Big East: Desmond Wynn
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Any time former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was asked about his embattled offensive line, he always had a stock answer prepared.
Rutgers did not decline overnight, he would say. And Rutgers would not emerge from the decline overnight, either.
Schiano used to point to several recruiting lapses following the 2007 season -- first-round pick Anthony Davis was the lone bright spot. The season after Davis' departure was the low point, as Rutgers gave up 65 sacks in 2010 and had one of the worst lines in the nation. There was a change in scheme that contributed to the slide. Plus, Rutgers always seemed to move its players all over the line.
A move back to the preferred pro-style offense last season helped the Scarlet Knights improve, though they still struggled in the run game. Schiano continued to maintain there was a long way to go, even with the development of freshman All-American Kaleb Johnson.
Through all of this, we rarely heard from the man in charge of coaching the offensive line. The man who is now head coach at Rutgers, Kyle Flood. Schiano did not make his assistants available to the media; hence, there never was much of an opportunity to hear what Flood had to say about the struggles.
So when I visited campus last month, I asked Flood for his perspective on the decline of the offensive line, considering this was the position he had coached since 2005.
"I think that happens in programs," Flood said. "Recruiting is much more of an art than it is a science. Offensive line is the position probably where the recruiting part of it is projected more than other positions, and the game is significantly different up front. What makes you effective as a high school offensive lineman doesn't always make you effective in college. But with that being said, what we do have is some really good, young offensive linemen in our program right now. A guy like Kaleb Johnson, a guy like Betim Bujari.
"We’ve also had some success with guys who have moved over from defense. One of the things that maybe kept us from being what we wanted to be was Desmond Wynn not being healthy. Desmond Wynn was healthy finally for an entire season last year. When you lose a player like that, it’s a significant loss. But I don’t think we’re the only one who’s gone through that situation where you recruit a kid and it doesn’t work out. But when you have that, and then you have an injury situation it makes it harder for sure."
Taj Alexander, a defensive tackle who switched to offensive line last season, won the most improved offensive player award this spring. He played both guard and tackle. What really hurt Rutgers was losing time with players because of injury: Johnson missed all of spring, Bujari was out for most of it with an ankle injury, and center Matt McBride missed a few practices with an injury as well.
There really is no set offensive line headed into the offseason. Guys like Dallas Hendrikson and R.J. Dill are going to be counted on to step up. And Rutgers did just sign one of its best offensive line classes in recent history as well.
"What I’m excited about is how many young offensive linemen we have," Flood said. "The key is where do they fit and we have to leave them there and let them grow. Any time you move a guy it stunts his progress a little bit.
"I’ll know more about the line in August. Right now it’s hard to gauge. To me, the biggest factor in all that is who is going to be our starting center? Is it going to be Dallas, McBride, Betim? That one is still up in the air. I’ve got a good feeling for what I think Betim can do in there. Now we have to see how everybody else does and go from there."
Rutgers did not decline overnight, he would say. And Rutgers would not emerge from the decline overnight, either.
Schiano used to point to several recruiting lapses following the 2007 season -- first-round pick Anthony Davis was the lone bright spot. The season after Davis' departure was the low point, as Rutgers gave up 65 sacks in 2010 and had one of the worst lines in the nation. There was a change in scheme that contributed to the slide. Plus, Rutgers always seemed to move its players all over the line.
A move back to the preferred pro-style offense last season helped the Scarlet Knights improve, though they still struggled in the run game. Schiano continued to maintain there was a long way to go, even with the development of freshman All-American Kaleb Johnson.
[+] Enlarge
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesOL Taj Alexander, a converted defensive lineman, won the Mark Mills Second Effort Award, given to the most improved offensive player.
Cal Sport Media via AP ImagesOL Taj Alexander, a converted defensive lineman, won the Mark Mills Second Effort Award, given to the most improved offensive player.So when I visited campus last month, I asked Flood for his perspective on the decline of the offensive line, considering this was the position he had coached since 2005.
"I think that happens in programs," Flood said. "Recruiting is much more of an art than it is a science. Offensive line is the position probably where the recruiting part of it is projected more than other positions, and the game is significantly different up front. What makes you effective as a high school offensive lineman doesn't always make you effective in college. But with that being said, what we do have is some really good, young offensive linemen in our program right now. A guy like Kaleb Johnson, a guy like Betim Bujari.
"We’ve also had some success with guys who have moved over from defense. One of the things that maybe kept us from being what we wanted to be was Desmond Wynn not being healthy. Desmond Wynn was healthy finally for an entire season last year. When you lose a player like that, it’s a significant loss. But I don’t think we’re the only one who’s gone through that situation where you recruit a kid and it doesn’t work out. But when you have that, and then you have an injury situation it makes it harder for sure."
Taj Alexander, a defensive tackle who switched to offensive line last season, won the most improved offensive player award this spring. He played both guard and tackle. What really hurt Rutgers was losing time with players because of injury: Johnson missed all of spring, Bujari was out for most of it with an ankle injury, and center Matt McBride missed a few practices with an injury as well.
There really is no set offensive line headed into the offseason. Guys like Dallas Hendrikson and R.J. Dill are going to be counted on to step up. And Rutgers did just sign one of its best offensive line classes in recent history as well.
"What I’m excited about is how many young offensive linemen we have," Flood said. "The key is where do they fit and we have to leave them there and let them grow. Any time you move a guy it stunts his progress a little bit.
"I’ll know more about the line in August. Right now it’s hard to gauge. To me, the biggest factor in all that is who is going to be our starting center? Is it going to be Dallas, McBride, Betim? That one is still up in the air. I’ve got a good feeling for what I think Betim can do in there. Now we have to see how everybody else does and go from there."
The NFL draft is almost here. With the first round set to begin Thursday night on ESPN, I now present to you the final big board and mock drafts for ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay.
Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones continues to shoot up the rankings. In his final mock draft
, Kiper has Jones going No. 12 overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Kiper says:
Jones ends up at No. 20 on Kiper's Big Board, a ranking of the top 25 prospects in the draft.
Meanwhile, McShay has Jones listed as No. 11 on his ranking of the top 32 players, moving up five spots. McShay says, "Jones' versatility and long frame make him an attractive prospect. He's risen steadily in recent weeks, from underrated prospect to the top half of the first round."
McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl did a complete mock draft, rounds one through seven. Here is where they have the Big East prospects:
Can't wait to see where everybody ends up!
Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones continues to shoot up the rankings. In his final mock draft
, Kiper has Jones going No. 12 overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Kiper says:
The Seahawks need a pass-rusher, and I really like the fit. Pete Carroll can use a player with Jones' length and athleticism in a "Leo" role, and create an added dimension to the rush. The Seahawks will have built a pretty formidable defense if they can add a final piece or two up front. Jones makes sense here.
Jones ends up at No. 20 on Kiper's Big Board
, a ranking of the top 25 prospects in the draft.
Meanwhile, McShay has Jones listed as No. 11 on his ranking of the top 32 players
, moving up five spots. McShay says, "Jones' versatility and long frame make him an attractive prospect. He's risen steadily in recent weeks, from underrated prospect to the top half of the first round."
McShay, Steve Muench and Kevin Weidl did a complete mock draft, rounds one through seven. Here is where they have the Big East prospects:
- Jones, No. 12 overall, Seattle
- UConn DT Kendall Reyes, second round, New England
- Cincinnati DT, Derek Wolfe, second round, Atlanta
- Cincinnati RB Isaiah Pead, third round, Pittsburgh
- Temple RB Bernard Pierce, fourth round, Denver
- Syracuse S Phillip Thomas, fourth round, Green Bay
- Rutgers WR Mohamed Sanu, fourth round, Minnesota
- Syracuse OG Andrew Tiller, fifth round, Cincinnati
- Cincinnati TE Adrien Robinson, sixth round, Arizona
- Pitt OG Lucas Nix, sixth round, Oakland
- Temple TE Evan Rodriguez, sixth round, Indianapolis
- Rutgers OG Desmond Wynn, seventh round, Buffalo
- Pitt LB Brandon Lindsey, seventh round, Green Bay
Can't wait to see where everybody ends up!
Projecting Big East players in the draft
March, 26, 2012
Mar 26
2:00
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
So where do Big East players project in the draft?
Scouts Inc. expert Todd McShay has put together his own draft board
, similar to what NFL teams use when they determine when to draft specific players. The chart lists players by position, and assigned to the round that corresponds to his draft grade. Here are where the Big East players stand on offense:
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse: first round
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn: second round
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: third round
Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple: third round
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: third round
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse: third round
Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati: fourth round
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati: fourth round
Brandon Lindsey, LB, Pitt: fifth round
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt: fifth round
Chas Alecxih, DT, Pitt: sixth round
Justin Francis, DL, Rutgers: sixth round
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse: sixth round
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers: sixth round
Darrell Scott, RB, USF: seventh round
Evan Rodriguez, RB, Temple: seventh round
Mike Ryan, OT, UConn: seventh round
Alex Hoffman, OT, Cincinnati: seventh round
Antwuan Reed, DB, Pitt: seventh round
Tahir Whitehead, LB, Temple: seventh round
Scouts Inc. expert Todd McShay has put together his own draft board
, similar to what NFL teams use when they determine when to draft specific players. The chart lists players by position, and assigned to the round that corresponds to his draft grade. Here are where the Big East players stand on offense:
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse: first round
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn: second round
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati: third round
Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple: third round
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers: third round
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse: third round
Adrien Robinson, TE, Cincinnati: fourth round
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati: fourth round
Brandon Lindsey, LB, Pitt: fifth round
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt: fifth round
Chas Alecxih, DT, Pitt: sixth round
Justin Francis, DL, Rutgers: sixth round
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse: sixth round
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers: sixth round
Darrell Scott, RB, USF: seventh round
Evan Rodriguez, RB, Temple: seventh round
Mike Ryan, OT, UConn: seventh round
Alex Hoffman, OT, Cincinnati: seventh round
Antwuan Reed, DB, Pitt: seventh round
Tahir Whitehead, LB, Temple: seventh round
It appears that Big East players had mixed performances at the NFL combine, which just wrapped up in Indianapolis.
Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead, UConn receiver Kashif Moore, Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones and UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes had solid performances, and likely helped themselves.
Of the 18 Big East players there, those four probably had the most notable performances. And it is still unclear if players like Jones, Reyes and Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu will be drafted in the first round.
To find out how your favorite player did in all the measurable categories, just click on his name:
Chas Alecxih, DT, Pitt
Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers
John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pitt
Kashif Moore, WR, UConn
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Darrell Scott, RB, USF
Dave Teggart, K, UConn
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OG, Syracuse
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead, UConn receiver Kashif Moore, Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones and UConn defensive tackle Kendall Reyes had solid performances, and likely helped themselves.
Of the 18 Big East players there, those four probably had the most notable performances. And it is still unclear if players like Jones, Reyes and Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu will be drafted in the first round.
To find out how your favorite player did in all the measurable categories, just click on his name:
Chas Alecxih, DT, Pitt
Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers
John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pitt
Kashif Moore, WR, UConn
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Darrell Scott, RB, USF
Dave Teggart, K, UConn
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OG, Syracuse
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
With the NFL combine underway, our friends over at Scouts Inc. have done quite an impressive job putting together a list of grades for the top prospects leading into the draft.
Take a look at their rankings for:
For a quick overview on Big East players, here are some that were highlighted:
Take a look at their rankings for:
For a quick overview on Big East players, here are some that were highlighted:
- In the category of competitiveness/toughness for receivers, Rutgers receiver Mohamed Sanu ranks No. 4 . He also is listed in the Top 10 among most draftable receivers. UConn receiver Kashif Moore didn't get a draftable grade, but he was invited to the combine.
- UConn center Moe Petrus is listed as the No. 3 center in the toughness category. Pitt guard Lucas Nix has the highest draftable grade among Big East offensive linemen. Desmond Wynn of Rutgers and Petrus also got draftable grades as well. Petrus wasn't invited to the combine.
- Syracuse tight end Nick Provo received a draftable grade, ranking right around the middle of all tight ends available.
- In the power/balance category for running backs, Darrell Scott of USF is ranked No. 3. Isaiah Pead of Cincinnati also received a Top 10 draftable grade. Scott did receive a draftable grade as well, but it wasn't very high.
- And not to leave the defense out, here is Todd McShay's latest big board
, featuring Chandler Jones at No. 28.
The NFL officially released its list of players heading to the NFL combine in Indianapolis, and 20 Big East players made the cut. More than 300 prospects are set to gather beginning Feb. 22, to be tested, interviewed, evaluated and graded in the lead up to the NFL draft in April.
Here are the Big East representatives:
Chas Alecxih, DE, Pitt
Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers
Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia
John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pitt
Kashif Moore, WR, UConn
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Darrell Scott, RB, USF
Dave Teggart, K, UConn
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OG, Syracuse
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
Breakdown by school:
Pitt: 4
Syracuse: 4
Cincinnati: 3
UConn: 3
Rutgers: 3
West Virginia: 2
USF: 1
Here are the Big East representatives:
Chas Alecxih, DE, Pitt
Justin Francis, DE, Rutgers
Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia
John Hughes, DT, Cincinnati
Bruce Irvin, DE, West Virginia
Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pitt
Kashif Moore, WR, UConn
Lucas Nix, OG, Pitt
Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
Nick Provo, TE, Syracuse
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Kendall Reyes, DT, UConn
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
Darrell Scott, RB, USF
Dave Teggart, K, UConn
Phillip Thomas, S, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OG, Syracuse
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
Breakdown by school:
Pitt: 4
Syracuse: 4
Cincinnati: 3
UConn: 3
Rutgers: 3
West Virginia: 2
USF: 1
Without further adieu, here is your 2011 Big East All-Bowl team:
OFFENSE
QB: Geno Smith, West Virginia. Smith was named the Discover Orange Bowl MVP after the Mountaineers routed Clemson 70-33. Smith ended up with Orange Bowl records for passing yards (401), touchdowns responsible for (six) and total offense (433). He threw just 11 incompletions and had zero interceptions.
RB: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati. The Big East Offensive Player of the Year turned in a terrific final performance as a member of the Bearcats in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt. Pead set a school bowl record with 149 yards rushing in a 31-24 win, his sixth 100-yard game of the season. His 12-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining sealed the team's first bowl victory since 2007.
RB:Jawan Jamison, Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights run game was inconsistent all season, but the redshirt freshman stepped up against Iowa State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Jamison was named MVP of the game after gaining 131 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. It was his third 100-yard game of his career. All of them happened this season.
WR: Tavon Austin, West Virginia. The best playmaker on the Orange Bowl field was pretty much unstoppable. Austin racked up an Orange Bowl record with 280 all-purpose yards, including 117 yards receiving, 46 yards rushing and 117 yards on kickoff returns. He also set Orange Bowl records for receptions (12) and receiving touchdowns (four).
WR: Josh Bellamy, Louisville. Bellamy set a season-high with 98 receiving yards in a loss to NC State in the Belk Bowl. Still, he had the most receiving yards by a Cardinal in a bowl game since Harry Douglas had 165 against Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl. His 53-yard reception in the first quarter was a career long and the second-longest pass play for Louisville this season.
OG: Randy Martinez, Cincinnati. Martinez has been one of the most consistent offensive linemen for the Bearcats over the past two seasons, and he graded out near the top once again in the Liberty Bowl. Martinez helped pave the way for 221 rushing yards -- second most against FBS competition this season.
OG: Betim Bujari, Rutgers, OT: Desmond Wynn, Rutgers. Bujari made just his third start of the season, on the left side no less. Wynn slid over from guard to tackle. But the combination worked for the Scarlet Knights, who put together perhaps their best effort on the offensive line all season. Rutgers ran for 173 yards -- their second-highest total of the season. And they did not allow a sack.
OT: Don Barclay, West Virginia, C: Joe Madsen, West Virginia. One of the biggest knocks against the Mountaineers this season was their inconsistency on the offensive line. In the days leading up to the Orange Bowl, Madsen said he felt the unit had played to the level of its competition. The hope was that facing several NFL draft prospects on the Clemson line would help West Virginia play better. Whatever works, right? West Virginia ran for 188 yards and did not allow a sack in its domination of the Tigers.
DEFENSE
DL: Myles Caragein, Pitt. The Panthers may not have had the greatest game in the BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU, but Caragein was solid for most of the afternoon, with six tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.
DL: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati. Wolfe ended his Co-Defensive Player of the Year season with six tackles, including two for loss, against Vanderbilt.
DL: Aaron Donald, Pitt. Donald did his part for the Panthers, with one sack, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and five tackles in all. Pitt racked up four sacks on the day and held SMU to 61 yards rushing in the loss.
LB: Najee Goode, West Virginia. Goode was a part of an outstanding defensive effort, with 1.5 tackles for loss, one sacks, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery against Clemson.
LB: Khaseem Greene, Rutgers. After posting one of the best regular seasons in school history, Greene finished everything off with a team-high 13 tackles in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish the year with 140, tied for fifth in the school single-season record books. Unfortunately, he could not complete the game after breaking his ankle. He is expected to be fine for 2012.
LB: JK Schaffer, Cincinnati. Schaffer had nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in a win over Vanderbilt. He closes out his career with 337 stops, a mark that ranks him ninth on the Big East career list.
LB: Nick Temple, Cincinnati. The true freshman saved his best performance of the season for the final game of the season. Temple had a career-high eight tackles, a forced fumble and his first career interception in a win over Vanderbilt. Simply put, he was everywhere for the Bearcats.
S: Darwin Cook, West Virginia. Cook had perhaps the play of the game in the Orange Bowl, when he scooped up a fumble by Andre Ellington and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to seize momentum in the second quarter against Clemson. West Virginia ended up scoring 35 points in the frame to put the game way, way, way out of reach.
S: Eain Smith, West Virginia. With starting Terence Garvin out because of a knee injury, many wondered whether Cook and Smith would take more on their shoulders. They both delivered in a big way. Smith finished with a game-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, and assisted on a tackle for loss.
CB: Keith Tandy, West Virginia. Tandy had six tackles and an interception on the night, and was part of a secondary that completely shut down Sammy Watkins, holding him to 66 yards on five catches. After a shaky start, West Virginia hunkered down and gave up just 78 yards passing in the second half. Tajh Boyd completed only 52 percent of his passes.
CB: Logan Ryan, Rutgers. Ryan really seemed to grow up throughout the season and ended the year with another big performance. Logan had seven tackles -- 2.5 for loss -- one interception and half a sack in the win over Iowa State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Tyler Bitancurt, West Virginia. Bitancurt was 10-for-10 on extra-point attempts in the Orange Bowl, setting a new record for extra points attempted and made in any bowl game.
P: Justin Doerner, Rutgers. Doerner had a terrific performance against Iowa State with a season-best 49.7-yard average on six punts. Two of them went inside the 20. One of them went 57 yards. His average was tops among the five Big East punters in bowl games.
KR: Ralph David Abernathy IV, Cincinnati. After Vanderbilt went up 21-17 early in the fourth quarter, Abernathy took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 90 yards for a score to put the Bearcats up for good. It was the first return for a score in his career.
AP: Austin. See above.
OFFENSE
QB: Geno Smith, West Virginia. Smith was named the Discover Orange Bowl MVP after the Mountaineers routed Clemson 70-33. Smith ended up with Orange Bowl records for passing yards (401), touchdowns responsible for (six) and total offense (433). He threw just 11 incompletions and had zero interceptions.
RB: Isaiah Pead, Cincinnati. The Big East Offensive Player of the Year turned in a terrific final performance as a member of the Bearcats in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl against Vanderbilt. Pead set a school bowl record with 149 yards rushing in a 31-24 win, his sixth 100-yard game of the season. His 12-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining sealed the team's first bowl victory since 2007.
RB:Jawan Jamison, Rutgers. The Scarlet Knights run game was inconsistent all season, but the redshirt freshman stepped up against Iowa State in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Jamison was named MVP of the game after gaining 131 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. It was his third 100-yard game of his career. All of them happened this season.
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Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIREWest Virginia WR Tavon Austin had 280 all-purpose yards in the Orange Bowl.
Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIREWest Virginia WR Tavon Austin had 280 all-purpose yards in the Orange Bowl.WR: Josh Bellamy, Louisville. Bellamy set a season-high with 98 receiving yards in a loss to NC State in the Belk Bowl. Still, he had the most receiving yards by a Cardinal in a bowl game since Harry Douglas had 165 against Wake Forest in the 2007 Orange Bowl. His 53-yard reception in the first quarter was a career long and the second-longest pass play for Louisville this season.
OG: Randy Martinez, Cincinnati. Martinez has been one of the most consistent offensive linemen for the Bearcats over the past two seasons, and he graded out near the top once again in the Liberty Bowl. Martinez helped pave the way for 221 rushing yards -- second most against FBS competition this season.
OG: Betim Bujari, Rutgers, OT: Desmond Wynn, Rutgers. Bujari made just his third start of the season, on the left side no less. Wynn slid over from guard to tackle. But the combination worked for the Scarlet Knights, who put together perhaps their best effort on the offensive line all season. Rutgers ran for 173 yards -- their second-highest total of the season. And they did not allow a sack.
OT: Don Barclay, West Virginia, C: Joe Madsen, West Virginia. One of the biggest knocks against the Mountaineers this season was their inconsistency on the offensive line. In the days leading up to the Orange Bowl, Madsen said he felt the unit had played to the level of its competition. The hope was that facing several NFL draft prospects on the Clemson line would help West Virginia play better. Whatever works, right? West Virginia ran for 188 yards and did not allow a sack in its domination of the Tigers.
DEFENSE
DL: Myles Caragein, Pitt. The Panthers may not have had the greatest game in the BBVA Compass Bowl against SMU, but Caragein was solid for most of the afternoon, with six tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and a pass breakup.
DL: Derek Wolfe, Cincinnati. Wolfe ended his Co-Defensive Player of the Year season with six tackles, including two for loss, against Vanderbilt.
DL: Aaron Donald, Pitt. Donald did his part for the Panthers, with one sack, a forced fumble, a tackle for loss and five tackles in all. Pitt racked up four sacks on the day and held SMU to 61 yards rushing in the loss.
LB: Najee Goode, West Virginia. Goode was a part of an outstanding defensive effort, with 1.5 tackles for loss, one sacks, one pass breakup and one fumble recovery against Clemson.
LB: Khaseem Greene, Rutgers. After posting one of the best regular seasons in school history, Greene finished everything off with a team-high 13 tackles in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish the year with 140, tied for fifth in the school single-season record books. Unfortunately, he could not complete the game after breaking his ankle. He is expected to be fine for 2012.
LB: JK Schaffer, Cincinnati. Schaffer had nine tackles, a sack and a tackle for a loss in a win over Vanderbilt. He closes out his career with 337 stops, a mark that ranks him ninth on the Big East career list.
LB: Nick Temple, Cincinnati. The true freshman saved his best performance of the season for the final game of the season. Temple had a career-high eight tackles, a forced fumble and his first career interception in a win over Vanderbilt. Simply put, he was everywhere for the Bearcats.
S: Darwin Cook, West Virginia. Cook had perhaps the play of the game in the Orange Bowl, when he scooped up a fumble by Andre Ellington and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown to seize momentum in the second quarter against Clemson. West Virginia ended up scoring 35 points in the frame to put the game way, way, way out of reach.
S: Eain Smith, West Virginia. With starting Terence Garvin out because of a knee injury, many wondered whether Cook and Smith would take more on their shoulders. They both delivered in a big way. Smith finished with a game-high 13 tackles, including 12 solo stops, and assisted on a tackle for loss.
CB: Keith Tandy, West Virginia. Tandy had six tackles and an interception on the night, and was part of a secondary that completely shut down Sammy Watkins, holding him to 66 yards on five catches. After a shaky start, West Virginia hunkered down and gave up just 78 yards passing in the second half. Tajh Boyd completed only 52 percent of his passes.
CB: Logan Ryan, Rutgers. Ryan really seemed to grow up throughout the season and ended the year with another big performance. Logan had seven tackles -- 2.5 for loss -- one interception and half a sack in the win over Iowa State.
SPECIAL TEAMS
PK: Tyler Bitancurt, West Virginia. Bitancurt was 10-for-10 on extra-point attempts in the Orange Bowl, setting a new record for extra points attempted and made in any bowl game.
P: Justin Doerner, Rutgers. Doerner had a terrific performance against Iowa State with a season-best 49.7-yard average on six punts. Two of them went inside the 20. One of them went 57 yards. His average was tops among the five Big East punters in bowl games.
KR: Ralph David Abernathy IV, Cincinnati. After Vanderbilt went up 21-17 early in the fourth quarter, Abernathy took the ensuing kickoff and returned it 90 yards for a score to put the Bearcats up for good. It was the first return for a score in his career.
AP: Austin. See above.
Several Big East players have been invited to participate in postseason all-star games. Here are the players who have agreed to participate in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game and The East-West Shrine Game, the two contests that have released their full rosters.
The Senior Bowl is releasing its player roster daily, and there is no official word yet about players from Big East schools.
Casino Del Sol All-Star Game, Monday
Don Barclay, OT, West Virginia
Evan Davis, OG, Cincinnati
Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Manny Abreu, LB, Rutgers
Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OL, Syracuse
East-West Shrine Game, Jan. 21
Moe Petrus, C, UConn
Max Gruder, LB, Pitt
Brandon Lindsey, LB, Pitt
Justin Francis, DL, Rutgers
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
Jeremiah Warren, OG, USF
Jerrell Young, S, USF
Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia
Julian Miller, DL, West Virginia
Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia
The Senior Bowl is releasing its player roster daily, and there is no official word yet about players from Big East schools.
Casino Del Sol All-Star Game, Monday
Don Barclay, OT, West Virginia
Evan Davis, OG, Cincinnati
Dexter Heyman, LB, Louisville
Antwuan Reed, CB, Pitt
Manny Abreu, LB, Rutgers
Antwon Bailey, RB, Syracuse
Andrew Tiller, OL, Syracuse
East-West Shrine Game, Jan. 21
Moe Petrus, C, UConn
Max Gruder, LB, Pitt
Brandon Lindsey, LB, Pitt
Justin Francis, DL, Rutgers
Desmond Wynn, OG, Rutgers
Jeremiah Warren, OG, USF
Jerrell Young, S, USF
Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia
Julian Miller, DL, West Virginia
Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia
Four Rutgers players to all-star games
January, 6, 2012
Jan 6
2:38
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Rutgers defensive end Manny Abreu, defensive lineman Justin Francis, fullback Joe Martinek and offensive lineman Desmond Wynn have been selected to participate in postseason all-star games this month.
Abreu, Francis and Martinek are scheduled to play in the Casino Del Sol All-Star game Jan. 16 in Tucson, Ariz. This marks the first year of the Casino Del Sol All-Star game.
Wynn will be the 14th Scarlet Knight player to participate in the East-West Shrine game, set for Jan. 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Wynn is the first Rutgers player to appear in the game since Jacksonville Jaguars OL Kevin Haslam played in the 2010 contest.
Abreu, Francis and Martinek are scheduled to play in the Casino Del Sol All-Star game Jan. 16 in Tucson, Ariz. This marks the first year of the Casino Del Sol All-Star game.
Wynn will be the 14th Scarlet Knight player to participate in the East-West Shrine game, set for Jan. 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Wynn is the first Rutgers player to appear in the game since Jacksonville Jaguars OL Kevin Haslam played in the 2010 contest.
Last week, we took a look at the up-and-coming freshmen in the Big East. Now it is time to take a look at all of the departing senior talent. There is a ton across every team in this league. Sixteen of the 29 players honored on the All-Big East first team are seniors. There are still five bowl games left to be played, but it is worth taking a look at how many seniors are departing.
I will take a closer look at some of these "super seniors" in a future post.
Cincinnati
I will take a closer look at some of these "super seniors" in a future post.
Cincinnati
- Seniors: 21
- Starters: 12
- Key losses: Zach Collaros, Isaiah Pead, Randy Martinez, D.J. Woods, Evan Davis, John Hughes, Wes Richardson, Alex Hoffman, JK Schaffer, Adrien Robinson, Tom DeTemple, Derek Wolfe.
- Seniors: 13
- Starters: 7
- Key losses: Mike Ryan, Moe Petrus, Kashif Moore, Isiah Moore, Dave Teggart, Twyon Martin, Kendall Reyes.
- Seniors: 17
- Starters: 9
- Key losses: Victor Anderson, Josh Bellamy, Josh Chichester, Ryan Kessling, Dexter Heyman, William Savoy, Greg Scruggs, Chris Philpott.
- Seniors: 17
- Starters: 9
- Key losses: Lucas Nix, Greg Gaskins, Jordan Gibbs, Antwuan Reed, Max Gruder, Greg Williams, Brandon Lindsey, Chas Alecxih, Myles Caragein.
- Seniors: 16
- Starters: 8
- Key losses: Desmond Wynn, Caleb Ruch, Art Forst, Joe Martinek, Justin Francis, Manny Abreu, David Rowe, San San Te.
- Seniors: 17
- Starters: 6
- Key losses: Jeremiah Warren, Chaz Hine, Quenton Washington, Jerrell Young, Patrick Hampton, Keith McCaskill.
- Seniors: 18
- Starters: 7
- Key losses: Van Chew, Andrew Tiller, Michael Hay, Antwon Bailey, Kevyn Scott, Mikhail Marinovich, Nick Provo.
- Seniors: 22
- Starters: 8
- Key losses: Don Barclay, Julian Miller, Bruce Irvin, Najee Goode, Keith Tandy, Eain Smith.
Jones, Pead, Wolfe get Big East honors
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
12:05
PM ET
By
Andrea Adelson | ESPN.com
Cincinnati dominated the Big East individual awards announced Thursday, as running back Isaiah Pead was honored as Offensive Player of the Year, tackle Derek Wolfe was selected as Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Butch Jones won Coach of the Year.
Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene also took Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is the Newcomer of the Year and West Virginia all-purpose player Tavon Austin is the Special Teams Player of the Year.
Below you will find the first and second teams. All of these awards and teams are selected by the eight league coaches. Here are some of my thoughts on the winners:
Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene also took Defensive Player of the Year honors, while Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is the Newcomer of the Year and West Virginia all-purpose player Tavon Austin is the Special Teams Player of the Year.
Below you will find the first and second teams. All of these awards and teams are selected by the eight league coaches. Here are some of my thoughts on the winners:
- I have to say I am surprised to see Pead win Offensive Player of the Year. I thought West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith would be a slam dunk because he and the Mountaineers dominated on offense this season. That being said, Pead is deserving of this award because he was the most valuable player for the Bearcats this season and he put the team on his back when Zach Collaros went down with an ankle injury. Pead led the Big East in touchdowns (14) and ranks second in the league in all-purpose yards with 1,429. He is a very deserving winner.
- As for the defensive awards, I am not surprised to see a split. My choice was Greene, and I have been going back and forth for most of the season on who was most valuable for Cincinnati -- Wolfe or linebacker JK Schaffer. I thought both were terrific this season. But perhaps the coaches voted for Wolfe because he had a breakout season and was a big reason why Cincinnati led the nation in sacks. Wolfe led the Big East with 19.5 tackles for loss to rank No. 6 in the nation. The senior also had 9.5 sacks after notching 10 sacks combined coming into this season.
- Jones also was my choice for coach of the year because of the turnaround season he led: from 4-8 to 9-3 and a share of the Big East title.
- As for the first-team offense, I am surprised that Tavon Austin made it at receiver over teammate Stedman Bailey. Both are extremely solid, valuable players, but I thought Bailey was a notch more consistent this season as a wide receiver. Austin absolutely is the special teams player of the year. I also was surprised to see Antwon Bailey with first-team honors. My two backs would have been Ray Graham and Pead.
- On first-team defense, West Virginia defensive end Bruce Irvin made the list despite an inconsistent season. Coaches clearly realized what a force he is because he was double-teamed most of the year and still got 7.5 sacks. The coaches were torn at safety, where four players were honored on the first team. I thought Duron Harmon and Hakeem Smith were the top two this season.
- How about Rutgers getting Art Forst on the first team at guard and Desmond Wynn on the second team at guard. Hand clap for the big-time improvement on the Scarlet Knights offensive line.
I hope you brought your lunch pail today. Time to go to work ...
- A healthier D.J. Shoemate expects to start for the Huskies. Nick Williams has been passed as the starting punt returner at UConn.
- A Rocky Top rant for Cincinnati. Video of Butch Jones' news conference.
- Louisville needs more leadership. Transfer Adrian Bushell will play at cornerback this week.
- Inside linebacker play at Pitt was not up to par in the opener. Four true freshmen played in Week 1. Todd Graham says his team is "just getting started."
- Rutgers has to adjust its cornerback rotation after Mason Robinson was lost for the season. Desmond Wynn practiced but was limited.
- A healthy Jerrell Young makes an impact for USF. The Bulls are focused on Ball State, not polls.
- Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian played at West Virginia. Athletic director Oliver Luck gave his thoughts on expansion. How about a Big 12-Big East merger?
Here are some injury updates from the Big East.
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce is expected back against Tennessee after sitting out last week with a sprained ankle.
Connecticut:Coach Paul Pasqualoni said he is optimistic D.J. Shoematewill be able to play against Vanderbilt. Pasqualoni said Tuesday that Shoemate showed encouraging signs at practice Sunday. Meanwhile, defensive end Jesse Joseph remains out.
Louisville:Defensive end B.J. Butler and center Mario Benavides will miss a second straight game because of injuries. Will Stein (ankle) will play. Receiver Josh Bellamy(hamstring) is day-to-day. Defensive tackle Roy Philon, cornerback Jordon Paschal and nose tackle Brandon Dunn could return against FIU.
Pitt: The Panthers sustained no major injuries against Buffalo. Receiver Ed Tinker is expected back this week.
Rutgers:Cornerback Mason Robinson is out for the season with a torn ACL, coach Greg Schiano announced Tuesday. Robinson was the team's top punt returner and rotated in at cornerback. Starting left guard Desmond Wynn hurt his knee against NC Central and it appears he is doubtful to play.
Syracuse:Defensive end Chandler Jones, safety Olando Fisher and cornerback Ri'Shard Anderson are out indefinitely, Syracuse announced Tuesday. All three were injured against Wake Forest. Anderson has an upper body injury, and Jones and Fisher have lower body injuries.
USF: No major injuries.
West Virginia:Dana Holgorsen said Andrew Buie and Trey Johnsonare day-to-day. Buie was hurt against Marshall, while Johnson was held out of the game. Matt Lindamood also is injured and was held out against Marshall.
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce is expected back against Tennessee after sitting out last week with a sprained ankle.
Connecticut:Coach Paul Pasqualoni said he is optimistic D.J. Shoematewill be able to play against Vanderbilt. Pasqualoni said Tuesday that Shoemate showed encouraging signs at practice Sunday. Meanwhile, defensive end Jesse Joseph remains out.
Louisville:Defensive end B.J. Butler and center Mario Benavides will miss a second straight game because of injuries. Will Stein (ankle) will play. Receiver Josh Bellamy(hamstring) is day-to-day. Defensive tackle Roy Philon, cornerback Jordon Paschal and nose tackle Brandon Dunn could return against FIU.
Pitt: The Panthers sustained no major injuries against Buffalo. Receiver Ed Tinker is expected back this week.
Rutgers:Cornerback Mason Robinson is out for the season with a torn ACL, coach Greg Schiano announced Tuesday. Robinson was the team's top punt returner and rotated in at cornerback. Starting left guard Desmond Wynn hurt his knee against NC Central and it appears he is doubtful to play.
Syracuse:Defensive end Chandler Jones, safety Olando Fisher and cornerback Ri'Shard Anderson are out indefinitely, Syracuse announced Tuesday. All three were injured against Wake Forest. Anderson has an upper body injury, and Jones and Fisher have lower body injuries.
USF: No major injuries.
West Virginia:Dana Holgorsen said Andrew Buie and Trey Johnsonare day-to-day. Buie was hurt against Marshall, while Johnson was held out of the game. Matt Lindamood also is injured and was held out against Marshall.
Checking in around the league after yet another day of practice:
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce hurt his shoulder in the morning practice but the injury isn't believe to be serious. The team moves Friday to the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., to practice for two weeks.
Connecticut: Yet another receiver has decided to transfer. Malik Generett became the third receiver in a week to leave UConn for an FCS school. Generett is headed to Tennessee-Martin.
Louisville: The Cardinals held their media day on Wednesday, and coach Charlie Strong reiterated that Will Stein would be the starter at quarterback if the season started today. He also emphasized that this team's strength would be its defense, particularly in the front seven and at safety.
Pitt: Coach Todd Graham chastised his players for cursing during practice Wednesday. He also has banned them from using Twitter during camp. As for his players, he is looking at Ryan Turnley and Chris Jacobson at center. "The first two days we’re trying to make sure we have people in the right position, and at the end of the day we will go back and make evaluations," he said.
Rutgers: Injuries have started to mount for the Scarlet Knights. Defensive end Manny Abreu was carted off the field after he got "dinged." "He didn't look too good,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "I hope it's not too bad.'' Meanwhile, redshirt freshman safety Rashad Knight could be out for the season with a broken foot. Starting cornerback Logan Ryan also injured his leg. Running backs Jawan Jamison (hamstring) and Jeremy Deering (ill) have also missed practice time, along with starting left guard Desmond Wynn.
Syracuse: Three of the team's four centers were hampered with injuries during Wednesday's practice. Only starter Macky MacPherson is healthy. Freshman Jesse Wolf-Gould also took a few snaps to help out. Seniors Ian Allport and Nick Lepak and freshman Rob Trudo were all out. Offensive line coach Greg Adkins also has returned to the team after a non-threatening medical condition kept him out of camp the first five days.
USF: The kicking jobs remain open at USF. Coach Skip Holtz said after practice that nobody is kicking with any consistency so far in camp. “I can’t look you in the eye and tell you that anybody has nailed down any of the special-teams responsibilities,” he said.
Holtz said kicker Maikon Bonani has had a few up and down days. Redshirt freshman Marvin Kloss and true freshman walk-on Mattias Ciabatti are in the mix. At punter, Justin Brockhaus-Kann and Chris Veron are competing, along with Mattias Ciabatti.
West Virginia: Coach Dana Holgorsen is not too pleased with his receivers. He says there is still too much inconsistency there. "I don’t know how those guys can get worse from spring, but it looks to me like some of them have," Holgorsen said. The one player who stood out Wednesday was Ryan Nehlen, whose grandfather, great West Virginia coach Don Nehlen, was in attendance at practice.
Cincinnati: Tight end Travis Kelce hurt his shoulder in the morning practice but the injury isn't believe to be serious. The team moves Friday to the Higher Ground Conference and Retreat Center in West Harrison, Ind., to practice for two weeks.
Connecticut: Yet another receiver has decided to transfer. Malik Generett became the third receiver in a week to leave UConn for an FCS school. Generett is headed to Tennessee-Martin.
Louisville: The Cardinals held their media day on Wednesday, and coach Charlie Strong reiterated that Will Stein would be the starter at quarterback if the season started today. He also emphasized that this team's strength would be its defense, particularly in the front seven and at safety.
Pitt: Coach Todd Graham chastised his players for cursing during practice Wednesday. He also has banned them from using Twitter during camp. As for his players, he is looking at Ryan Turnley and Chris Jacobson at center. "The first two days we’re trying to make sure we have people in the right position, and at the end of the day we will go back and make evaluations," he said.
Rutgers: Injuries have started to mount for the Scarlet Knights. Defensive end Manny Abreu was carted off the field after he got "dinged." "He didn't look too good,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "I hope it's not too bad.'' Meanwhile, redshirt freshman safety Rashad Knight could be out for the season with a broken foot. Starting cornerback Logan Ryan also injured his leg. Running backs Jawan Jamison (hamstring) and Jeremy Deering (ill) have also missed practice time, along with starting left guard Desmond Wynn.
Syracuse: Three of the team's four centers were hampered with injuries during Wednesday's practice. Only starter Macky MacPherson is healthy. Freshman Jesse Wolf-Gould also took a few snaps to help out. Seniors Ian Allport and Nick Lepak and freshman Rob Trudo were all out. Offensive line coach Greg Adkins also has returned to the team after a non-threatening medical condition kept him out of camp the first five days.
USF: The kicking jobs remain open at USF. Coach Skip Holtz said after practice that nobody is kicking with any consistency so far in camp. “I can’t look you in the eye and tell you that anybody has nailed down any of the special-teams responsibilities,” he said.
Holtz said kicker Maikon Bonani has had a few up and down days. Redshirt freshman Marvin Kloss and true freshman walk-on Mattias Ciabatti are in the mix. At punter, Justin Brockhaus-Kann and Chris Veron are competing, along with Mattias Ciabatti.
West Virginia: Coach Dana Holgorsen is not too pleased with his receivers. He says there is still too much inconsistency there. "I don’t know how those guys can get worse from spring, but it looks to me like some of them have," Holgorsen said. The one player who stood out Wednesday was Ryan Nehlen, whose grandfather, great West Virginia coach Don Nehlen, was in attendance at practice.
We are taking a look at assistant coaches whose position group will be in the spotlight this fall. Up today is Rutgers.
Coach: Kyle Flood
Position: offensive line
Experience: Flood is in his sixth season as offensive line coach and has had some good units in his time with the school. In 2007, the line ranked second in the nation with just 10 sacks allowed. In addition, the Rutgers offense became the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000-yard passer, 2,000-yard rusher and two, 1,000-yard receivers in the same season. In 2010, Anthony Davis was selected 11th overall in the NFL draft -- the highest draft pick in school history.
His challenge: Everybody is well aware of his challenge. One of the biggest themes that has been repeated ad nauseum is that the Rutgers offensive line was one of the worst in the nation last season. Part of the reason is because of an incoherent offensive scheme. Simply put, Rutgers had no offensive identity last season, and that put the offensive line at a serious disadvantage.
But much has changed going into this season. Rutgers has a new offensive coordinator in Frank Cignetti with a clear plan on offense. That should help the line when it comes to blocking, protection and calls. The Scarlet Knights return experienced players in right tackle Desmond Stapleton and left guard Desmond Wynn. Andre Civil has moved over from the defensive line and is penciled in to start at left tackle despite being undersized. Coaches liked what they saw out of center David Osei, who has gotten bigger and stronger.
Here is what Greg Schiano had to say about his unit the last time we spoke on the phone:
“We made improvement without a doubt. Schematically, we've helped them out some with what we’re doing -- getting rid of the football more quickly in the pass game. Less is more. We're getting more comfortable, plus the guys are a year more mature. Antwan Lowery, he's got a chance to do some things, David Osei hit his stride. Desmond Stapleton and Desmond Wynn, those guys should be really improved.
"Really, it's consistency. As a group, we weren't consistent. We were more consistent this spring than any time last year. Does that mean we're going to be world beaters? I don't think we're going to get out of it overnight, but I anticipate we'll be a lot better."
Previously spotlighted:
Coach: Kyle Flood
Position: offensive line
Experience: Flood is in his sixth season as offensive line coach and has had some good units in his time with the school. In 2007, the line ranked second in the nation with just 10 sacks allowed. In addition, the Rutgers offense became the first in NCAA history to have a 3,000-yard passer, 2,000-yard rusher and two, 1,000-yard receivers in the same season. In 2010, Anthony Davis was selected 11th overall in the NFL draft -- the highest draft pick in school history.
His challenge: Everybody is well aware of his challenge. One of the biggest themes that has been repeated ad nauseum is that the Rutgers offensive line was one of the worst in the nation last season. Part of the reason is because of an incoherent offensive scheme. Simply put, Rutgers had no offensive identity last season, and that put the offensive line at a serious disadvantage.
But much has changed going into this season. Rutgers has a new offensive coordinator in Frank Cignetti with a clear plan on offense. That should help the line when it comes to blocking, protection and calls. The Scarlet Knights return experienced players in right tackle Desmond Stapleton and left guard Desmond Wynn. Andre Civil has moved over from the defensive line and is penciled in to start at left tackle despite being undersized. Coaches liked what they saw out of center David Osei, who has gotten bigger and stronger.
Here is what Greg Schiano had to say about his unit the last time we spoke on the phone:
“We made improvement without a doubt. Schematically, we've helped them out some with what we’re doing -- getting rid of the football more quickly in the pass game. Less is more. We're getting more comfortable, plus the guys are a year more mature. Antwan Lowery, he's got a chance to do some things, David Osei hit his stride. Desmond Stapleton and Desmond Wynn, those guys should be really improved.
"Really, it's consistency. As a group, we weren't consistent. We were more consistent this spring than any time last year. Does that mean we're going to be world beaters? I don't think we're going to get out of it overnight, but I anticipate we'll be a lot better."
Previously spotlighted:
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Andrea Adelson
Adelson joined ESPN.com in 2010 after spending time as a college football columnist at The Orlando Sentinel. She has covered college football since her days as a University of Florida student, and lives in Orlando, Fla.
