When Kevin Hambly and his staff landed Jennifer Bonilla and Jazmine Orozco, it was a major breakthrough for the UI program. I've asked Hambly this question several times -- which states are the top producers of talent -- and he's consistently responded California, Illinois and Texas. Recruiting Texas has been a tough nut to crack for the UI, but maybe that victory at Texas last weekend opened some eyes of recruits there. You're right about Illini recruitng for the next three classes being primarily from the Midwest. Landing Liz McMahon out of Ohio was a major get. And several commitments in the Class of 2011, all from the Midwest, are highly ranked by Prepvolleyball.com. Based on that, the talent Illinois is attracting is high. But I wouldn't be surprised if Hambly brings in talent from outside the Midwest in the future, particularly if the two California freshmen have successful careers and good experiences here.

There's no doubt that Illinois' task this weekend just got a lot tougher. You can't lose a two-time All-American and your most productive attacker, and not be affected. DeBruler also is a key contributor in the passing and digging phases. She opened the season with four consecutive double-doubles (kills, digs). It's a major loss to overcome. The veterans on this team will need to step up and provide some leadership and steadiness. All along, I've thought winning at Nebraska would be even harder than at Texas, simply because Texas lost several key players from last season, while Nebraska returned most of its lineup. Is Illinois capable of winning against Dayton and Nebraska without DeBruler? Yes. But it's going to be difficult, especially against the Cornhuskers, who I think are undervalued in the current rankings at No. 7.

NCAA Division I programs have a maximum of 12 scholarships at any time. Currently, Illinois has received four commitments in the Class of 2011, three in the Class of 2012, and one in the Class of 2013. Luhrsen will have two seasons of eligibility left after this season. Viliunas arrives in 2012. Given the importance of the position, I suspect all coaches place a priority in lining up the next one. Of the current commitments, the UI staff seems to have covered the bases in addressing each position.

Jazmine Orozco is one of the reasons Illinois' current freshmen were ranked the No. 7 recruiting class in the nation. Prepvolleyball.com ranked her 33rd among all recruits in the Class of 2010. Haven't seen a lot of her in match action yet, although she did have extended court time a couple of week's ago in the home match against South Carolina. In the preseason, she and Florida transfer Colleen Ward fought it out for a starting outside hitter spot. In limited playing time, I think it's fair to say she's shown flashes of her talent, but also has been mistake-prone in her attacks. That's not unusual, however, for a freshman adjusting to the college game. So, yes, she's good, but expect some growing pains. Even Laura DeBruler went through them, hitting .198 as a freshman (she hit .300 last season).

I take leads wherever I can find them. Lately, I've been tipped off several times on volleyball commitments by readers and fans of the game. With internet chat rooms devoted to the sport and with social networking, you sometimes can find out about commitments that way. Under NCAA rules, coaches are banned from announcing commitments or commenting on their skills, although they can respond to the question, "Are you recruiting so and so" with a yes or a no. However, athletes who commit are free to get the word out whenever they want, and I have been contacted from time to time by UI commitments in a variety of sports. Carol, if you learn of any, keep me in mind, OK?