R.J. Luke is a little more excited to be playing Illinois tomorrow afternoon than most of his Nittany Lion teammates.

Not because the Fighting Illini are 7-1 and Penn State is on a three-game winning streak. Not because Luke has filled in for injured tight end John Gilmore and has proven he is a key target for quarterback Zack Mills.

Luke can't wait to play Illinois because it is a homecoming of sorts for the Aurora, Ill., native. With about 50 or more friends and family making the trip to Champaign to see him play, Luke is happy to be making his second trip of the season to the Land of Lincoln.

The junior tight end, who switched from fullback this season, just hopes the second trip to his home state is as successful as his first, a 38-35 upset at Northwestern's Ryan Field, just 20 minutes from his house.

"It's kind of fun to go home and play in front of a home crowd," Luke said. "It's really an exciting time. I really enjoy Illinois a lot."

Coach Joe Paterno said Gilmore should be ready to play tomorrow, but Luke has established himself as a playmaker in the Lions' offense. He has been progressive, especially in the last four games, three of which were Penn State wins.

Luke caught five balls against Southern Mississippi, a season high for the tight end, and provides a different look for the Lions. Because Luke doesn't fit the typical mold of a tight end, he causes problems for linebackers who try and match up with him.

"I feel like I can beat any linebacker," he said. "We're so confident right now, we feel we can move the ball on anyone."

Luke is anticipating his return to Illinois so much he's even gotten into friendly arguments with teammates Rich Gardner and Yaacov Yisrael about tickets. Gardner and Yisrael are also Illinois natives.

But since Luke's season is on an upswing and an abundance of friends and family will be at Memorial Stadium to see him tomorrow, Luke wants to grab as many tickets as possible.

He deserves them.

After allegedly getting into an altercation at a fraternity this past July, Paterno questioned whether Luke belongs in the Penn State football program. Paterno was concerned that Luke wasn't getting the most out of Penn State and that he was wasting his talent.

But after his forgettable summer, Luke has re-dedicated himself to keeping on the straight and narrow. Paterno has seen the results first-hand, on the practice field and in the Lions' games.

"I wouldn't care whether we were playing him at fullback or tight end, he is a much better football player now than he was three months ago," Paterno said. "There is no question that R.J. is playing well right now. He is going to be even better."

Luke has succeeded, and the results are starting to show. Now, he wants the opportunity to let the people closest to him see that he has not only turned around his football career, but his life.

He isn't getting into trouble, has made a commitment to the Penn State football team and has re-focused his life. The results are showing on the field.

"We enjoy playing on the road," Luke said. "Coach does a good job at keeping us focused."

Luke knows that first-hand.