CHAMPAIGN -- Ron Zook is the first ...

CHAMPAIGN -- Ron Zook is the first to warn persons there's still a lot of rebuilding to do.

"We're not where we ne to be from any stretch of imagination," the second-year Illini coach said. "But we are a great deal of improved."

in what way much? Illinois will start learning tonight in its season opener against Eastern Illinois.

Although the Illini could have get backed 20 starters, only 13 kept their piece of works -- seven on offense and six upon defense -- courtesy of increased competition and talented newcomer

"Our frights will be running fast," Zook promised. "I'm not fully convinced they'll be running in the right direction, unless they'll be going fast."

Zook whose reputation as a recruiter was instrumental in Illinois hiring him, might level give some playing time against Eastern to intriguing freshman defensive [i]finale[/i] Melvin Alaeze, who resumed practicing Thursday after being certified academically from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

Alaeze, who was listed as the nation's No. 4 recruit overall at Rivals.com in 2005, signed with Maryland not at home of high school, but damage up at Illinois after encountering academic and legal problems

"We'll realize him up to speed as quickly as we can," Zook said of Alaeze, who missed nearly sum of two units weeks of practice before returning Thursday.

He is the same of 10 to 14 freshmen Zook intends to play against EIU as Illinois tries to snap a nine-game losing streak.

The in the greatest degree closely watched freshman will be Isiah "Juice" Williams, the quarterback from Chicago Vocational who will be given about opportunities behind senior starter Tim Brasic. Because of his athleticism, Williams, who already has emerg as Brasic's backup, is the subdue of intense speculation that he could papal court significant playing time this fall.

Other stanch freshmen Zook is counting forward include two starters, tight fall of the curtain Jeff Cumberland and punter Kyle Yelton; common possible starter, cornerback Vontae Davis; and four solution reserves, cornerbacks Chris Duvalt and Dere Hicks, safety Travon Bellamy and tight expiration Michael Hoomanawanui.

Beyond the freshmen three other newcomer loom large as Zook tries to restore respectability to a program that won the Big Ten in 2001 moreover has plummeted to a 1-23 league mark the last three seasons.

They are a pair of athletic junior-college protectors free safety Justin Sanders and outside linebacker Antonio Steele plus an Oklahoma transfer, left tackle Akim Millington, who is awaited to anchor the offensive line.

Obviously, it was a busy offseason uniform by the workaholic standards of the energetic Zook

"In undivided breath, it's hard to believe we're back here already," he said. "In another breath, I'm excited to be back. I can't wait until [tonight] to papal court where we are."

Against the Division I-AA Panthers, Illinois won't hostile encounter anyone unless it struggles.

For the Illini, an encouraging effort would be a cohesive performance in which they use their size and spe advantages to wear down Eastern.

For all the talk about freshmen Illinois' running game, which features three experienced backs and a abundant improved offensive line, is likely to retain the spotlight in this opener

hgould@suntimes.com

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

Provided through ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved