Martez Wilson makes ESPN's Offseason Freaks list

[i bleed orange]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/column...uce&id=3420212

Wilson, who arrived last year at Illinois weighing 235 pounds, is up to 248 and just as fast and even more explosive. Wilson's 4.4 speed makes him a force at linebacker as well as a red zone tight end and as a gunner on the punt team, which Zook points out should tell you about the guy's speed.

Tez came in at 9. He's gonna be a force the next few years.

[GeorgiaIllini]

Originally Posted by i bleed orange

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/column...uce&id=3420212



Tez came in at 9. He's gonna be a force the next few years.

Someone should tell the Zooker that around here a 270 pound defender that runs a 4.4 40 reminds us of Simeon Rice.

[WOLFE]

Vontae Davis was mentioned as "Just missed the Cut" I think we were the only school with two...

[SixthandWhite]

Originally Posted by WOLFE

Vontae Davis was mentioned as "Just missed the Cut" I think we were the only school with two...

In three years the list will be composed entirely of Illini players

[bonick03]

Man! "Freak" is an understatement. Good Lord!

This kinda stuff is very exciting. Our Illini are being so hyped up right now, I just hope we all don't get our expectations too high. I mean, at this point all of us are thinking Rose Bowl is the minimum level of expectation, and National Championship is starting to creep into everyone's minds as an actual possibility.

I have to get my head out of the clouds!

[fightingillini fan 4-ever]

Originally Posted by bonick03

Man! "Freak" is an understatement. Good Lord!

This kinda stuff is very exciting. Our Illini are being so hyped up right now, I just hope we all don't get our expectations too high. I mean, at this point all of us are thinking Rose Bowl is the minimum level of expectation, and National Championship is starting to creep into everyone's minds as an actual possibility.

I have to get my head out of the clouds!

Im with ya.

Holy shat, where have ya been? I thought you fell off the earth.

Cant wait till football and basketball season begin...

Woo Hooo.. GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!!!!

[ILLINIFAN2]

Not to rain on anyone's parade here but remember, we have a VERY tough schedule this year, VERY tough!

[BananaShampoo]

I'm not thinking Rose Bowl is going to happen necessarily this year, but anything is possible. At least a nice New Year's bowl game would be nice.

[i bleed orange]

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

I'm not thinking Rose Bowl is going to happen necessarily this year, but anything is possible. At least a nice New Year's bowl game would be nice.

I'm with you. I'm not thinking a BCS game is in the cards this year but I see playing into 2009 a very good possibility.

But who knows, if you would have told me a year ago we would be playing in the Rose Bowl I would have said you're crazy.

[OrangeFever]

Originally Posted by i bleed orange

I'm with you. I'm not thinking a BCS game is in the cards this year but I see playing into 2009 a very good possibility.

But who knows, if you would have told me a year ago we would be playing in the Rose Bowl I would have said you're crazy.

Right, those are my sentiments, too. It's just nice to see the publicity starting to come to the program. It's well deserved. The stadium renovation adds to the momentum and excitement. Despite all of that, I'm certainly not thinking Rose Bowl or any BCS Bowl as "minimum expectations". In fact, I doubt we'll make the BCS rotation this year, and we very possibly won't win as many games as last season, but that's okay. The program clearly is on the rise and is making progress rapidly. It will be an exciting, competitive season, I think, and 8 wins or more is within reach.

[bonick03]

Well, I'm glad you guys have your heads on straight, because I sure don't! Once you go Rose, you never go back, as they say.

It's not necessarily that I realistically expect us to go to the BCS, so much as I would be disappointed if we didn't. Sort of. I mean, after so many years in the toilet, I'll still be happy with annual trips to warm weather locations in December and January.

God bless Ron Zook.

[OrangeFever]

Originally Posted by bonick03

Well, I'm glad you guys have your heads on straight, because I sure don't! Once you go Rose, you never go back, as they say.

It's not necessarily that I realistically expect us to go to the BCS, so much as I would be disappointed if we didn't. Sort of. I mean, after so many years in the toilet, I'll still be happy with annual trips to warm weather locations in December and January.

God bless Ron Zook.

You haven't been sniffing roses. You've been chewing on orange poppy seeds. Keep it up. Maybe we'll all get infected.

[BananaShampoo]

Given Illinois' less than illustrious history in season's following Rose or other BCS Bowl berths, we should all be happy if we simply end up in a bowl game - ANY bowl game - after this season. Sustained success is something we should be aiming for, and a trend of at least making it into bowl games would be a good first step. Once we establish a pattern of success, then maybe we can start thinking BCS every year.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by BananaShampoo

Given Illinois' less than illustrious history in season's following Rose or other BCS Bowl berths....

Yes indeed, last time Illinois had back-to-back winning seasons (6-6 does not count) was 1989-1990

[BananaShampoo]

You're right, Dan. That was the short-lived Mackovic era. Oh so long ago.