It’s difficult to analyze these Illinois preseason scrimmages because coach Ron Zook opts to play his No. 1 offense against the No.1 defense and vice versa. Zook harped on the abundance of mistakes and learning opportunities the Illini had.

But there were some interesting developments at Rantoul High School and it all started with running back Daniel Dufrene.

The first-team running back broke an 80-yard touchdown run on the first play of the scrimmage, breaking attempted tackles by linebacker Evan Frierson and safety Bo Flowers.

Dufrene has added at least 10 pounds of muscle and now plays at 215 pounds.

“I’m feeling better and a little faster, if that’s even possible with all the weight,” he said.

The only downside to his night was a fumble in the red zone, which Zook said was Dufrene’s first turnover in camp.

“Any time you’re bigger, stronger, faster it gives you more confidence,” Zook said. “I don’t know what happened on the fumble, but other than that he played well. He had about three people bounce off him on that run.”

Any time someone asks Zook about the competition at running back, he scoffs about how everyone wants to see a No. 1 back. Actually, we’re just trying to find out his thoughts on their development and how the pecking order might be developing.

Dufrene is considered the No. 1 ball carrier but that doesn’t mean he’s going to get the bulk of the carries. In fact, he got only five carries Saturday night. Freshman Justin Green had 12 carries but just eight yards. Jason Ford ran for 42 yards on 11 carries. Ford also remained the clear-cut choice as the goal-line ball carrier, scoring on a dive play from the 1-yard line.

Although not currently with the first-team, sophomore safety Supo Sanni was the standout of the night on defense. Illinois did not keep official statistics, but he was credited with eight tackles in the unofficial statistics tabulated by the media.

“He just keeps getting better,” Zook said. “He’s a 220-pound guy who can run like a deer. He’s got a chance to be a special guy.”

Said Sanni of his night: “I just do what I can to try to use my speed to my advantage.  I get out there and run as fast as I can and go as hard as I can. I’m always active, around the ball. That’s what I do.”

However, Zook wasn’t happy with the overall tackling. Besides several missed tackles on Dufrene’s run, defensive back Ashante Williams missed a chance to stop Jeff Cumberland on an 80-yard touchdown catch and run. And there were other missed defensive plays.

“In however many years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never been around a first scrimmage where they tackled well,” Zook said. “But we’re going to make sure we get it corrected, unlike last year.”

Cumberland had an impressive night, even if he had some help on his touchdown. He had three catches for 151 yards. The former tight end hasn’t received as much hype this preseason as All-America candidate Arrelious Benn and Florida transfer Jarred Fayson, but quarterback Juice Williams said Cumberland made huge strides during the summer.

“That’s a compliment to all the hard work he’s put in,” Williams said. “We worked on him going up and getting the ball over the those guys all summer. He did a great job working on the jump ball all summer and it showed the potential he has to be a great player for us.”

In the end, Zook was pleased to escape the night without injuries, but he seemed ready to hold another practice, even as they dimmed the lights in the stadium.

“The things we didn’t do well will be great learning things,” he said. “If they feel good about what they did, then they’d better re-evaluate, but if they’re willing to learn then we’ll be fine.”