Zook: Illini showing defensive intensity

CHAMPAIGN -- Illinois coach Ron Zook says he's starting to see progress in his defense as spring football winds down.

Zook says Illinois' defense has started to play with intensity over the past week.

He opened spring practices saying the defense needed to give up fewer big plays if the Illini are going to improve on last season's 5-7 record.

One key change is Martez Wilson's shift to middle linebacker from the outside.

Wilson has fallen short of the expectations that accompanied his decision to come to Illinois. If he sticks at middle linebacker, Wilson would fill a need created by Brit Miller's graduation.

Illinois closes spring football Saturday with the Orange and Blue game at Memorial Stadium.