Ron Zook has had the same thought you've had: With all the speed true freshman Terry Hawthorne has, why not get him the ball on offense?

After Hawthorne's dazzling burst prevented what looked like a Michigan touchdown, the Illini coach even mentioned it in the locker room.

''When I was walking in,'' the Parade All-American from East St. Louis said, "coach Zook said I might get a chance to go on offense, so be prepared.''

It apparently was more of a friendly compliment than a move that's imminent.

''Maybe down the road, but not right now,'' Zook said. ''As good a player as Terry is, it's awfully hard to play both ways. It's impossible to get the amount of [practice] reps necessary. And first of all, there has to be a need.''

In training camp, the need was at defensive back, which is why Zook asked Hawthorne to switch from receiver.

''I told him I didn't mind, for the team,'' said Hawthorne, eager for the chance to play. ''It doesn't matter where -- wherever he puts me.''

Cautioning that Hawthorne is still learning, Zook wouldn't even commit to giving him another start at Minnesota. Hawthorne made his first collegiate start against Michigan, replacing Dere Hicks, who won the team's Outstanding Defensive Back award last year.

Asked what's up with Hicks, Zook said he ''had to get ready to play safety as well when Donsay [Hardeman] went down.'' Hardeman, who hasn't played since a neck injury at Indiana, might return this week.

If coaches have thoughts about using Hawthorne both ways next year, he's game.

''Yes, sir. I can see myself doing it,'' he said. ''I did it in high school. Even though college is different, I can still do it.''

For now, he's content helping in whatever way Zook asks.

''We've been waiting for the losing streak to end,'' Hawthorne said. ''Now it's time for us to go on a winning streak.''

Herb Gould