In desperate need of big, athletic linemen – coach Ron Turner plans to recruit five young giants on offense and perhaps four on defense – the Illini have an advantage in the all-out chase for 280-pound south suburban standout Aaron Hodges.

"We're close," said Aaron of his brother Brian Hodges, the UI's starting tight end.

Members of The News-Gazette''s All-State football team:

Recruiting is the next critical item on Ron Turner's agenda, one that will help shape the future of his program.

But remember: Unless Chris Morton, whose record-breaking efforts have led Riverview Gardens into Missouri's 5A title game Saturday, lands on this campus with a level of maturity and quarterback skills never previously seen in a freshman at Illinois, success or failure in 1999 will be 95 percent dependent on athletes already here.

On a night when 12 seniors were honored, a junior took the big prize at the 96th Rotary Illinois football banquet.

Junior linebacker Danny Clark was named team most valuable player. He led the Illini with 115 tackles, including 10 for loss. Clark, also named outstanding defensive player, thanked the 12 departing seniors, then he looked ahead to the 1999 season.

CHAMPAIGN – His football team was outscored by 177 points. His quarterbacks completed 47 percent of their passes. His offense allowed six fumble or interception returns for touchdowns.

Despite all the negatives, Ron Turner refuses to give up hope. On Monday, the second-year Illinois coach looked ahead to 1999 and beyond.

Being the gunner on a punt team and preaching the Gospel seem like different worlds.

But here's Scott Turner, flying down the football field looking to bust heads each Sunday. And there's Turner speaking to youths and spreading the word.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Like a haymaker to the chops, Ron Turner's Illini absorbed one last stunning reminder Saturday as to the size of the mountain they have to climb.

In 1996 at Spartan Stadium, we saw the beginning of the end for Lou Tepper's regime, Michigan State destroying the UI 42-14 to kick off what ultimately would be an 18-game losing streak.

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Four Michigan natives made the trip to Michigan State with the Illinois football team. One of them might not be back.

Quarterback Jeff Ziegler, a redshirt freshman quarterback from Jackson, said he is considering a transfer. Strongly considering it.