Zook lauds signees, despite losing several high profile in-state players

Facing more negative recruiting than ever at Illinois, coach Ron Zook said he expects the class of 20 to defy expectations.

"This class is going to surprise a lot of people down the road," he said.

Still, the Illini must be smarting over losing Proviso East safety Corey Cooper, ranked No. 6 overall in the state by Rivals.com.

Shannon Ryan