Moderator: Welcome back to another chat. Sorry for the delay today, but I was at a conference in St. Louis.

I've got a boatload of questions, so I'm going to get to them right away. Thanks again for your fantastic participation.

Bruce, Urbana, IL: Bob,

do you think there will be one "feautured" RB this year? Or will they go by committee again?

If so, will they go with the one who is "hot" at the moment again like last season?

Moderator: Bruce,

My guess is initially it will be a by-committee approach. If somebody takes control early in the season and shows he can be a dependable, no-turnover guy, then he will get more carries. I've thought all along that it was leaning toward a Jason Ford/Mikel Leshoure combination. But I think the coaches value Daniel Dufrene and Troy Pollard. And I think they are going to give Bud Golden and Justin Green every chance to prove they can play as freshmen. One of the six might end up being a star and having a Rashard Mendenhall-type season. But I'm guessing the coaches want the production in whatever form it takes. If that means four guys gaining 400 yards each, with a high per carry average, then that's what it will be. And remember, the quarterback can run a little bit too. So can the receivers.

Bruce, Urbana, IL: How is recruiting for next season going?

What do you think are the major needs for next seasons class?

Moderator: Bruce,

I think Illinois is off to a good start and has the potential for a great class. The fact that Kyle Prater and C.J. Fiedorowicz still have Illlinois under consideration is a good thing. I think the skill positions are in good shape. And offensive line is off to a solid start. The point of emphasis with the remaining parts of the class will be at linebacker and on the defensive line. Also, expect a punter in this class.

Don, Urbana, IL: Bob,

what can you tell us about the kid you talked about in your blast week? Believe his name was CJ

Moderator: Don,

You'd have to see C.J. Fiedorowicz to believe him. He's about 6-6, big and strong, but agile. He can jump high for a ball and runs very, very well, especially for a guy his size. Honestly, if he is used right in college, he could be a superstar. He seems like a great kid and I know he will make the right college choice. His parents are involved, in a good way. I think he will be watching Illinois closely this season to see how Michael Hoomanawanui and Hubie Graham are used. I think he will like what he sees.

JEllis, Decatur, IL: Last year we seemed pretty predictable, with Locks leaving has there been any new wrinkles in the offense? Has the freshman(?Justin Green?) out of OHIO healthy enough to get a look at what he can or cant do?

Moderator: JEllis,

I think any new coordinator brings his own set of ideas about what works best. Mike Schultz has been around for a long time and has had successful offenses. There will definitely be some new stuff, but using the old terminology. Ron Zook had no interest in changing everything, so Schultz is learning the Illinois plays. Makes sense.

I talked to Justin last week and he said he is feeling better. He is attending the summer workouts with the veterans. He won't do anything on the field that he isn't ready to do. I don't think it will be a problem for him in training camp.

He is a very impressive kid off the field. Very friendly. I think he could have a monster career at Illinois.

JEllis, Decatur, Il: How s the offensive line looking? didnt we have alot of young guys redshirting?

Moderator: JEllis,

I thought the offensive line play got better during the spring. You didn't see it in the final scrimmage because the players were split into groups. But Joe Gilbert has a good plan, is as an excellent teacher and has a good starting point with Jon Asamoah and Eric Block.

There are redshirts piling up and those players will have a chance to get on the field in the next two seasons, but more in 2010.

Marcus, Monument, CO: Bob,

Do you think with the lose in the recruiting battle for Zack Fulton to Tennessee is a sign of the things to come? The statement was made that we went there because they have a chance to win a national championship. Do you think Tenn. is that much closer than Illinios to winning?

Moderator: Marcus,

You had a pretty good sense during the Nike camp here that Zach wasn't going to follow Xavier to Illinois. I don't have the Illinois recruiting list, so I don't know where he was on the priority list. I'm sure they would like to have him, but I'm also sure they have other options on the offensive line. I don't think Tennessee is closer to winning than Illinois. But I think Lane Kiffin can sell that Tennessee is closer to winning. He's also got 110,000 fans in the seats each game. That helps.

Will , Urbana, IL: Which of the new QB recruits do you see as having the most promise to follow Juice as the QB of the future? What style of play do they bring?

Moderator: Will,

I think Illinois finds itself in a very good situation with Jacob Charest, Nathan Scheelhaase and Chandler Whitmer. All three can run. I'd say Nathan is the best at that. And all three have strong, accurate arms. They can all throw on the run. Jacob will have a big advantage in that he's been here and knows the offense. Nathan will get a taste of it during the season. And Chandler is coming in January.

They will all start behind Eddie McGee, who could be one of those fifth-year seniors who has a huge season, delaying the next regime at quarterback.

JPH, St. Louis, MO: Graham Pocic was such a huge recruit for Illinois. Do you see him getting much action this season, or is it going to take another year or so for him to develop and earn more playing time?

Moderator: JPH,

I think he will be one of the first guys off the bench in 2009, able to fill any of the three inside spots if someone needs a break. I think he will have a chance to be a starter in 2010, which will be his redshirt sophomore season. Three years as a starting offensive lineman is a pretty good accomplishment these days in the Big Ten.

Meatman, Boynton Beach , Fl.: Bob looks like recruiting is going real good.I saw that we got Andy Galik which is a BIG recruit in more than one way. Good luck Andy you will love the uofI. Sofar every recruit has been 3star or better you can't beat that. Who do you think will be the next couple recruits?

Moderator: Meatman,

I won't give you a name, but I will you a timeframe: late July.

The coaches get a little downtime now before getting geared up for the season. Not that won't take commitments now, but I don't expect a rush in the next few weeks. But when training camp is a couple weeks away, the commitments will start coming again.

Illinois is off to a good start with the class of 2010. Ron Zook is going to be careful to pick the right guys with the remaining spots. And it won't be a class of 30.

Kyle, Elgin, IL: I've been told to ask you about Zach Fulton's commitment to UT. Your thoughts on why UI wasnt more in the picture?

Over/Under on Kiffin being there 4 years?

Is UT a better academic situation for Zach than UI?

Moderator: Kyle,

One thing to remember about Xavier is that he was recruited by the previous staff. That doesn't mean he has anything against Ron Zook. In fact, thanks to Ron Zook, Xavier is going to be cashing checks in the NFL. But I don't think the family had the same knowledge of the current staff that they had of Ron Turner's staff. On Lane Kiffin, let's see how well he does at Tennessee. If he turns it around quickly, which is possible, he could become king of the place. Maybe he'll decide it's the best place for him and stay for decades. On the other hand, he has put himself on the spot with all of the off-the-field shenanigans. So, he's on a short lease. A couple of 4-8 seasons in a row and he'll be out there. I'll say it's 45 percent that he's there after four years. The academic situation isn't clear to me. I know that Illinois is considered one of the nation's top public academic institutions.

Kyle, Elgin, IL: Do you think there is any chance that Prater and Milton go to the same school?

Moderator: Kyle,

I think there is a chance they will go to the same school. I don't think if Milton picks Illinois that will hurt in the recruitment of Prater. I've found receivers are extremely confident in their own ability and don't worry about the other guys. Plus, Illinois and other schools need more than one receiver. The guys know that. In the old I-formation days, then maybe receivers would be worried about competing for fewer spots. But not when Illinois is running four receivers on the field at once.

AL DRURY, PONTIAC, IL.: fULTON NEWS HURTS !!

WINNING SEASON LAST YR.-I THINK WE HAD HIM- WHAT YOU THINK ?

Moderator: Al DRURY,

I'm not sure. If he had gone to a closer school, like Wisconsin or Michigan or Notre Dame, I might agree with you. But when you pick a school out of your region, you are generally trying to go your own direction. I hope it works for him. I always think it's harder for guys in the early years when they are far from home. It takes a special person to stick it out when things aren't going well. Also, Lane Kiffin doesn't strike me as the warm and fuzzy type. If you aren't playing well, he's going to let you know it.

Terry B., Chicago, IL: We know Ron Zook is an outstanding recruiter. Where would you rank Coach Zook as a tactician relative to his Big Ten Peers?

Moderator: Terry,

Ron Zook's strength as a coach is his practice and knowledge of defense. That unit runs the style of play he thinks works the best. Though it hasn't worked out as well as he would have hoped, you would have to say the Illinois defense is much improved over the one he inherited four years ago. On offense, he picked a style he doesn't like to defend. Mike Locksley worked it well enough to get a head coaching job. Ultimately, coaches are ranked on everything: recruiting, tactics, management, staff hiring, etc. Overall, you'd have to give Ron Zook a good grade. Is the program better off than when he took over? Absolutely.

Among the Big Ten coaches, I'd put him in the upper half. I don't believe the argument that he can't coach.

H. Gates, Jacksonville, Illinois: With the Quarterback's that are on the Illinois roster and the ones that have made a verble comitment will the coaches be able to keep harmony on the team. Looks like a lot of talent at the QB position.

Moderator: H. Gates,

The quarterbacks will keep the harmony going internally. They all get along. The older guys help the younger guys. The egos are checked at the door. Having Kurt Beathard and Mike Schultz in their ear will help. If there is internal bickering, it will show on the field. But I don't think that will happen. Ron Zook recruits quarterbacks who are team guys. I think that's the case with Jacob Charest, Nathan Scheelhaase and Chandler Whitmer. Juice Williams and Eddie McGee will give them good lesson plans and they pass it down the line.

Brent, StL, MO: Bob, please reassure me that our kicking game will be better this year. Or, do we need to brace ourselves for another season of net 10yard punts?

Moderator: Brent,

I think the intent of the coaching staff will be improved kicking game. I think Anthony Santella will be better. And the coverage units will be improve.

You are right, 10-yard punts are killers. The coaches hate them more than you do. And they will do everything they can to avoid them.

One thing you have to consider with punting is the conditions that will be faced. Just one dome game as opposed to two last season. And outside at Minnesota and Cincinnati in November. And outside against Fresno State in December. The punting might be improved without the numbers showing it.

Mike DeFelice, Sevilla, Spain: Bob-master Flex:

Word on the street is that Jerry Brown is still on campus and working out with the team. Can you confirm? Also, any prediction as to his eligibility against Missouri?

Muchas gracias.

Moderator: Mike,

The last time we talked to Ron Zook about it, it sounded unlikely that Jerry will be back. But I've learned a long time ago that you never know. If he gets his classwork in order, he could return to the team. If he is at Camp Rantoul, you'd have to think he will play in the Missouri game. But the latest word from Ron Zook is that was unlikely. I will continue to check on it.

Jack McGillney, New York, NY: With the offense looking pretty strong this year, I was wondering if Zook is worried at all about safety play.

While I respect Edwards and Flowers' contributions, one look at the NW game tape of last year tells me they aren't going to work, and with Hardeman's injury status, I am very worried this could derail a potentially very stong team/season. I think it is too much to ask the true freshman from East St. Louis to compete right away and the spring game only made me more worried. Your thoughts?

Moderator: Jack,

The more I hear about Hardeman, the more I believe he will be back this season. And that will substantially change the safety situation. If he is able to go, then it adds to the depth and makes it easier for the coaches to operate the defense.

Safety is a critical position in Zook's defense. He doesn't need superstars there. But he needs guys he can rely on to not give up big plays and to keep that short pass play from going an extra 10 yards. That happened too often in 2008. The depth at safety, with Hardeman, will be greatly improved over last season.

BigWill, Peoria, IL: If Coach Zook puts together two or three straight top 15 finishes (and thats a BIG if), do you think he will stay at Illinois or try to redeem himself in the SEC?

Moderator: BigWill,

I think Illinois fans would take two or three Top 15 finishes in exchange for questions about the head coach staying. That would be an easy call.

Whenever I ask, Ron Zook says he is here "as long as they'll have me." Because of what happened to him at Florida, he is much more worried about it going the wrong way.

I don't know where he would go in the SEC. There isn't a better job than Florida, so I don't see the SEC as an option for him in the future.

I think he likes it here. His staff likes it here. If he starts winning at a consistent, high level, there's no reason to go elsewhere.

Jason, Washington, D.C.: Why is it that when talking about Martez Wilson, Illini fans, many of whom are also Bears fans seem to ignore the fact that Brian Urlacher, also an athletic linebacker, was originally drafted as an outside linebacker and was only moved inside after he struggled on the outside? As we all know, the transition has been a great one for Urlacher. Could Wilson also flourish after the move?

Moderator: Jason,

You make good points. I asked J Leman about Martez Wilson in the middle and he said it's a great position for him. J has no doubt that Wilson will succeed. I'll have more from J in Sunday's Bob Blitz.

Gregg , Pittsburgh, pa: Any eligibility issues for the incoming freshman? How about Jerry Brown?

Moderator: Gregg,

Ron Zook told me recently that everybody is in good shape. That doesn't mean there can't be a glitch, but it sounds positive for the incoming class.

I will check on Jerry Brown, but the last we heard was that it was unlikely he would return.

Reef Karim, Beverly Hills, California: I have serious, serious concerns about our punting and coverage on special teams. It baffles me how such an important part of the game appears to "not be a big deal" to the coaching staff. We didn't really add anyone of significance in the punting game. What are your thoughts? LA Illini

Moderator: Reef Karim,

I think the coaches understand how important it is and worked on it hard in the spring. It will be a big part of Camp Rantoul. Ron Zook coached special teams in the NFL. He gets it.

I think the coaches looked for a punter, but didn't find the right guy. They are hoping Anthony Santella makes the necessary improvement.

Cory Huisenga, Washburn, Iowa: Your guess as to the next committment?

Scott Murphy, Los Angeles, CA: Any recruiting targets you can discuss that staff feels good about landing?

Moderator: Cory and Scott,

Nobody specific. Actually, the coaches don't feel comfortable about landing a player until signing day.

Illinois has a big advantage right now in recruiting with Chandler Whitmer working the texts and phones. He will be a help to Illinois for the 2010 class. The Illinois quarterbacks in the Zook era have all been very aggressive recruiters after making their commitments.

Jimmy, Dallas, TX: Bob, I bet you can't wait to get back to the metropolis that is Rantoul! What do you see as the key position battles to pay attention to during fall camp this season?

Moderator: Jimmy,

I really am counting the days. Camp Rantoul is my favorite time of the year and I love going to the community. Friendly people. And plenty of football.

Running back, safety, linebacker and the open offensive line spots will be where I put most of my attention. Kicker is another spot with some intrigue. It will all be fun. And hot. Bring lots of water and definitely say hello.

J-Ran, Champaign, IL: Bob, love these chats. Any word on if we could see a shotgun formation with a tailback on each side of Juice this season? That could set up a lot of different things offensively that would make linebackers have to go through more keys than they're used to.

Moderator: J-Ran,

Send me your email and I will pass it along to Mike Schultz. Sounds like you've got a good plan. It seems to me that Illinois used that formation a time or two last season because I remember multiple tailbacks in the game.

I think Mike Schultz has all sorts of gadgets and gizmos he will try to put in. But his base philosophy, like all good offensive coordinators, is to keep the ball moving.

Chris, Chicago, Illinois: Hey bob, Is Clay Nurse going to be a starter at DE this coming season, he's really tlaented.

Moderator: Chris,

Clay had a very good spring and put himself in position to compete for a starting job. I think Doug Pilcher will see a bulk of the time on one side and Clay and Antonio James will fight for the other spot. A bunch of guys could play.

Scotty Conn, New Haven, Conn: What can you tell me that would make me feel better about special teams play this year? Looking forward to improvement there.

Moderator: Scotty,

More than ever, Ron Zook has made special teams a priority. Not that they weren't in the past, but I think he has rededicated himself to getting it fixed. And some of the areas were good. Matt Eller was better than average on field goals. I think the return teams will improve.

Special teams have such an impact on the rest of the game. I think Ron Zook understands that.

Gregg, Pittsburgh, Pa: Which new starter will have the biggest impact on defense?

Moderator: Gregg,

Ian Thomas. When Illinois got him, they thought he could be a great player. I'm guessing this is the year it happens.

Stan, Kenilworth, IL: Putting you on the spot for a win/loss prediction as of right now, what do think?

Moderator: Stan,

Thanks. I really enjoy being put on the spot, so here goes: 8-4.

But I have the right to change my guess after the first five games, up or down.

John, Rockford, IL: How does the staff feel about any targets in Texas this year? Probably too soon, and next year is the big push?

Moderator: John,

You nailed it. Recruiting a new area is a three-year process. Not that Illinois won't get anybody from the state. But the longer Illinois is in Texas, the better it will do in recruiting.

Moderator: Wow. That was fun. I've got to go for the day. I'll be back next week and the more conventional noon chat time.

Thanks for all of your great questions. I really appreciate the input.

Any questions between now and next week, write me at asmussen@news-gazette.com.