Illinois Football Rantoul Media Day: Tim Beckman Updates on Injuries, Position Battles

Tim Beckman provided multiple updates on the quarterback, wide receiver, and linebacker position battles, Donovann Young's and Tony Durkin's injury status, and movement on the offensive line at Illinois Media Day Sunday afternoon with multiple media members on hand in Champaign.

The Illini head coach did not address the recent decision on the NCAA losing its court case against former UCLA basketball star Ed O'Bannon and how student-athletes will be compensated in the future.

Beckman held his press conference in front of a rebranded backdrop with an old helmet design decal on the podium, something he felt he needed to address to keep the mood light.

#illini Beckman starts presser in front of rebranded backdrop. "We need to get a shield on there," he said. pic.twitter.com/hZ6QSsIigf

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Beckman also mentioned a few names that have had a "great camp."

Carroll Phillips and Jihad Ward already a big part of team. First two newcomers de-striped as chosen by team along with Mike Dudek and GMo.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Beckman mentions Pat Flavin as someone who has had a great camp. DiLauro, Scmidt and true frosh Nick Allegretti also doing well.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

The player who surprised Beckman the most? DeJazz Woods. #illini

— Shannon Ryan (@sryantribune) August 10, 2014

Beckman continued to and addressed the quarterback position, stating he will make a decision after Camp Rantoul and pointed out what elements he liked in Wes Lunt, Reily O'Toole, and Aaron Bailey:

Beckman: Lunt has incredible arm. O'Toole has gotten stronger and more precise with deep ball. Bailey just makes plays.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Beckman: Bailey has come here to be a QB so he is going to compete at qb. Not even discussing anything else until final verdict comes in.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Players have moved around the defensive side of the ball, and Beckman says TJ Neal is more comfortable at mike linebacker while Carroll Phillips moves inside behind Mason Monheim:

TJ Neal more comfortable at Mike LB. Carroll Phillips moved to ILB, backing up Monheim. Caleb Day has moved to safety. #illini

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Beckman changed back to the offensive and says Springfield Sacred Heart Griffin product Malik Turner, does not look like a freshman:

Beckman: WRs very skilled. Being able to work with them this summer was huge. Veterans on team said Malik Turner impressed them the most.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

#Illini coach Beckman on + impression by WR Malik Turner (Sacred Heart-Griffin product): "He's not playing like a freshman."

— Shannon Ryan (@sryantribune) August 6, 2014

He then added that Pat Flavin has moved positions on the offensive line:

Beckman said pat flavin has moved ahead at right tackle. Could be in line to start

— Matt Daniels (@mdaniels_NG) August 10, 2014

Beckman closed out the press conference by giving injury updates on Young and saying Durkin will remain with the team:

Beckman: Donovonn Young held out the last few days with a concussion. His role will be a very big role to our success.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Beckman: Team has shut down senior OL Tony Durkin due to an arthritic shoulder. Will be on medical scholarship and help team.

— Jeremy Werner (@WernerESPNCU) August 10, 2014

Updates on this post will come as media members talk with players.