back in the late 90's when I was in school you were allowed to leave memorial stadium at halftime and return when the second half starts. Any chance this practice will return? My wife would be more willing to set through the game if we could visit our tailgate at halftime.

Moderator: Harbaugh,

I like the idea. I will check with the folks who make those decisions and let you know. Send me an email at asmussen@news-gazette.com.

Ryan, Decatur, IL: Of the incoming freshmen, who gets the most PT this year? Pick ONE

Moderator: Ryan,

Justin Green.

Lance, Orland Park, IL: Bob, I wanna be just like you. What is your beer of choice?

Moderator: Lance,

This is going to be a major disappointment, but I'm a nondrinker. Have been my entire life. It's weird, because I spend a lot of time in bars.

My drink of choice is Diet Pepsi. Which is probably worse for me than beer.

Doug Trostle, Decatur, Il: while checking for a schedule for camp Rantoul I found one website that stated that the regular saturday night scrimage would be held tonight your site says todays practice is at 3:30 and the scrimage is on saturday as I have quite aways to drive I need to know which is right also I have never been before and would like to know what to expect to see at a practice compared to a scrimage

Moderator: Doug,

The Rantoul High School scrimmage is definitely at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Don't come down tonight unless you want to see only practice, which is good too.

In the practices, you'll see much more individual work than in the scrimmage, which will basically be a game-type situation.

Brian Neuses, Decatur, IL: Bob,

How does Martez Wilson look? Do you think he'll really take control of the defense? It's a big switch, so I'm concerned about how long it will take for him to get really comfortable.

Moderator: Brian,

Martez is off to a good start and has embraced the idea of playing middle linebacker. He won't be your typical middle linebacker because few at the position have his range. I think he is already comfortable and I expect him to have a good performance against Missouri.

Tim, Edwardsville, IL: Do you know what time the Cincinnati game is going to start? I am planning on making the trip, but being the day after Thanksgiving I sure hope it's not an early game.

GO ILLINI!!!

Moderator: Tim,

I'm making the trip from Fairview Heights. I think I'm going to take the southern route.

It's been hinted that the game will be Friday night. That isn't what Ron Zook wants, but it was ESPN wants. And they usually win. So, probably a 7 p.m. kickoff. We will put the information on HQ as soon as we know it.

Terry Fortman, Davenport, ia: How will they teach Juice to limit his interceptions?

Moderator: Terry,

I think Juice has to teach that to himself. A lot of it is throwing passes into tight situations. He feels more comfortable doing that, but I think it will still be on him to make the right decision.

I think his TD:INT ratio will be vastly improved this season.

Lance, Orland Park, IL: Bob, thanks for the answer. But I guess I don't wanna be that much like you.

Moderator: Lance,

That is a smart move.

Anthony, Maywood, IL: I want to know what you really expect from juice this season!! Do you think he can have a troy smith type season or at least come close to it!? or do you think he's going to choke? honest answer please!!

Moderator: Anthony,

Juice Williams is about 400 yards from being the school's career total offense leader. He beat No. 1 Ohio State. He led his team to the Rose Bowl. Does he have flaws? Of course. But I think we will look back years down the road and realize he was one of the best to play the position at Illinois.

I think he will have a big season, barring injury. Troy Smith-like? That might be too much. But I think he will be the All-Big Ten quarterback and has a chance to be the league MVP.

TK, Tampa, Florida: With Zook announcing that the punting formation will now be rugby style, will we see mulitple personnel groups to create some sort of double or triple threat option out of this formation?

I'm thinking of Benn, Fayson, Hawthorne, perhaps even McGee? Speaks volumes about his confidence in our punters that he made this decision prior to Camp Rantoul.

Moderator: TK,

I asked Ron Zook yesterday about special teams and he said they broke it all down during the offseason. I don't think you should be surprised by anything you see on special teams. He wants desperately to see improvement, saying that special teams need to help the team win games.

If nothing else, it will be interesting to watch. I think Santella has the athleticism to be good at the rugby punt. And there are all sorts of fun things you can do with formations and personnel groups.

Wes, Chicago, IL: Bob,

Where has London Davis disappeared to?

Moderator: Wes,

London is with the team and listed at tight end. He is behind two players the coaches are counting on: Michael Hoomanawanui and Hubie Graham. Davis is still a very young player.

J-Ran, Champaign, Illinois: Bob, what are your thoughts on Mark Dantonio reinstating Glenn Winston? Winston just got out of jail after serving four months for dealing out a severe head injury in a fight with a MSU hockey player. Seems to me this isn't exactly 30 days for a traffic violation. Then again, in my opinion Dantonio is a sleaze and probably always will be.

Moderator: J-Ran,

I'll have to dig into more details on what happened. Generally, coaches these days seem to be cautious about reinstating players. So, Dantonio must have given it long thought.

Apparently, you are not a fan of the Michigan State coach.

Moderator: Hey, what do you know, I answered all of the questions.

Thanks again for your input. We will it do it again next Tuesday.