Spur-of-the moment changes nothing new to Zook

CHAMPAIGN -- Need another example of Ron Zook's football addiction?

Wherever he goes, even when on vacation, he carries a folded copy of Illinois' depth chart in his pocket.

That allows Zook to study his personnel whenever he dreams up a potential position change.

"Sometimes things just come to you," Zook said.

This helps explain how, on the eve of Illinois' opening practice Friday, sophomore Rahkeem Smith learned he would shift from middle linebacker to fullback.

The 2005 Willowbrook graduate, whose chiseled 6-foot-1, 246-pound frame could be the strongest on the team, traded in his white No. 54 jersey for a blue No. 30 shirt.

"He's a big guy that likes to hit," Zook said. "He'll stick it up in there and he's athletic. I haven't talked to (running backs coach) Reggie (Mitchell) yet, but just from what I watched in this first practice I was pretty impressed."

Smith's move, if it sticks, solves one of Illinois' biggest trouble spots. Senior Russ Weil, another converted linebacker, is the only other scholarship athlete at fullback.

Walk-ons Justin Ijei and Nick Levanti are banged up and not taking part in practice.

C.J. on trial: Contrary to previous information, power forward-turned-tight end C.J. Jackson's scholarship didn't automatically switch from the basketball team to the football team when he reported Thursday.

"He's on basketball scholarship," said coach Ron Zook. "What's probably going to happen is if we feel like, hey, he's going to help us, then obviously I'm all for giving him a scholarship and he'll be one of ours."

Jackson checked into camp at 6-foot-8, 260 pounds and made at least one nice catch in traffic during 11-on-11 non-contact drills.

He also stayed after practice to catch extra passes with fellow tight end Michael Hoomanawanui.

"We've got to feel like he's going to be part of this team and be a contributing part of the team," Zook said. "I know he's a heck of an athlete, but in the spring we really only got to see four practices and two of them were scrimmages, so we really didn't get to see a lot.

"I think he's shown a lot this summer. He's been with our guys all summer working out. That's the first step he's made to commitment and I think that's a good deal there."

Orange and blue notes: Freshman four-star wide receiver Anthony Morris (Thornton) did not report to camp.

While some reports indicated the Thornton High School graduate won't enroll this fall due to grades, apparently that's not yet a done deal.

Freshman offensive tackle Mike Garrity, meanwhile, spent his first college practice on the sidelines due to a hip flexor.

The Batavia product settling for riding an exercise bike and jogging with strength and conditioning coach Lou Hernandez.

"He was trying to go and they pulled him out," said coach Ron Zook. "He'll be OK. It's one of them things where, if they don't let it get a bit calmed down, it'll be a nagging thing."

Freshman receiver Arrelious Benn couldn't get up immediately after one play and needed assistance to hop to the sideline.

While observers gasped at the sight of the five-star receiver in pain, Zook didn't show as much concern because he recognized Benn merely was suffering a leg cramp.

"Or I would've been gasping, too," Zook said.

Sophomore Dere Hicks switched from cornerback to wide receiver during the spring, but he moved back after telling Zook he felt more comfortable on defense.