Ask beat writer Bob Asmussen about the Illinois football team
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:56 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Sorry about being so late. I just got done with interviews. I'll get to the questions right now.
Jake from Detroit, MI — 12:56 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Has Aikens been cleared to play? How is Earnest Thomas and Denmark looking?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:57 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Jake,
Walt Aikens has not been cleared to play. In fact, he didn't practice today because of personal matters. I will get more information as soon as possible. But I'd have to guess there's a chance he won't be with the team this season.
Earnest Thomas and Brandon Denmark have gotten involved with the second unit. Denmark in particular has played well. I think the coaches think highly of both players and figure they will have bright futures.
Vernon from St. Paul, Minnesota — 12:57 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
What happen to the 2 recruits from Chicago Leo HS, Lendall Buckner and Leon Hill. I went to roster and noticed they're no longer on team. Also with this being the last day of camp at Rantoul could you give a progress report on the defense so far and the status of LB Martez Wilson.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 12:59 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Vernon,
Lendell Buckner faces legal issues and is no longer with the team. Leon Hill was going to transfer to Northern Illinois, but didn't make it academically and is going the junior college route.
The defense struggled mightily at Rantoul High School, but has had a good week. Martez Wilson, to me, looks like his old self. How that translates to the field, we'll have to wait for the Missouri game to see.
Charley from Bellingham, WA — 01:00 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Now that Walt Aikens did not practice this morning, does that mean he is gone for good from the team? (meaning university kicked him out?)
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:00 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Charley,
We don't know the answer to that yet. As soon as I know, you will know. What I think is probably happening is that he might be talking with folks on campus about it.
mike from lasalle, il — 01:00 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
how is Justin Staples doing? will he back up Buchannon?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:02 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Mike,
Justin is in the mix. They seem to be using the backups at both the end and Bandit spots. Moving to the line was a good decision for Staples.
Luke from Olney, IL — 01:02 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Hey Bob,
Did you find anything out about the Xenith helmets? Also having trouble picking my Rantoul MVP...any suggestions?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:04 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Luke,
No luck on the Xenith helmets yet. I will try to get some information.
Rantoul MVP might have to be one of the young guys, like Darius Millines or Evan Wilson. Mine will appear in the paper on Sunday.
BW from Tyngsboro, MA — 01:04 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Bob: Who's your sleeper of the camp?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:05 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
BW,
Pretty easy, though he has been mentioned some: Jack Ramsey. He kind of gets fourth billing when the receivers are talked about after A.J. Jenkins, Jarred Fayson and Eddie McGee. But Ramsey has been very good. He will be on my awards list for Sunday.
Ken from Urbana, IL — 01:05 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Bob,
is everyone staying pretty healthy? I am sure there are some bumps and bruises, but anything major?
Is Becker getting over his foot problem?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:07 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Ken,
Illinois has been very fortunate at Camp Rantoul in terms of health. No major injuries, which they want to continue to the Missouri game. And beyond.
Becker looks good to me. He's been through a lot and his still kept his place in the starting lineup. He's got a good story as a former walk-on.
Salt from Ormond Beach, FL — 01:07 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Does Chandler appear to be QB #2 and will play some this year behind Nathan? It appears they aren't working Eddie at QB much and Eddie is poised to be a good WR.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:08 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Salt,
You hit it right on the head. I think Eddie will be used as a Wildcat quarterback some, but mostly as a receiver.
And I think Chandler will be the No. 2 quarterback and get some mopup time late in games.
Charley from Bellingham, WA — 01:09 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Now that Camp Rantoul has come to a close, please list your top five surprises and top five disappointments.
Are you going to revise your 5-7 season prediction? If so, what would your latest w-l record be at this point?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:11 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Charley,
My surprises would include Evan Wilson, Darius Millines, Jack Cornell, Ryan Palmer and Supo Sanni.
The five disappointments would have to include the heat, Ryan Sedlacek, the defense at the Rantoul scrimmage, dropped center snaps and the heat again.
I'm sticking with 5-7. Right now.
Curious George from chicago, IL — 01:11 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Regarding the new defensive scheme - do you expect more blitzing on passing downs or just disguising which 4 men are rushing to get more pressure?
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:12 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Curious,
Though the coaches haven't told me their plan, I think you will see more blitzing on passing downs. Vic Koenning expressed concerns about how Missouri picked apart his Kansas State defense last year. That's a clue.
Chris from Monticello, IL — 01:12 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Hey Bob,
Not trying to be the negative guy before the season starts, but I've seen you mention a couple times that you think the coaching staff is here for this year and next because the school wouldn't want to buy out one staff and pay a new staff.
Aren't fired contracts usually bought out by booster funds? Does the DIA feel they don't have any boosters that would pay that?
Thanks!
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:15 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Chris,
I think the contracts will be part of the motivation to keep the coaches around, but not the only reason. It's a big chunk of money, but it could be found if necessary. More to the point, I think Ron Guenther realizes changing regimes sets the program back and he doesn't want to go through that again. Plus, the scheduling is favorable in 2011.
I'm not sure where the funds for fired coaches come from, but ultimately it is money the athletic department would rather not spend. That's $6 million you will never get back. You'd much rather have the boosters give money to improve facilities or pay for scholarships. Firing coaches is a costly mess that all schools try to avoid.
Bob Asmussen (moderator) — 01:16 PM on Fri, 08/20/2010
Hey,
That's all of the questions for today. Check back with me on Tuesday for the regular season chat.
Thanks to all of you for your participation throughout Camp Rantoul. A great response and a lot of fun for me.
Sorry about being so late. I just got done with interviews. I'll get to the questions right now.
Has Aikens been cleared to play? How is Earnest Thomas and Denmark looking?
Jake,
Walt Aikens has not been cleared to play. In fact, he didn't practice today because of personal matters. I will get more information as soon as possible. But I'd have to guess there's a chance he won't be with the team this season.
Earnest Thomas and Brandon Denmark have gotten involved with the second unit. Denmark in particular has played well. I think the coaches think highly of both players and figure they will have bright futures.
What happen to the 2 recruits from Chicago Leo HS, Lendall Buckner and Leon Hill. I went to roster and noticed they're no longer on team. Also with this being the last day of camp at Rantoul could you give a progress report on the defense so far and the status of LB Martez Wilson.
Vernon,
Lendell Buckner faces legal issues and is no longer with the team. Leon Hill was going to transfer to Northern Illinois, but didn't make it academically and is going the junior college route.
The defense struggled mightily at Rantoul High School, but has had a good week. Martez Wilson, to me, looks like his old self. How that translates to the field, we'll have to wait for the Missouri game to see.
Now that Walt Aikens did not practice this morning, does that mean he is gone for good from the team? (meaning university kicked him out?)
Charley,
We don't know the answer to that yet. As soon as I know, you will know. What I think is probably happening is that he might be talking with folks on campus about it.
how is Justin Staples doing? will he back up Buchannon?
Mike,
Justin is in the mix. They seem to be using the backups at both the end and Bandit spots. Moving to the line was a good decision for Staples.
Hey Bob,
Did you find anything out about the Xenith helmets? Also having trouble picking my Rantoul MVP...any suggestions?
Luke,
No luck on the Xenith helmets yet. I will try to get some information.
Rantoul MVP might have to be one of the young guys, like Darius Millines or Evan Wilson. Mine will appear in the paper on Sunday.
Bob: Who's your sleeper of the camp?
BW,
Pretty easy, though he has been mentioned some: Jack Ramsey. He kind of gets fourth billing when the receivers are talked about after A.J. Jenkins, Jarred Fayson and Eddie McGee. But Ramsey has been very good. He will be on my awards list for Sunday.
Bob,
is everyone staying pretty healthy? I am sure there are some bumps and bruises, but anything major?
Is Becker getting over his foot problem?
Ken,
Illinois has been very fortunate at Camp Rantoul in terms of health. No major injuries, which they want to continue to the Missouri game. And beyond.
Becker looks good to me. He's been through a lot and his still kept his place in the starting lineup. He's got a good story as a former walk-on.
Does Chandler appear to be QB #2 and will play some this year behind Nathan? It appears they aren't working Eddie at QB much and Eddie is poised to be a good WR.
Salt,
You hit it right on the head. I think Eddie will be used as a Wildcat quarterback some, but mostly as a receiver.
And I think Chandler will be the No. 2 quarterback and get some mopup time late in games.
Now that Camp Rantoul has come to a close, please list your top five surprises and top five disappointments.
Are you going to revise your 5-7 season prediction? If so, what would your latest w-l record be at this point?
Charley,
My surprises would include Evan Wilson, Darius Millines, Jack Cornell, Ryan Palmer and Supo Sanni.
The five disappointments would have to include the heat, Ryan Sedlacek, the defense at the Rantoul scrimmage, dropped center snaps and the heat again.
I'm sticking with 5-7. Right now.
Regarding the new defensive scheme - do you expect more blitzing on passing downs or just disguising which 4 men are rushing to get more pressure?
Curious,
Though the coaches haven't told me their plan, I think you will see more blitzing on passing downs. Vic Koenning expressed concerns about how Missouri picked apart his Kansas State defense last year. That's a clue.
Hey Bob,
Not trying to be the negative guy before the season starts, but I've seen you mention a couple times that you think the coaching staff is here for this year and next because the school wouldn't want to buy out one staff and pay a new staff.
Aren't fired contracts usually bought out by booster funds? Does the DIA feel they don't have any boosters that would pay that?
Thanks!
Chris,
I think the contracts will be part of the motivation to keep the coaches around, but not the only reason. It's a big chunk of money, but it could be found if necessary. More to the point, I think Ron Guenther realizes changing regimes sets the program back and he doesn't want to go through that again. Plus, the scheduling is favorable in 2011.
I'm not sure where the funds for fired coaches come from, but ultimately it is money the athletic department would rather not spend. That's $6 million you will never get back. You'd much rather have the boosters give money to improve facilities or pay for scholarships. Firing coaches is a costly mess that all schools try to avoid.
Hey,
That's all of the questions for today. Check back with me on Tuesday for the regular season chat.
Thanks to all of you for your participation throughout Camp Rantoul. A great response and a lot of fun for me.