Coaches have a way of spinning things. First-year coaches often find it easier to do the spinning than veterans.

Take Illinois head coach Ron Zook, who was hired after Ron Turner was fired at the end of the season. Even though he's known as a top-notch recruiter -- something that was painfully difficult for his predecessor -- he tried to spin things as though he had a near-impossible task.

When he was hired by Ron Guenther in December, the Illini had nine commitments from incoming freshmen. By signing day; Zook had added 10 more recruits to give the Illini a healthy class of 19.

"When we started, we were a year behind," Zook said in late January. "So what you try to do in a month and a half is make up a year. It's hard to do. The first thing we did is we picked up on the list that was here and then went from there. We started in the state of Illinois and went as far out as we had to go to get the players."

While Turner had a difficult time when he ventured outside the Midwest, Zook has players from eight states -- including five from Florida and three from Georgia.

However, the stud of this class is one that Turner bagged. Rashard Mendenhall is a five-star recruit who could turn out to be a great one. Playing for Niles West in Skokie, Ill., Mendenhall ran for more than 1,500 yards and averaged better than 10 yards per carry. His numbers may just scratch the surface of his talent because he played on an average team and looked at defenses that were always stacked against him.

The Illini also added defensive tackle Ishmail Abdunafi, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound junior college transfer from Bakersfield (Calif.) Community College.

Rivals.com rates the class No. 57 in the country.

But Zook does not have to worry. After all, he has only been on the job for a month and a half. He has an excuse and it's a legitimate one. He can spin it any way he wants.

Next year there will be no such excuses.

RB Rashard Mendenhall, Skokie, Ill. -- One of the best running back recruits in the country because of his strength, quickness and explosiveness. He averaged better than 10 yards per carry in 2004 and 11.6 yards per pop in 2003. He was clearly the only major threat on an average team and remained productive. He appears to be a future star for the Illini.

DT Ishmail Abdunafi, Bakersfield, Calif. -- Ron Zook hopes this junior college transfer will give the Illini some much needed toughness and bulk in the middle of the defensive line. Abdunafi checks in at 6-4 and 285 pounds and moves well for his size. The defensive line has been a major weak spot for Illinois the last three years so Abdunafi has a chance to provide an upgrade.

WR-DB Derrick McPhearson, Hyattsville, Md. -- A four-star recruit who excels on both sides of the ball. Among the key problems for the Illini in recent times has been a lack of speed and that is definitely something McPhearson can upgrade. He had 38 receptions for 778 yards and eight TDs last year while registering three interceptions as a defensive back. McPhearson was clocked at 4.38 in the 40 and also has a 38-inch vertical leap.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm excited about this recruiting class. I went back and compared it to our first year at Florida and there's no doubt in my mind, this (class) has got the potential to be better." -- Ron Zook on his first stint at recruiting for Illinois.

GLANCE AT 2005: Much of the attitude on this team stems from new coach Ron Zook, who has to provide an upgrade in enthusiasm, something that was sorely lacking under former coach Ron Turner. Zook exudes energy, but will that transfer over to his new team? Even if it does, the Illini are still significantly behind from a talent perspective and will have a tough climb in the Big Ten.

PRO POTENTIALC Duke Preston -- The 6-5, 312-pounder is a solid run blocker who was one of the more consistent players for the Illini the last four years. He appears to have a shot at getting drafted in the fourth or fifth round. He has a nasty disposition and plays with toughness, but he has a soft middle and could use more time in the weight room.

QB Jon Beutjer -- He had six years of college eligibility and he has as much experience as anyone. Beutjer is a potential fifth- or sixth-round choice with good size (6-4 and 211) and underrated athleticism. He throws a very catchable ball and is quite accurate. He also played in a pro-style offense.

CB Kelvin Hayden -- A top-level athlete who switched from wide receiver to cornerback before the start of his senior season. Hayden is 5-11 and 193 pounds and runs a 4.6 40. He has the kind of initial quickness that allows him to stay with early moves, but lacks long speed for the position. A potential fifth- or sixth-round draft choice.

ROSTER REPORT: WR Ade Adeyemo's broken leg forced him to miss most of the season. Without his big-play ability, the Illini offense suffered. He may not be ready for spring football, but a return next season seems likely. ... RB Rashard Mendenhall made good on his promise to enroll at Illinois even though Ron Turner was fired. Mendenhall's brother, Walter, just his freshman season at Illinois. Walter Mendenhall is also a running back.