Camp Rantucky
August 4, 2008 7:47 AM
"People say that we have turned the corner. We haven't turned the corner, we've made progress," said Zook as his Fighting Illini squad opens camp this afternoon at Camp Rantoul. "My philosophy is, you take a freshmen class through four years … and when we can get them through four years of consistent winning - then you can say, 'gosh, I think the program has turned the corner.'"
Zook: No corner turned yet (commercial-news.com)
Starting at 2:30 p.m. today, Ron Zook leads the Illini through 23 practices in 19 days in preparation for the Aug. 30 opener versus Missouri and beyond.
"The rules are," said fifth-year defensive tackle David Lindquist, "you wake up at 6 (a.m.) and you pretty much don't do anything but football until 10 at night, when you're back in your room."
"It's a grind," said senior defensive end Will Davis. "A lot of people don't look forward to it, but they do look forward to it. It's a love-and-hate relationship with Rantoul."
Zook loves this place that many of the Illini veterans refer to as "Rantucky."
Rugged 'Rantucky' tough starting spot for Illini (dailyherald.com)
"I've already talked to him about [the NFL]," said coach Ron Zook. "Hey, if he's a three (years)-and-out guy, then God bless him."
As he prepares for Illinois' first 2008 practice at Camp Rantoul, Davis claims he couldn't be less concerned about his pro prospects.
"I'm mostly worried about camp and getting screamed at by coach Zook," he said with a laugh.
CB Davis could have NFL future (dailyherald.com)
The ends are considered a strength of the team.
"If we play the way we're supposed to play, we can be the best D-line in the country," defensive end Derek Walker said.
Football notes: Illini ready to roll (illinihq.com)
Camp Rantoul Media Day photo gallery (illinihq.com)
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