Kevin Mitchell is quite possibly the dean of Illinois’ secondary, playing in every game since 2004. In 2005 he led the team with 78 tackles, and in 2006 recorded two interceptions, stopping key drives for Ohio State and Iowa.

Mitchell will return next season as a fifth-year senior to play his final season as a safety for Illinois. But before the seasoned veteran begins his farewell tour, he and the rest of the Illini have to get through a tough spring and summer workout schedule. The Daily Illini caught up with him at practice this week to talk about preparing for 2007.

Oh, and if you see him today, say Happy Birthday.

Daily Illini: So how’s spring ball been going?

Juice Mitchell: It’s been going great, actually. We’re coming out every day and hustling. The defense is playing hard and the offense is too. We’re just coming out here and doing what we need to do.

DI: Can you guys see a difference in the offense?

JM: I do. At times we really can’t analyze it because we’re not really with them, but I believe they’re getting better. But it takes time, just like with the defense. It took three years for us to get where we are right now. They’ll get there eventually, but everybody’s got to click, know what they’ve got to do.

DI: Your roommate, J Leman, is missing spring ball with his first injury. He doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who would enjoy sitting on the sidelines.

JM: He’s doing what he has to do. He knows, we all know as a defense that he’ll be ready for the fall. That’s what we need to be ready for. You don’t want to push anybody, it’s not worth it. He’s too much of a valuable player. It’s hard on him, but he’ll be alright.

DI: Coming into your senior season, are you trying to take on even more of a leadership role?

JM: Yeah, I’d say so. Last year I tried to take charge a little bit, there’s a couple of us on defense who did. But I’ve got to up it. I’m learning more, maybe focusing in on what I need to work on now that I know the defense inside and out. I’m just trying to help out the young guys whenever I can. I’m just trying to be another coach on the field.

DI: Next week we’ll be running a feature on the All-Hair team. If you had to vote for who you think has the best hair on the team, who would it be?

JM: Oh man. It was C-No, Chris Norwell. I don’t know now. I’d say that coach, the new offensive grad assistant, Mike Degory.