Chris Norwell is one of the most promising players on Illinois’ defensive line, starting at defensive tackle for all 11 games of the 2005 season. He led the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and led the defensive line with 46 tackles. He’s also a nice guy, who willingly completed a second Q&A; session Wednesday after a certain reporter’s tape recorder failed to function.

Q: How did practice go today?

A: It went OK. During the first half I thought the defense was doing alright, but in the scrimmage we kind of messed up. We weren’t playing that great, so the offense really had a better day than the defense did.

Q: What is the best thing about spring practice ending?

A: The school semester is about to end, so that’s a great thing, getting ready for the summer. But as far as spring ball ending, it’s just great to get back with (strength and conditioning) Coach Lou (Hernandez), to get back lifting weights and running.

Q: What does having a good spring mean for the regular season?

A: Where ever you leave spring ball, that’s where you’re going to start in the fall at Camp Rantoul. We want to finish spring ball on a good note so we start the fall on a good note, too.

Q: Where has the defensive line made the most improvement this year?

A: I think our pass rushing is definitely improved. Our defensive ends, like Doug Pilcher and Derek Walker, are coming out and playing hard. Our inside guys are doing pretty well too; Josh Norris is doing a pretty good job inside. So our overall pass-rushing skills have improved. We work with our hands a lot more, and it’s just overall a lot better than where it was.

Q: If you had one more week, what would you want to work on?

A: Probably the same thing, the pass rush. Just the fundamentals.

Q: What’s the trick to being a good defensive tackle?

A: The trick is to stay low, come off the ball, and just play hard. That’s basically it.

Q: What is the best thing about the spring game?

A: The overall atmosphere. The fans are here cheering and everything, and it’s good to know this is the last practice you’ve got for the spring. It’s a full-out scrimmage, and you’ve got your family and friends in the stands. So it’s a great atmosphere.

Q: If you could trade places with any teammate for a day, who would you trade with and why?

A: Tim Brasic, obviously, because he gets to touch the ball every play. I may want to try my quarterback skills out; I never played quarterback. In high school I played offensive line, D-end, tight end and defensive tackle. I’d like to be in a position where you get to hold the ball a lot, I think that’d be fun. But I think every big guy wishes he was a small guy. It always kind of works like that.

Q: If you could bring one thing from your hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, to Champaign, what would it be?

A: Cincinnati Skyline Chili. Every time I go home I get that. Since I don’t go home a lot, that’s definitely one thing I’d bring here.