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IN THE NEWS

WRAPPING IT UP

The next time you'll see NATHAN SCHEELHAASE throw a pass after today will be at the Sept. 4 Illinois-Missouri game in St. Louis.

Scheelhaase and the Illini have their final public workout today at Camp Rantoul. The full-scale scrimmage is the second of the session.

"Camp is a grinding time," Scheelhaase said. "There's a lot of football going on. The last two days, I feel really good about my throws. My arm has felt the best it's been since the first or second day. I'm excited for the scrimmage. It's our last thing in Rantoul, so it's nice to leave on that note and then head back to Champaign."

Classes start Monday.

"Probably 90 percent of our guys don't know what their classes are right now because they've been thinking football the last two weeks," Scheelhaase said.

Missouri 101?

"Really what it's been is Illinois 101," Scheelhaase said. "We're more focused in on us and what we need to do, how we need to get better. We'll worry about lining up teams once it comes to game week."

MISSING PIECE

Defensive back Walt Aikens didn't practice Friday because of a personal matter.

Earlier in the week, Illinois coach Ron Zook said he was awaiting word on Aikens' status with the school. Aikens served a short jail sentence during the summer after a guilty plea on a misdemeanor theft charge.

Aikens was a Freshman All-Big Ten player in 2009 after starting five games at safety. The Charlotte, N.C., native had 32 tackles and broke up two passes.

At Camp Rantoul, Aikens has been working as a backup at safety and cornerback.

SPECIAL GUESTS

A handful of scouts attended Friday's practice, representing the Giants, Raiders, Ravens and Packers. The scouts talked at length with Illinois strength coach Lou Hernandez.

"I know all the NFL scouts comment on what a great place, what a great situation we have here," Zook said.

Zook makes himself available to the scouts. They also want to talk to Hernandez, trainer NICK RICHEY and the position coaches.

"They make their own decisions, but they get as much outside information as they can," Zook said. "A lot like what we do in recruiting."

SCHEDULE STUFF

The team will scrimmage at 10:15 a.m. today, then break camp. The players have Sunday off before resuming practices Monday in Champaign. Practices in Champaign are closed to the public and media.

POSITION WATCH: Safeties

Right now, three goes into two when it comes to the Illinois safeties. Senior TRAVON BELLAMY and juniors TRULON HENRY and SUPO SANNI will get the bulk of the time at the two spots.

Henry and Sanni have been on the field as starters during a majority of training camp. But the decisions haven't been finalized.

"Travon is, in my mind and in VIC (KOENNING's) mind, a starter also," coach Ron Zook said. "I think they've all had a heckuva camp. I don't know that one will play more than the other one."

What Zook and defensive coordinator Koenning have been doing during training camp is looking for the safeties beyond the first three. WALT Aikens is an option, depending upon his status with the university.

Sophomore JOELIL THRASH is listed third on the depth chart at strong safety. Freshman EARNEST THOMAS has been getting some work with the second team and could be a part of the rotation during his first season.

Whoever doesn't start among Bellamy, Henry and Sanni should get bonus time on the field when the Illini use five or six defensive backs. Bellamy has played nickel back in the past and might be best suited to continue there.

SURVEY SAYS ...

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

KICKER DEREK DIMKE

Two years in, thumbs up or thumbs down to President Obama? No comment

Complete this sentence, LeBron James is ... stealin'.

Better hair: Ron Zook or Rod Blagojevich? Ron Zook

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook

Who is the most famous person in your cell phone? Zak Pedersen

What school should the Big Ten get next? Notre Dame

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

Name the one thing new President Michael Hogan needs to add to campus. Big water slide

Have the Blackhawks made you a hockey fan? Been a hockey fan

Who is your smartest teammate? Zach Becker

Which of your teammates has a future in Hollywood? Zak Pedersen

Favorite former Illini currently in the NFL? Brit Miller

Best road trip in the Big Ten? Wisconsin

Other than your girlfriend/wife, who will be cool if you answer this, who is your dream date? Clarissa Gentzler, who works at Irwin Academic Center.

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

Should they take Reggie Bush's Heisman away? No

RECEIVER DARIUS MILLINES

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

Complete this sentence, LeBron James is ... the King.

Better hair: Ron Zook or Rod Blagojevich? Ron Zook

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook

Who is the most famous person in your cell phone? Anquan Boldin

What school should the Big Ten get next? Miami

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

Name the one thing new President Michael Hogan needs to add to campus. McDonald's

Have the Blackhawks made you a hockey fan? No

Who is your smartest teammate? Zach Becker

Which of your teammates has a future in Hollywood? Ryan Lankford

Favorite former Illini in the NFL? Rejus

Best road trip in the Big Ten? Ohio State

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

Who is the last guy on the team you can picture getting married? Ashante Williams

Should they take Reggie Bush's Heisman away? No