Member of the hands team?

Ken Dilger had a great career at Illinois before moving on to the National Football League. But what plays do Illinois fans remember him for? A dropped pass in the end zone against Missouri and a reception against Purdue that fell 1 yard short.

Trying to avoid the same mistakes, tight end Josh Whitman is taking extra work in practice with offensive coordinator/receivers coach Buddy Teevens. The smart Whitman is his own worst critic, complaining loudly when he thinks he made a poor catch.

Whitman had a Dilger-like drop during Friday's afternoon practice. He was wide open in the end zone and simply couldn't hang on.

Sharing spots

Starting punter Steve Fitts and starting kicker Neil Rackers are getting to know each other well during training camp. They also need to learn each other's position.

Fitts is listed as the second-team place-kicker behind senior Rackers. Rackers is listed as the No. 2 punter behind freshman Fitts.

Rackers was supposed to be challenged by freshman kicker Brent Peterson. But the Columbus, Ohio, native has been slowed by a leg injury.

Moving up

Like receiver Lenny Willis, safety Mike Gusich had at one time fallen deep on the depth chart. Today, he's sharing the first team at free safety with Ivan Benson. If he doesn't gain the job, Gusich will likely be the top backup at both safety spots. Either way, he is going to get plenty of playing time.

Gusich had a fun exchange with receiver George McDonald-Ashford during Friday's afternoon scrimmage. Going against Gusich, McDonald-Ashford tried to bring in a pass. The receiver jumped up while shouting, "I caught that. I caught that."'

In a quiet tone, Gusich said, "No, you didn't."

Couldn't tell what the coaches ruled on the play. Maybe after they look at the tape.

Where's Carlos?

McLaurin, that is. Not in camp. The junior left spring practice as the team's starting cornerback. Now, his name is off the list. McLaurin is trying to clear up some academic work. The missed training camp time means the Illini will likely start the season with junior college transfers Johnnie Harris and Johnny Rogers manning one spot, along with Anthony Hurd. Former safety Asim Pleas is capably handling the other cornerback position.

Disabled list

Three Illini sat out the scrimmage: receiver Terrance Smalls, defensive end Rameel Connor and tight end Mike Cracioniou.

Up next

The team takes Sunday off and returns to double sessions at 8:30 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Monday. The Illini have just four practices left at Camp Rantoul.

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