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No doubt, the Illinois defense missed its middle linebacker during the bulk of the 2009 season. Disk surgery forced Martez Wilson off the field. Now, he's ready to make up for lost time. Considered one of the top prep prospects as a high school senior, Wilson's got two seasons to prove the experts right. He's grown up plenty since first arriving at Illinois and can't wait for today's opening kickoff.

Q: For the bazillionth time, how's the neck?

A: The neck's very good. I don't have any problems. I had a good surgeon, good recovery. I did everything I needed to do in my rehab. Right now, it's all systems go.

Q: What was the initial feeling?

A: Very painful. I felt a lot of numbness and tingling down my arms. I knew I wasn't normal at the time. I told the trainers and they got me treated as soon as I told him. (Trainer) Nick (Richey) said he knew something was wrong. He knew something was bothering me.

Q: Do you know when it happened?

A: I think it was probably a buildup of things. But in that first game, on the first drive that Missouri had the ball, there was a screen and I came on two linemen. After that play, I wasn't right. I was trying to split the blockers. As I did that, my head got banged up.

Q: When did it start to feel better?

A: I'd say January or February. Two weeks after surgery (in September) I had to be in a neck brace. I didn't really have any more symptoms in January or February.

Q: Before surgery, were you scared?

A: I wasn't scared. I went into surgery confident. Coach (Ron) Zook talked to me. Nick talked to me about the doctors and the procedure. He talked to my parents. The doctor said even if I was just regular employee at a law firm, he would prefer the surgery. This was a life situation.

Q: Who helped you get through it?

A: Besides family, I would just say my team. The whole team, which includes the trainers and the support staff. Everybody was always texting me, seeing if I needed anything. They made sure I was all right.

Q: So, within a year, you were stabbed and suffered a neck injury. That's enough trouble for one lifetime.

A: Yes. There's definitely nothing else. I learned from those experiences. My time when I go out is very limited. I was helping out someone. In that type of situation (when he was stabbed), I think I could have done something else to better the situation.

Q: How do you feel about being back on the field?

A: It feels great. When I come on the field, it's a whole new world. It's a relief off my shoulders. Football is something I love to do. I'm not thinking about my neck, the stabbing. I'm just reading my keys and getting to the ball.

Q: Are you still happy with your decision to come to Illinois?

A: I don't second-guess my decision at all. I'm comfortable being here at Illinois. I like the whole Illini family. That's a decision I'm very happy with.

Q: What school was No. 2?

A: It was between Notre Dame, O-State and USC. It was a mixture.

Q: There are four Wilson's on the team. Rank them in order of intelligence?

A: That's tough. I'm going to rank me first, Tavon, Evan, then Craig.

Q: Rank them in order of looks?

A: Same order.

Q: Rank them as players?

A: Same order. The freshman (Evan), they really like him. He's going to start. Craig has been running with the 2s at tackle.

Q: How do you think Nathan will do against Missouri?

A: He'll be all right. He's got to stay poised, read his keys, read the defense, take his time. The first couple of plays, any football player will have butterflies. He's got to relax. There will definitely be conversations with him. As a teammate, you've got to help him get through it. He's a freshman on the field. He's also representing No. 2. I'm big 2, and he's little 2.

Q: What would be better: you at quarterback or him at middle linebacker?

A: Me at quarterback. He's too small to be a linebacker. I fit the position. I'm taller, so I'd be able to see over the linemen. I'm not a good thrower. I can't throw. I can play receiver, not quarterback.

Q: How do you feel about new defensive coordinator Vic Koenning?

A: He doesn't like us to slouch at all. He doesn't like losing. He wants perfection. He doesn't allow any signs of weakness. I like that.

Q: Your thoughts on fellow Simeon graduate Derrick Rose?

A: I think he's doing very well. He's leading the team. He's shown to be the player everyone predicted him to be. I wish him the best of luck.

Q: Do you like that he's playing for the Bulls?

A: Of course, I like it. He gives us even more reason to pay attention to the Bulls. He played basketball his whole life in Chicago. I think it's great.

Q: Who is your all-time favorite Illinois linebacker?

A: I like them all. I like different aspects from each one.

Q: When do we get to see you at receiver?

A: I think it's definitely out. My focus is on defense. After my freshman and sophomore year, I got it out of my head that Coach Zook doesn't want me to play offense.

Q: What's your favorite sport to play other than football?

A: Track. And basketball, but not regulation basketball. Street ball.

Q: What do you think about Nebraska joining the Big Ten?

A: It's a good change. It allows us to have a Big Ten championship now. The media is going to be up on the Big Ten more.

Q: Would you like a college football playoff?

A: No, I like the bowl games. That separates college football from the NFL.

Q: In a few questions, I'm going to ask you to tell me something people don't know about you. But first, tell me something people don't know about one of your teammates.

A: Something people don't know because he's shy, Ian Thomas can really sing. R and B. He wouldn't sing the anthem. He's not going to do it.

Q: Who is your favorite female entertainer?

A: I've got a lot of them. I'm going to have to stick with Megan Fox.

Q: A night on the town with Megan Fox or 15 tackles in a win against Missouri?

A: We're going to have to say 15 tackles and a win against Missouri, but you've got to put some more stats at the end of that. Sorry, Megan. Maybe some other time.

Q: Tell me something people don't know about you.

A: I can't swim at all. As a child, I wasn't in the water a lot. I'm definitely going to learn how to swim because I want to go to the pool and impress the ladies. Swimming helps your body. I can't swim. I sink.