You are talking about Vincent Valentine from Edwardsville. I'm not sure what his status is relative to Illinois, though he continues to list the school high among his possible choices.

I think the staff will continue to work all the way until the end. I won't be surprised if they add a player or two in the 11th hour. But I don't have any specific names.

It's been a very busy last couple of weeks for the new Illinois staff. They've been on the road, working at a frantic pace. Recruiting is never easy, so it's hard to imagine doing it after just going a new program. Of course, it happens at a lot of places.

Dennis,

At last check, the number was at 18. It might go up from the that one or two players. While Wednesday is the start of signing day, it isn't the end. Players will pick schools the following week and beyond.

Universally, the addition of Luke Butkus is being praised by high school coaches. He gives Illinois a huge boost in the Chicago area. I think he will be a force, not only because he played at Illinois and because of his name, but because of his personality. You won't find a better guy coaching college football and he's received great tutoring as a coach in the NFL.

Honestly, I've had very little contact with the staff the last couple of weeks. I had a chance to talk to Tim Banks for a few minutes, but that's about it. They've been on the road, trying to find players and gain commitments. And when they've been here, they've been hosting recruits on official visits.

Hopefully, their time opens up a little bit after Wednesday. We get a chance to talk to the coaches in an hour, so I will ask your question and report back.

I do think they had dual jobs with recruiting this year: work on the class of 2012 while also getting the word out about the program for 2013. Mike Farrell, who does a great job as national recruiting expert for Rivals.com, said Tim Beckman's staff will have to win recruits in future years in big part by winning on the field. I agree with Mike. A solid performance in 2012 will mean plenty to recruiting next year.

Jim,

Yes, Illinois is planning a blow-by-blow recruiting recap. It started a few years back and been interesting to follow.

I'd suggest you stick with IlliniHQ during signing day. Cody Westerlund will do a daylong chat. He's got a great handle on Illinois recruiting and has been a huge asset for us.

Dr. O,

Vacations are good.

If there is a helmet/uniform change, it will be at the discretion of Tim Beckman. The school isn't about to make his players wear something they don't like.

From what I understand, the changes are under consideration. They might seek outside input, but Coach Beckman will make the call. While I think it is lower on his priority list behind recruiting and spring football, I do think it is something he wants to consider.

I've also heard there is a possibility that helmet stickers could be part of Beckman's program. I'd have to think they would be Block I's. Or maybe little pictures of Loren Tate. Sounds like a good idea.

Dave C.,

I'd go with Teko Powell on that one. He seemed set on Illinois, but also had a late visit scheduled to West Virginia. I know his coach wanted him to make the trips and I think it's a good idea if you want to do it. Seeing different parts of the world can help confirm your choice.

I think Teko Powell's recruitment could lead to future recruiting success for Illinois in Miami, both at Powell's Norland High School and beyond. The high school players there have respect for Illinois because of Corey Liuget's success.

Dr. Phil,

While I would love to go to the Senior Bowl or the East-West game, it isn't the budget. We will do stories on the former Illini going to the NFL as the combine and draft get closer.

I'm not sure what happened with Ian Thomas and Jack Cornell in the all-star games. I know that Cornell is working out in Utah to get ready for the draft. I assume Thomas is getting ready as well.

While those games can be important to the draft status of a player, there are other ways of getting noticed, too.