Camp Rantoul awards

See how Asmussen voted in the preseason AP poll here

And the winner is ...

Camp Rantoul wrapped up Saturday. Bob Asmussen, who attended every practice, hands out his awards.

MVP: Arrelious Benn

Not so much for the passes he caught, which were plenty. But for what he does for the rest of the receivers and, by extension, the offense. Nobody on the team is in better shape. Nobody is better prepared for the season. Nobody is taking the 2009 season more seriously. Mel Kiper projects him as a Top 10 pick in the 2010 draft.

Most Improved (offense): Chris Duvalt

When your position coach singles you out and you play in the same group as Benn, you are doing many things right. The converted cornerback made big plays in practice while enjoying every second of it. He looks ready for a big season.

Most Improved (defense): Ian Thomas

The linebacker (above) solidified a starting spot on the outside by continuing his good work from the spring. Pound for pound, he's the strongest player on the team. And that will help when he has to collide with Big Ten tight ends and running backs.

Worst luck: Miami Thomas

The sophomore cornerback enthusiastically returned from knee and shoulder surgery, saying his 90 percent was better than 100 percent of others. Then, he tore up his other knee. That makes surgery on both knees and both shoulders for the 20 year old. Illinois coach Ron Zook expects him back.

Best freshman (offense): Justin Green

You couldn't help but notice the tailback from Louisville, Ky. The fastest player on the team, he showed a burst not seen around here since, well, forever. Though the backfield is crowded, here's a guess that he'll find his way on the field.

Best freshman (defense): Michael Buchanan

Cornerback Joelil Thrash, who has more playing opportunities with Miami Thomas out, is closing fast. But Buchanan appears to be part of the rotation at defensive end. The News-Gazette All-Stater from Homewood-Flossmoor should start to move up the school's career sack list early in his career.

Hot seat cooled: Anthony Santella

The punter, who earned a scholarship this summer, showed a strong leg in the first two scrimmages of Camp Rantoul. He is punting the way he did in the Rose Bowl and has the coaches feeling a lot better about the position.

Hot seat hotter: Backup centers

After Eric Block, option B at the position is to slide Jon Asamoah over from right guard. There have been problems with snaps that aren't easy for the coaches to take. You can't start the play if the center can't get the ball to the quarterback.

Best celebrity sighting: Lou Henson

The Illinois basketball legend watched Friday's session, just days before he returns to Las Cruces to help New Mexico State with its presidential search. Henson is a huge college football fan. After practice, he went to local eatery Ott's for lunch and signed autographs. Graciously as always.

Surprise performer: Chris James

The junior (below) came into Camp Rantoul barely on the radar at receiver. But he has moved into rotation consideration. He is also an option as the holder.

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