Bob Asmussen's chat starts at 8 a.m. To ask him a question, click here.

Evan Wilson
Tight end
Woodstock (Ga.)
6-6, 236

Our take: The top Illinois tight end from 2009, Michael Hoomanawanui, is out of eligibility. The No. 2 guy, Hubie Graham, has transferred to Pitt. Paul Petrino's offense needs to have capable blockers and pass catchers at tight end. Wilson was all set to sign with Middle Tennessee before getting the call from Illinois. Greg Nord had been recruiting Wilson for Louisville, then continued to pursue the player after joining Ron Zook's staff. His high school coach thinks his best games are ahead of him.

Why Illinois? "In my family, there's a big push in academics. That just blew us away right off the bat. Me and Coach Nord had a good relationship when he was recruiting me for Louisville. I was real excited when he called me. The offense calling for a tight end, that drew me to it."

Favorite football player, college or pro: "Antonio Gates and Adrian Peterson."

What school do you want to see the Big Ten add? "Probably, geographically speaking, Missouri or Nebraska. Georgia's too far away."

College football playoff or BCS? "I kind of wish there was a playoff."

What is your hidden talent? "I like to tell jokes."

Are you playing in the Missouri game? "Yes, sir. I'm going to work 200 percent to get on the field."

What do you need to improve most before the start of the season? "Just add some more bulk to my frame and work on my strength. I've got the athleticism and the football IQ to get on the field."