IN THE NEWS

COME RAIN OR SHINE

Tonight's weather forecast calls for a chance of rain. But RON ZOOK promises the wet stuff won't keep his team away from Rantoul High School's Bill Walsh Field.

"If it rains, it rains," Zook said. "We're going to go."

The Illini are scheduled to have their annual scrimmage at the school starting at 6:30 p.m. Zook said he plans a workout similar to the past, with the coaches off the field and the players in game-like conditions. The lone exception: Quarterbacks will be in red "hands off" jerseys.

"You want to see how they play," Zook said. "They've got officials, and it's live."

Zook said he plans about 120 plays, which is typical for the Camp Rantoul schedule.

After the scrimmage, the players will be given a few hours off. And they will have time Sunday to return to campus before coming back for an evening meeting.

"They need to get off their feet and rest as much as they can," Zook said.

DINNER PLANS

If you need something to eat before or during the scrimmage, you have a couple of nearby options.

First, the Rantoul Rotary will sell food outside Bill Walsh Field (sales on the grounds would be a violation of NCAA rules). Hot dogs, brats, pizza, popcorn, water and pop will be available.

Four blocks from the field, on U.S. 45 and Sangamon, T&T is hosting an outdoor tailgate from 2 to 7 p.m. Burgers and brats will be sold. The Parrish Brothers Duo will perform live music during the tailgate. Say hello to owner JIMMY TAYLOR.

JETS ARE COOL

Late in Friday afternoon's practice, a pair of Navy F-18s flew over the Camp Rantoul fields. It looked like they were close enough to be hit with an ANTHONY SANTELLA punt (not that he would do that).

Flyovers have become fairly regular during Zook's time at Camp Rantoul. He's developed friendships with military folks, including one of Friday's pilots: STAN "SPIDER" JONES, who played for Zook at Tennessee.

The players stopped to check out the jets, which made a booming noise as they flew overhead. Then the players went back to work.

Jones, a Naval commander, will spend part of the weekend at Camp Rantoul and will talk to the team about some of his experiences.

"You don't get a chance to see F-18s that close usually," Zook said.

SNAP TO IT

During the spring, NATHAN SCHEELHAASE and GRAHAM POCIC had a few glitches on the center snaps. The problem appears to have been fixed.

"That's definitely important," Scheelhaase said. "A play can't be run without a good center-quarterback exchange. Me and Graham have made a good connection."

Pocic was one of the first Illini whom Scheelhaase met during his recruitment.

"I enjoy being around Graham," Scheelhaase said. "He's done a great job this year, all the way through spring and summer and into this fall."

The exchange troubles of the early spring have been fixed.

"The one bad, his towel got wet and it was slippery," Scheelhaase said. "I said, 'We can fix that. Just use my towel whenever you need it because mine stays dry.' I don't sweat as much as those big guys."

SCHEDULE STUFF

The team holds its annual scrimmage at Rantoul High School beginning at 6:30 p.m. today. The players have Sunday off before returning with a double session Monday at 8:05 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.

POSITION WATCH: Tight end/fullback

They have a new coach. A brand-new coach. CHIP LONG was hired in mid-July to replace GREG NORD, who left to work at his alma mater, Kentucky.

"He's doing a good job," Illinois offensive coordinator PAUL PETRINO said of Long.

Long's got an assortment of experienced players and newcomers, including a transfer from Missouri.

St. Joseph-Ogden's ZACH BECKER, a former walk-on who has earned a scholarship, is the leader at tight end. On Friday, he was blocking and catching passes.

Becker has drawn the praise of the Illinois coaches, who like his work ethic and talent. And if you check the player polls we're doing, most will list him as the smartest guy on the team.

Behind Becker, the bulk of the tight end playing time should go to LONDON DAVIS and JUSTIN LATTIMORE. Also in contention is newcomer EVAN WILSON.

In Petrino's offense, the tight ends and fullbacks are interchangeable. That's why you might see Becker lining up at fullback at times. The other fullbacks are freshman JAY PROSCH and sophomore CHRIS WILLETT, who started his career as a walk-on at Missouri.

Willett was with the Tigers last season when they beat Illinois and played in the final 11 games of the season on special teams. Does he have any advice for the Illini about Missouri?

"There's no secrets," Willett said. "Each team knows each other. We've played each other in the years past. It's going to be a great football game."

As a non-recruited walk-on at Missouri, Willett is immediately eligible after his transfer to Illinois.

"Wherever the coaches want me is where I'll play," Willett said.

COACHING CORNER: OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR PAUL PETRINO

A week into his first Camp Rantoul, PAUL PETRINO likes plenty of what he sees from his offense.

"Right now, I'm real happy," Petrino said. "I think guys are understanding the offense way better. I think we're popping some big plays in the running game. We're playing with a lot better effort. We're understanding the passing game better and getting more big plays."

Starting quarterback NATHAN SCHEELHAASE has "shown great improvement," Petrino said.

"He's really understanding the offense. When he just understands and takes what the defense gives him, he plays real well. He has the ability to make big plays running out of there and had a couple big throws today."

The coach can tell Scheelhaase has spent plenty of time working off the field. That's helped him improve.

Petrino is eager to evaluate the offense during and after tonight's scrimmage.

"I want to see us making plays and getting in the end zone," Petrino said. "I want to see us getting first downs and getting touchdowns."

Though he has been a coach for two decades, including a stint in the NFL, this is the first time Petrino has been at a camp away from campus.

"It's pretty neat," Petrino said. "You're all out here together. It's good bonding for them."

Petrino would like to stay at Camp Rantoul all year.

"They've got to go to school," Petrino said. "We've just got to keep improving. I think the guys have done a good job with it. We've just got to keep fighting to get better each day."

SURVEY SAYS ...

Each day during Camp Rantoul, we will run survey answers from the Illinois football players. Today's guests:

QUARTERBACK NATHAN SCHEELHAASE

Two years in, thumbs up or thumbs down to President Obama? Two thumbs up

Complete this sentence, LeBron James is ... richer than me but not a champion ... yet.

Better hair: Ron Zook or Rod Blagojevich? Troy Pollard ... dreads

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook

What school should the Big Ten get next? A team from Canada, The International Conference

What's your all-time favorite kids movie? "The Sandlot"

Name the one thing new President Michael Hogan needs to add to campus. Free Chipotle all day

Have the Blackhawks made you a hockey fan? As long as there is fighting, yes.

Who is your smartest teammate? Zach Becker

Which of your teammates has a future in Hollywood? A.J. Jenkins

Favorite former Illini currently in the NFL? Rejus Benn

Best road trip in the Big Ten? Ohio State, so far

Other than your girlfriend/wife, who will be cool if you answer this, who is your dream date? Beyonce

Who is the last guy on the team you can picture getting married? A.J. Jenkins

Should they take Reggie Bush's Heisman away? No

LONG SNAPPER ZAK PEDERSEN

Two years in, thumbs up or thumbs down to President Obama? One up, one down

Complete this sentence, LeBron James is ... a sellout.

Better hair: Ron Zook or Rod Blagojevich? Zooker, for sure

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook

Who is the most famous person in your cell phone? Derek Dimke

What school should the Big Ten get next? Notre Dame

What's your all-time favorite kids movie? "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York"

Name the one thing new President Michael Hogan needs to add to campus. More La Bambas within walking distance

Have the Blackhawks made you a hockey fan? Always been a hockey fan

Who is your smartest teammate? Zach Becker

Which of your teammates has a future in Hollywood? Craig "The Acrobat" Wilson

Favorite former Illini currently in the NFL? Michael Hoomanawanui

Best road trip in the Big Ten? Penn State, it's insane

Other than your girlfriend/wife, who will be cool if you answer this, who is your dream date? Two years running: Becker's sister

Who is the last guy on the team you can picture getting married? Anthony "Playboy" Santella

Should they take Reggie Bush's Heisman away? Absolutely not