For Illini, time to move forward

Groce said he and his staff are examining fifth-year players (who have graduated at another university but still retain one year of eligibility), transfers, junior college players, high school seniors and underclass prep players who could be added to a future class.

"We're recruiting aggressively every day," he said. "All options are in play, every possible scenario you can imagine. We're trying to find the right fit for our program and the university. Do they address needs?

"The question is, would I use one of those scholarships yet this spring? I'd say the chances are very strong."

Tupper