ESPN College Football

Happy Friday, everybody. Let's get to your emails.

Josh from Manhattan writes: Brian, thanks to you and ESPN for having a year-round forum to read and interact about Big East football. I appreciate it. Now, onto my question: I'm a Rutgers season ticketholder for years, and I'm wont to be enthused over five players selected in the draft. Is it a "major" statement for recruiting? Where does it rank versus going to a bowl four years in a row, or winning seven in a row to ressurrect a season, or the 2006 Louisville victory extravaganza? Is this the kind of thing we needed before top 10 N.J. recruits consistently choose us over JoePa and Boston College?

Brian Bennett: It was a big draft for the Scarlet Knights last weekend. Here are a couple more notes, courtesy of Rutgers spokesman Jason Baum:

• Rutgers' five draft selections in 2009 were more than the three schools that left for the ACC combined (Miami 1, Virginia Tech 1, Boston College, 2).

• Rutgers had more draft picks than Miami, Michigan and Notre Dame combined.

• Former USC WR and New Jersey native Dwayne Jarrett was selected lower in the draft
than Rutgers' Kenny Britt.

I can guarantee you'll see a lot of words about this draft in Rutgers' 2009 media guide, and that every prospect that is considering the school has already heard about it from the coaching staff. Recruits choose schools for a variety of reasons, including proximity to home, playing time, comfort with the coaches and the chance to compete for major bowl games. But if there's anything every big-time high school player has in common, it's that each one thinks he can play in the NFL. So if a school can point to a history of getting players to the next level, that's only going to help its recruiting efforts.

Clayton from Cincinnati writes: Now that the draft is over, let's go back in time. Let's say Tony Pike and Matt Grothe decided to forgo their senior seasons and enter this year's weak QB draft class. Where do you think Pike and Grothe would've ranked in terms of all the QBs? Personally I think Pike would've raised up the draft boards and could've been the third QB drafted. What do you think?

Brian Bennett: It's really impossible to say, since the NFL judges so much on workouts and combine performances. I think Pike would have been drafted, but his inexperience and the fact he plays in more of a spread offense than a true NFL-style attack would have been a red flag. I don't think he would have been the third quarterback taken. I still see Grothe as a fringe NFL quarterback prospect, but he has to be encouraged to see Pat White go in the second round to a team (Miami) that appears committed to using him a quarterback.

A.J. from Tampa writes: All right, I'm one semester away from graduating at USF and moving away...however, I'm planning on using my final semester to attend every home game possible as well as driving up to Tallahassee for the USF at FSU game. So my question to you is, with all the changes taking place around the USF football program, do you have hope in my team? I actually believe Grothe is going to have his best season and not force passes that shouldn't be made. Also, I think George Selvie's going to destroy everything in his path. However, with new players and coaches everywhere, what chances do you believe we have in winning the Big East title? Also, do you think we'll go bowling this year (we may have a few EASY games but we still have to face the 'Canes and the 'Noles). I look forward to your feedback. Whether we win the Big East or not, this is our year to prove we're one of the big dogs in Florida.

Brian Bennett: After the last two years, when the Bulls collapsed midway through the season, I'm officially taking a wait-and-see approach to South Florida. There is plenty of talent on hand, and the Bulls have one of the only proven veteran quarterbacks in the league. And I think new offensive coordinator Mike Canales will add a spark to an attack that I think had become stale and predictable. My concerns are that the offensive line is a mess right now, and the Bulls will be counting on a lot of freshmen and junior-college transfers in the fall. I do think they'll be one of the preseason favorites in the Big East, but they've got to prove they can actually win important league games. A bowl game should be a lock, but with two FCS teams on the schedule, they have to go at least 7-5 to guarantee it.

Jeff from Parts Unknown writes: Hey Brian, I was wondering if Coach Kelly will give Isaiah Pead a chance to claim the number one spot at tailback? I know he probably needs some work around the goal line, but the kid has playmaker written all over him.

Brian Bennett: The Bearcats' staff really wants Pead to take a leap forward and become a big-time contributor, because as you said he has the speed and playmaking skills they've lacked at the tailback position of late. He is still a bit raw, and he has two veterans in front of him in John Goebel and Jacob Ramsey. But Kelly has shown that he's not afraid to throw players into the fire or move them around if he feels like it's best for the team. It's up to Pead to prove he's ready.