Comments about Ron Zook's hiring:

"It's not like the Big Ten is so dominant. You have to have players. If Ron can recruit and get players, Illinois can win again. Ron Zook can coach." - Sean Salisbury, ESPN NFL analyst

"He's one good recruiter. A people person is what he is. I think if Illinois hires Ron Zook, they will never need to look back. I don't think there's any question that recruiting is an art. Some people are good recruiters and other people are not quite as good. I think recruiting is something you really have to like to do. I think Ron was really the main recruiter at Florida. They'll tell you Ron went out and knocked on doors, so to speak. When (Steve) Spurrier was there, he was not one of the guys that knocked on the door. I don't think there's any question he can recruit." - Gil Brandt, NFL.com contributor

"I have followed Ron's career closely since he left Kansas City. I particularly admired the toughness, determination and perseverance he, his coaching staff and players displayed under incredibly difficult circumstances this season at the University of Florida. Winning his last three games at Florida was a testament to the dedication and devotion he brings to a football program. If you saw his players carry him off the field after their win at Florida State, that tells you all yoy need to know about Ron Zook. In my book, that win alone more than qualifies him for any head coaching job in America." - Gunther Cunningham, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator and former Zook boss

"He does an excellent job because of the person he is. (College) is a great fit for him. In this league, you deal with players every day and he did a good job of that. He does a good job in college dealing with the people, the media and the actual players and their everyday needs." - Jim Haslett, New Orleans Saints head coach

"He's perfect for that job. He always had a great attitude and was always upbeat. He is a tireless worker." - Randy Mueller, former New Orleans Saints general manager and current ESPN NFL analyst

"A quality individual. A type of person the players will have great respect for. He's not only a good football coach, but he's a darn good recruiter. They've made an excellent selection." - Bill Mallory, Zook's first college coach at Miami (Ohio)

"He's got a nice track record and, the key part, it sounds like he's a terrific recruiter. Hopefully he can recruit outside Illinois, which I've always thought we should do. I think Illinois has great potential to be one of the top schools in the country if not the Big Ten. I mean, why would Iowa be better than Champaign? Why would West Lafayette? Why would Minneapolis? Hopefully he'll have a long, happy stay here." - Jim Grabowski, former Illini Hall of Famer

"I admire coach Zook. I've been around him quite some time going up to Florida and speaking at his coach's clinic. I got to know him very well and he was a great influence on me. He's a great, great recruiter and his coaching philosophy is great. I'd love for him to say 'Coach Foster, come work for me.' That's the type of college coach I'd want to make that transition for." – Leroy Foster, coach of Illinois recruit Andre Powell of Pahokee, Fla

"From what I know about him, he's a hard worker and a tireless recruiter. That could be a real good fit for Champaign." - B.J. Luke, coach of Illinois recruit Paul Blalock of Aurora Waubonsie Valley

"In my opinion, he knows the Midwest. He's from our area (Cincinnati) and he's got a good connection. I know he's well-liked in Cincinnati by the high school coaches. He's a real upbeat guy, real positive. The guys used to joke he'd eat sugar packets before he went to practice at Ohio State. He's hyper. You have a tough time getting him to sit still." - Vince Suriano, coach of Illinois recruit Stephen Heis of Cincinnati Anderson

"The style of offense is different than the Big Ten. I'm anxious to see if he sticks with the wide open west coast offense or a tradition power game. I'm definitely interested in what he has to say and do with us. It will be a learning experience to go up and talk with him." - Brit Miller, Illinois recruit from Decatur Eisenhower

"I knew that anybody they were going to bring in would be a good coach. When I heard his name, I was excited. I heard good things about him and all the (Florida) players were not very happy when he got fired. That's got to mean he's a good guy and a good coach." - Kyle Hudson, Illinois recruit from Mattoon

"I think he got a raw deal at Florida, and it sounds like he's going to be a great coach. We're looking forward to working with him. I think he'd be a great addition. I think he will have some ties to Florida and hopefully he'll have some Illinois people that he will hire and get some ties to the Midwest." - Ken Leonard, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin coach

"I'm impressed that Illinois got a guy from that high caliber of a program, and he finished 3-1 down the stretcvh after being released with a big upset of Florida State. I'm familiar with their offense, and they like to throw it a bit and use their athletes, and they've gotten a few . If he can continue to recruit like he has, I think his name and his school reputation proceeds him and will bring quality kids in." - David Inserra, Maine South coach

"I love, respect and and am thankful for being coached by Ron Turner. He definitely helped me get to where I am today. I was sad to see him go, but at the same time I support Ron Guenther's decision in hiring Ron Zook as the new head coach. I wish him and the players at Illinois nothing but the best of luck in the future." - Tony Pashos, Baltimore Ravens lineman and former Illini

"Ron walked on at Miami (Ohio). He was youngster who made the most of his ability. He overachieved. He was a high energy type who made himself into a fine football player. I've followed his coaching career and am proud to say he's been successful everywhere he's coached. He's a perfect match for Illinois." - Joe Novak, Northern Illinois coach

"I'm sure Ron would agree that our Miami experience has been a huge benefit to us as coaches. We were fortunate to be a part of some outstanding teams, and play with several terrific players. Those were three great teams. (Miami went 32-1-1 in 1973, '74 and '75 and won three bowl games.) We also were mentored by two great coaches, Bill Mallory and Dick Crum. Our paths have not crossed in the last 29 years, but I'm sure Ron will bring the same kind of hard work and dedication he did as a player at Miami to Illinois as a coach." - Randy Walker, Northwestern coach

"I think he'll be a terrific face for the university. For better or for worse, athletics is one of the highest-exposure aspects of our campus. So it's important for us that people in those positions maintain the institutional ethics and excellence and standards. And he gets all that. At the same time, he understands how to win ball games." - Lawrence Eppley, UI Board of Trustees Chairman

"I think it's going to be a great addition to the football program. I like his demeanor. I think he's high energy. I've not met him personally, but I understand if you're in a room with him, his personality fills the room. I think he'll be a great recruiter. I'm excited. We look forward to playing on Jan. 1 some year - soon." - Robert Vickrey, UI Trustee

"I'm thrilled with the hire. I think that Ron Zook possesses all the qualities that our university needs to have a successful football program run with the highest of integrity and athletic success. I think he'll be a fine representative of the university, I think he's a quality human being, with a wonderful football record. I think he will re-energize our football program and create a lot of excitement in Champaign-Urbana. And I think kudos should go to Ron Guenther for a fine job, a tremendous effort." - Robert Sperling, UI Trustee

"From everything I've heard, Ron Zook is an excellent person. Of course, I was sorry that Ron Turner had to go. He was a excellent man, too. In a way, it's kind of sad all the way around. That's life, and that's the way these things are run." - Marjorie Sodemann, UI Trustee

"He's very focussed. He's got a lot of humor. Ron Guenther used the phrase 'players' coach,' and (Zook's) definition of that, I agreed with." - Doug Mills, UI booster

"It sounds like a good choice to me with everything I've been reading. The key thing is he's supposed to be a good recruiter, and that's what we need. He's enthusiastic. I'm very pleased with the choice. I'm all high on Zook now." - Bill Young, longtime season ticket holder from Danville

"He's going to definitely make sure I'm going to stay on top of my academics as well as my football. When I leave I know I'm going to be a well-rounded person." - Justin Harrison, Illinois defensive back

"Being an offensive guy we know he likes to open it up a little bit and throw the ball. There's been a lot of talk about the offense being open. It's great to be here." - Kendrick Jones, Illinois receiver

"I just think the difference is the coach. He's very well respected. He's going to push you to the limit. That's what you want." - Brad Bower, Illinois quarterback

"He's known as a great recruiter; a great motivator." - Tommy Thigpen, Illinois linebackers coach

"He's a people person. Great communicator, high energy. He has a lot of passion. He just comes across as being very real and genuine. I think Ron Zook's job is to get us some players and build up our program." - Shawn Wax, former Illini and I Fund director of development

"He seems to have a lot of energy and kind of a vibrant personality. He's got some Midwest roots, so that's a positive. In talking to Ron Guenter, he doesn't want just a recruiter. He always says, 'I want a ballcoach,' and he seems to be happy with him. I don't know a lot about him, but I know he was in a tough situation at Florida. This might even be easier." - Bruce Weber, Illinois basketball coach