Talk with Illinois football beat writer Bob Asmussen
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:58 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Welcome back to another football chat. It feels like it's been months since we last did one of these.
I've watched probably 20 of the first 31 bowls. It's been pretty good, but a playoff would still blow it away.
Time to get to some questions.
IlliniFootballHeldHostage from Champaign, IL — 12:59 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Is there any possiblity Zook will quit over the furlough days policy? Please? Please can he resign in protest?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
IlliniFootballHeldHostage,
I don't see that happening. More likely, Ron Guenther will talk to his coaches and convince them they have to do their part. I can't do the math, but I think if Ron Zook has to give up a week's pay, he'll still be doing OK financially.
Craig from Chambana, Il — 01:00 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bob - Thanks for the chats
Did you find the broadcast of the Fiesta Bowl to be as bad/annoying as I did?
For some reason Fox had to show crowd/fan reaction to every play during the game and this lead to actually missing game action. The most obvious was on the Boise St fumble around the middle of the 3rd quarter, nobody saw it as it happened on TV because we were seeing some fan with a confused look on there face instead.
Also do you think Chipper will hang them up after the upcoming baseball season?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Craig,
You hit it right on the head. What you saw more of than anything else was the TCU and Boise State cheerleaders/dance teams. Fox doesn't know what to do with college football. Because it is in the last season, it almost seems like the network isn't trying.
Charles Davis is doing the Orange Bowl tonight, so that should go better. And ESPN/ABC takes over for the BCS title game, thank goodness.
I've got a feeling Pete Carroll is going to be very good on TV.
Chris from Romeoville, IL — 01:02 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Hey Bob! Happy New Year What do you think is going to be the strength of the 2010 team? When is signing day?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:03 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Chris,
I think the strength of the 2010 team is at running back. Three guys who can be the leading rusher.
Signing day is Feb. 3.
Xavior from Toham, WI — 01:04 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Is DeAndre the new recruiting coordinator to replace Reggie then? If so what where are his strongest connections and players in the past he has recruited? thanks
Ken from Urbana, IL — 01:04 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
what can you tell us about Coach Smith?
Will he also coach the backs?
Who is the new recruiting coach?
Dennis from McHenry, Illinois — 01:05 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Will he be the recruiting coordinator also? Is this years class lost, or can they still salvage some good players? Will these changes free up Zook to recruit more? Will any of the other defensive coaches be leaving also?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Xavior, Ken, Dennis,
I asked Ron Zook about the recruiting coordinator position the other day and he said no decision has been made about that. Right now, Zook is functioning as the recruiting coordinator.
I think there are a number of guys on the staff who could take on the recruiting coordinator titles. I think the only people not in the mix are the new coordinators.
DeAndre Smith will coach the running backs at Illinois. He has recruited several areas during his career, working in California for UNLV. But he has the strongest ties to St. Louis, where he grew up, and to the Chicago area as a former Northern Illinois coach.
Big Red from Calgary, AB — 01:09 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
When did DeAndre Smith spend a year with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL? He's not listed as a player or coach in any of their historical information?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Big Red,
His bio says he played there in 1992. I'm going to talk to him later today and I'll ask.
Howard from Louisvill, KY — 01:12 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
What does Zook plan to do about the lack of disclipine on the field and the special team struggles
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:14 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Howard,
Part of the process after any season is to look at what you did right and wrong, with an emphasis on the wrong. With a handful of new coaches, I would think it would be very easy to make some substantial changes in what goes on the field. Ron Zook will have several new opinions to listen to on all subjects. Special teams and penalties should be high on the lists.
Jake from Chicago, IL — 01:14 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Is Bud Golden still with the team and if so will he get a chance to play?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Jake,
Bud Golden is on the roster and last time I asked about him, the coaches thought he could help. He just got caught in a numbers crunch at the position. That stuff always seems to work itself out.
Louis from Parkside, WI — 01:15 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
With all the bowl teams playing and everything, what was the most frustrating thing or two about the IL season that preventing them from playing in a bowl game.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:17 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Louis,
It wasn't just breakdowns on offense and defense. It was horribly times breakdowns on offense and defense. When Illinois had a chance to make a play or two to stay in a game, it would seem to go the other way. No real explanation for it. I think it was a combination of a lot of things, including coaching, inexperience, injury, ineptitude. And I think changing offensive coordinators had an adverse impact on the entire unit. Not just Juice Williams.
cam from mahomet, illinois — 01:18 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
where do you think ron turner end up
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:19 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Cam,
I would think there's a good chance he ends up on his brother's staff with the Chargers. Or he could be a position coach in the NFL or an offensive coordinator in college. But I think he will stay in the NFL. I wish him well.
Peter from St. Louis, MO — 01:19 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Hey Bob,
Before Ron "the mastermind" Guenther made his decision to keep Zook and avoid the complete overhaul he should have done his homework. He should have thought of Reggie Mitchell and Dan Disch before he put this master plan into motion. Mitchell and Disch have pretty much carried the recruiting weight since Locks and Wolford left. With Mitchell gone and Disch sure to follow, Guenther has lost almost all of the "continuity" he was looking to retain from last year. His plan is failing. It's going to take all of these new assistants months and years to establish new recruiting connections. Guenther has just delayed the inevitable. This program might as well be starting over with the new year. Before Guenther spent a cool million on Petrino and Koenning, he should have sat down with Mitchell and Disch and found out what it would take to keep them around. I'm not sure people realize what a huge loss Reggie Mitchell is to this program. Your thoughts?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:22 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Peter,
Reggie Mitchell is a huge loss to the Illinois program, both as a coach and as a recruiter. And Dan Disch would also be a significant loss, although I don't think he will be leaving.
You've got to think Coach Mitchell was part of the discussion before the new staff was brought in. But you also have to think that he has to look out for his own interests. From what I understand, there were very real personal reasons for Coach Mitchell to take the Kansas job. Again, you wish him good success.
I think the ties to the recruiting areas start with Ron Zook. I think you will see the new coaches get adjusted quickly. And remember they have areas they have been recruiting themselves. So, Illinois might lose one section of Florida and gain another.
Bill from Peoria, Il — 01:22 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Do you think that we will end up with some 3 and 4 star recruites?
Don't you think that the new coaches will bring in a least 1-2 playes each?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:24 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bill,
I think Illinois will get a couple of late hits in recruiting. Just like it has in recent years. It won't be easy. But you have to think the new coaches want to have as many weapons as possible. They've got about a month to fill the class. And I think 1-2 guys per coach is reasonable.
X5 from La Crosse, WI — 01:24 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
do you think either BSU or TCU could have hang with Florida if they played? Of course that's why they play the game but I would like your expertise on this matter.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:26 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
X5,
I'm not sure how the game would go, but I'd sure like to see it. I think Boise State has the athleticism and scheme to hang with anybody. Unbelievable coaching against TCU, which manhandled them in last year's bowl. I think Boise State's offense is a better matchup for Florida than TCU's.
I'm putting Boise State No. 2 in my final AP ballot.
Cory from Waterloo, Iowa — 01:27 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
With the new d-coordinator in place, do you see him getting rid of any defensive assistants?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:29 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Cory,
I think there could still be more changes. I know that Curt Mallory has a couple of irons in the fire (Loren Tate term).
Shamous from Waukegan, IL — 01:29 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bobbini,
I hear A.J. Jenkins may have re-considered his decision to part ways with the program. Can you confirm or deny this rumor?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:30 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Shamous,
A.J. will be back. I think there was some unhappiness with his playing time, but he looks like he could be a lead receiver in 2010. And I think Paul Petrino will be very good for him.
Dan from Urbana, IL — 01:30 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bob,
any word on if Mallory is going to stay?It seems like he is the one rumored most to be leaving
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:35 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Dan,
I don't know anything official. But I have heard he has a couple of possibilities. If he could become a defensive coordinator somewhere, I think he might consider it.
The Mallory family has been tied to Illinois football for about a decade. They are all great people and are an asset to our community. Of course, you hope he stays. But in the coaching business, five years at one place is a long time.
Pete from Peterville, IL — 01:35 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
if you have to guess now, who would be your surprise pick for next year, offense and defense players? Thanks.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:37 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Pete,
Since I just wrote about him, how about A.J. Jenkins on offense. Illinois needs him to become a top receiver. Steve Hull might be another guy, based on need at receiver. On defense, I'm going back to the old standby, Miami Thomas. I'm thinking he will get healthy and be able to play a full season. You couldn't have had a rougher two years.
Meatman from Boynton Beach, Fl. — 01:37 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bob,have we hearrd for sure whitch players are leaving?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:39 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Meatman,
The only two I know for sure are Hubie Graham and Cordale Scott. I think the rest of the guys will want to see what happens in the spring before they make any career decisions.
Schools lose guys every year, usually because of playing time considerations. So, there might be a couple more who leave before next season. But I don't think it will be massive departure like some had suggested.
Groundhogday from Pullman, WA — 01:39 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Zook was hoping Curt Mallory would land another position, but if that doesn't happen will he be let go eventually to make room for Koenning to hire a defensive assistant familiar with his system (and to coach the secondary)?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:40 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Groundhogday,
I don't think you can discount any idea right now. That would be a possibility. We should find out about any possible staff changes in the next couple of weeks.
Todd from Broadwell, Illinois — 01:41 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Bob I have heard that Zook is close to getting some junior college kids, including Benns brother. I just want to know what you know about this and any other possible or confirmed kids coming. Thanks
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:42 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Todd,
I believe Trulon Henry, Benn's brother, will end up at Illinois. And he plans to be a January enrollee. He had a very good 2009 season and will be an immediate help at safety.
joe from chicago, il — 01:42 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
is corey liuget stayin
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:43 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Joe,
Last I heard, yes. And I don't expect that to change.
Ed Zientek (Z Man) from CHAMPAIGN, Illinois — 01:43 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Hi Bob, Do you know what Andy Kauffman is doing now.He is my all time Illini scorer. (no shot is impossibe to make)!That shot in the Iowa game was fantastic. Happy New Year Illini Nation.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:44 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Ed,
I was at that game too. Loudest I have ever heard the Assembly Hall. T.J. Wheeler deserves some credit too for a great pass. Last I heard, Andy was back in Jacksonville. Email me and I will check with someone to see if that's still the case.
Rick from Wilmette, IL — 01:44 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Hope you had a nice holiday.
Which players on the football team do you expect to get drafted or sign as free agents and what rounds? Are the guys on this list currently enrolled in classes or have they moved on to work with trainers and have any completed their degrees?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:47 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Rick,
Jon Asamoah and Arrelious Benn should go in the first two rounds. Don't be surprised if Asamoah goes before Benn. Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Asamoah listed as the top guard in the class. And pro teams are going to love him at the combine.
Juice Williams will certainly draw interest as a quarterback/athlete. The Wildcat offense is made for him
Beyond those three, the draft won't have many Illini called. But several of the seniors should get shots as free agents.
Asamoah is done with school. I don't think Benn will be here during the spring. And I don't know what the rest of the guys are doing.
Isreal from Chicago, IL — 01:48 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
What is Cooper's current status with IL? Do you think Tez would had done better going to a better program that can better utilize his talent as oppose to the D that Zook ran? I would regret that decision if i was Tez, your opinion?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:50 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
Isreal,
Corey Cooper is still listed as an Illinois recruit. If he wants to play right away, close to home, then it seems like a good choice. We'll see what happens on signing day.
It's hard to say what would have happened with Wilson if he had gone to Southern Cal or Notre Dame or Ohio State. You never know if a guy will get overwhelmed by the talent at other schools. He's had some serious injury issues at Illinois. That might or might not have happened elsewhere. But I think being close to home is a benefit as he continues to recover from a neck injury. And he had a good support system after the stabbing.
joe from chicago, il — 01:50 PM on Tue, 01/05/2010
brad smith was pretty good the other night for the jets...i could see juice ending up like him..though im not sure juice is that fast
Welcome back to another football chat. It feels like it's been months since we last did one of these.
I've watched probably 20 of the first 31 bowls. It's been pretty good, but a playoff would still blow it away.
Time to get to some questions.
Is there any possiblity Zook will quit over the furlough days policy? Please? Please can he resign in protest?
IlliniFootballHeldHostage,
I don't see that happening. More likely, Ron Guenther will talk to his coaches and convince them they have to do their part. I can't do the math, but I think if Ron Zook has to give up a week's pay, he'll still be doing OK financially.
Bob - Thanks for the chats
Did you find the broadcast of the Fiesta Bowl to be as bad/annoying as I did?
For some reason Fox had to show crowd/fan reaction to every play during the game and this lead to actually missing game action. The most obvious was on the Boise St fumble around the middle of the 3rd quarter, nobody saw it as it happened on TV because we were seeing some fan with a confused look on there face instead.
Also do you think Chipper will hang them up after the upcoming baseball season?
Craig,
You hit it right on the head. What you saw more of than anything else was the TCU and Boise State cheerleaders/dance teams. Fox doesn't know what to do with college football. Because it is in the last season, it almost seems like the network isn't trying.
Charles Davis is doing the Orange Bowl tonight, so that should go better. And ESPN/ABC takes over for the BCS title game, thank goodness.
I've got a feeling Pete Carroll is going to be very good on TV.
Hey Bob! Happy New Year What do you think is going to be the strength of the 2010 team? When is signing day?
Chris,
I think the strength of the 2010 team is at running back. Three guys who can be the leading rusher.
Signing day is Feb. 3.
Is DeAndre the new recruiting coordinator to replace Reggie then? If so what where are his strongest connections and players in the past he has recruited? thanks
what can you tell us about Coach Smith?
Will he also coach the backs?
Who is the new recruiting coach?
Will he be the recruiting coordinator also? Is this years class lost, or can they still salvage some good players? Will these changes free up Zook to recruit more? Will any of the other defensive coaches be leaving also?
Xavior, Ken, Dennis,
I asked Ron Zook about the recruiting coordinator position the other day and he said no decision has been made about that. Right now, Zook is functioning as the recruiting coordinator.
I think there are a number of guys on the staff who could take on the recruiting coordinator titles. I think the only people not in the mix are the new coordinators.
DeAndre Smith will coach the running backs at Illinois. He has recruited several areas during his career, working in California for UNLV. But he has the strongest ties to St. Louis, where he grew up, and to the Chicago area as a former Northern Illinois coach.
When did DeAndre Smith spend a year with the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL? He's not listed as a player or coach in any of their historical information?
Big Red,
His bio says he played there in 1992. I'm going to talk to him later today and I'll ask.
What does Zook plan to do about the lack of disclipine on the field and the special team struggles
Howard,
Part of the process after any season is to look at what you did right and wrong, with an emphasis on the wrong. With a handful of new coaches, I would think it would be very easy to make some substantial changes in what goes on the field. Ron Zook will have several new opinions to listen to on all subjects. Special teams and penalties should be high on the lists.
Is Bud Golden still with the team and if so will he get a chance to play?
Jake,
Bud Golden is on the roster and last time I asked about him, the coaches thought he could help. He just got caught in a numbers crunch at the position. That stuff always seems to work itself out.
With all the bowl teams playing and everything, what was the most frustrating thing or two about the IL season that preventing them from playing in a bowl game.
Louis,
It wasn't just breakdowns on offense and defense. It was horribly times breakdowns on offense and defense. When Illinois had a chance to make a play or two to stay in a game, it would seem to go the other way. No real explanation for it. I think it was a combination of a lot of things, including coaching, inexperience, injury, ineptitude. And I think changing offensive coordinators had an adverse impact on the entire unit. Not just Juice Williams.
where do you think ron turner end up
Cam,
I would think there's a good chance he ends up on his brother's staff with the Chargers. Or he could be a position coach in the NFL or an offensive coordinator in college. But I think he will stay in the NFL. I wish him well.
Hey Bob,
Before Ron "the mastermind" Guenther made his decision to keep Zook and avoid the complete overhaul he should have done his homework. He should have thought of Reggie Mitchell and Dan Disch before he put this master plan into motion. Mitchell and Disch have pretty much carried the recruiting weight since Locks and Wolford left. With Mitchell gone and Disch sure to follow, Guenther has lost almost all of the "continuity" he was looking to retain from last year. His plan is failing. It's going to take all of these new assistants months and years to establish new recruiting connections. Guenther has just delayed the inevitable. This program might as well be starting over with the new year. Before Guenther spent a cool million on Petrino and Koenning, he should have sat down with Mitchell and Disch and found out what it would take to keep them around. I'm not sure people realize what a huge loss Reggie Mitchell is to this program. Your thoughts?
Peter,
Reggie Mitchell is a huge loss to the Illinois program, both as a coach and as a recruiter. And Dan Disch would also be a significant loss, although I don't think he will be leaving.
You've got to think Coach Mitchell was part of the discussion before the new staff was brought in. But you also have to think that he has to look out for his own interests. From what I understand, there were very real personal reasons for Coach Mitchell to take the Kansas job. Again, you wish him good success.
I think the ties to the recruiting areas start with Ron Zook. I think you will see the new coaches get adjusted quickly. And remember they have areas they have been recruiting themselves. So, Illinois might lose one section of Florida and gain another.
Do you think that we will end up with some 3 and 4 star recruites?
Don't you think that the new coaches will bring in a least 1-2 playes each?
Bill,
I think Illinois will get a couple of late hits in recruiting. Just like it has in recent years. It won't be easy. But you have to think the new coaches want to have as many weapons as possible. They've got about a month to fill the class. And I think 1-2 guys per coach is reasonable.
do you think either BSU or TCU could have hang with Florida if they played? Of course that's why they play the game but I would like your expertise on this matter.
X5,
I'm not sure how the game would go, but I'd sure like to see it. I think Boise State has the athleticism and scheme to hang with anybody. Unbelievable coaching against TCU, which manhandled them in last year's bowl. I think Boise State's offense is a better matchup for Florida than TCU's.
I'm putting Boise State No. 2 in my final AP ballot.
With the new d-coordinator in place, do you see him getting rid of any defensive assistants?
Cory,
I think there could still be more changes. I know that Curt Mallory has a couple of irons in the fire (Loren Tate term).
Bobbini,
I hear A.J. Jenkins may have re-considered his decision to part ways with the program. Can you confirm or deny this rumor?
Shamous,
A.J. will be back. I think there was some unhappiness with his playing time, but he looks like he could be a lead receiver in 2010. And I think Paul Petrino will be very good for him.
Bob,
any word on if Mallory is going to stay?It seems like he is the one rumored most to be leaving
Dan,
I don't know anything official. But I have heard he has a couple of possibilities. If he could become a defensive coordinator somewhere, I think he might consider it.
The Mallory family has been tied to Illinois football for about a decade. They are all great people and are an asset to our community. Of course, you hope he stays. But in the coaching business, five years at one place is a long time.
if you have to guess now, who would be your surprise pick for next year, offense and defense players? Thanks.
Pete,
Since I just wrote about him, how about A.J. Jenkins on offense. Illinois needs him to become a top receiver. Steve Hull might be another guy, based on need at receiver. On defense, I'm going back to the old standby, Miami Thomas. I'm thinking he will get healthy and be able to play a full season. You couldn't have had a rougher two years.
Bob,have we hearrd for sure whitch players are leaving?
Meatman,
The only two I know for sure are Hubie Graham and Cordale Scott. I think the rest of the guys will want to see what happens in the spring before they make any career decisions.
Schools lose guys every year, usually because of playing time considerations. So, there might be a couple more who leave before next season. But I don't think it will be massive departure like some had suggested.
Zook was hoping Curt Mallory would land another position, but if that doesn't happen will he be let go eventually to make room for Koenning to hire a defensive assistant familiar with his system (and to coach the secondary)?
Groundhogday,
I don't think you can discount any idea right now. That would be a possibility. We should find out about any possible staff changes in the next couple of weeks.
Bob I have heard that Zook is close to getting some junior college kids, including Benns brother. I just want to know what you know about this and any other possible or confirmed kids coming. Thanks
Todd,
I believe Trulon Henry, Benn's brother, will end up at Illinois. And he plans to be a January enrollee. He had a very good 2009 season and will be an immediate help at safety.
is corey liuget stayin
Joe,
Last I heard, yes. And I don't expect that to change.
Hi Bob, Do you know what Andy Kauffman is doing now.He is my all time Illini scorer. (no shot is impossibe to make)!That shot in the Iowa game was fantastic. Happy New Year Illini Nation.
Ed,
I was at that game too. Loudest I have ever heard the Assembly Hall. T.J. Wheeler deserves some credit too for a great pass. Last I heard, Andy was back in Jacksonville. Email me and I will check with someone to see if that's still the case.
Hope you had a nice holiday.
Which players on the football team do you expect to get drafted or sign as free agents and what rounds? Are the guys on this list currently enrolled in classes or have they moved on to work with trainers and have any completed their degrees?
Rick,
Jon Asamoah and Arrelious Benn should go in the first two rounds. Don't be surprised if Asamoah goes before Benn. Mel Kiper Jr. currently has Asamoah listed as the top guard in the class. And pro teams are going to love him at the combine.
Juice Williams will certainly draw interest as a quarterback/athlete. The Wildcat offense is made for him
Beyond those three, the draft won't have many Illini called. But several of the seniors should get shots as free agents.
Asamoah is done with school. I don't think Benn will be here during the spring. And I don't know what the rest of the guys are doing.
What is Cooper's current status with IL? Do you think Tez would had done better going to a better program that can better utilize his talent as oppose to the D that Zook ran? I would regret that decision if i was Tez, your opinion?
Isreal,
Corey Cooper is still listed as an Illinois recruit. If he wants to play right away, close to home, then it seems like a good choice. We'll see what happens on signing day.
It's hard to say what would have happened with Wilson if he had gone to Southern Cal or Notre Dame or Ohio State. You never know if a guy will get overwhelmed by the talent at other schools. He's had some serious injury issues at Illinois. That might or might not have happened elsewhere. But I think being close to home is a benefit as he continues to recover from a neck injury. And he had a good support system after the stabbing.
brad smith was pretty good the other night for the jets...i could see juice ending up like him..though im not sure juice is that fast