Senior starting quarterback Tim Brasic was back in action Tuesday as Illinois football completed its fourth practice of the spring season.

Brasic was initially suspended for part of the spring due to slipping academics. Coach Ron Zook said Brasic would miss at least a week, but the quarterback was back on the sidelines for Saturday’s practice – but did not participate – and took snaps Tuesday.

While Brasic’s teammates practiced last week, the Riverside, Ill., native sat in study hall in the football office. He said missing team practice was tough to take.

“It was tough being in the locker room with the team after practice,” Brasic said. “They’re all talking about practice, and I’m sitting here like, ‘Oh man.’ I’m excited to get back out.”

Brasic said he apologized to Zook for letting his grades fall, and even expressed his regret to athletic director Ron Guenther.

“It’s a humbling experience because you see what it’s like when football’s taken away,” Brasic said. “So to be back, it’s that much better.”

Practice picks up

Zook said he was happier with Tuesday’s practice than with Saturday’s, when Illinois put on full pads for the first time this spring. After that session the Illini ran sprints – but after Tuesday they were allowed to jog off the field.

Zook said Tuesday’s practice showed better intensity, concentration and effort.

“We’re not in a typical situation; we have to come out here and make improvement now,” Zook said. “Our big thing is we want to make as much improvement in the spring, and start farther along in the fall.”

Schedule switch-up

Illinois will not play Ohio University instead of Central Michigan on Oct. 14. With the Mid-American Conference changing its in-conference football schedule, Illinois’ plans for the season were also affected, but Zook said he’s not concerned about the flip.

Zook said he would have liked to play the game early or late, and leave Oct. 14 as a bye week. But with NCAA regulations restricting the season’s start date and playing after Thanksgiving not being an option, the Illini will play a 12-week schedule.

Former Illinois quarterback Brad Bower now plays at Ohio University.

Injury report

Junior tackle Akim Millington rolled his ankle during practice Tuesday, but should be back in practice today . Sophomore running back Rashard Mendenhall also rolled his ankle . Defensive back Alan Ball was down with apparent neck pain during part of the practice, but jumped back in . Sophomore defensive lineman Sirod Williams has a stress fracture in his shin, and may be out for the spring . Junior defensive lineman Xavier Fulton, who was suspended for two practice sessions for academic reasons, is back in full dress but still rehabbing from a torn ACL.

Seen at practice

Graduating Illini James Cooper and Jason Davis stopped by Tuesday’s practice . Illinois signee and Bloomington-native Michael Hoomanawanui was also on the sidelines . Illinois basketball forward Brian Randle also came to watch.