Big East: Joe Lefeged
Adam Rittenberg did this over at the Big Ten blog, and I thought it was an idea worth stealing.
We know the Big East isn't going to dominate the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft, but there are several good players from the league who can help teams. I'm no Mel Kiper Jr. -- one look at my hairdo tells you that -- and I realize the NFL is in many ways a different game than the college level.
Still, I've watched Big East players up close for the past few years and can tell when somebody can play. Here's one guy from each Big East team that I think could be a bargain in the NFL draft as a mid-round selection or even a free-agent pickup:
Cincinnati
Jason Kelce, C, 6-2, 280
Why him: Kelce arrived at Cincinnati as a walk-on linebacker, then started for two years at left guard before taking over the center duties as a senior. That tells you he's a hard worker willing to do whatever it takes to help a team and get on the field, and he was a part of two Big East championship teams. If nothing else, he could add depth to an offensive line with his versatility.
Connecticut
Scott Lutrus, LB, 6-2, 241
Why him: Lutrus is a student of the game and a better athlete than he gets credit for, as evidenced by his strong NFL combine numbers. He's got pretty good size, too, and is a solid tackler. There is some health risk here because he had shoulder/stinger problems his last two seasons at UConn. But as a late pick or free-agent signee, he is worth a gamble.
Louisville
Cameron Graham, TE, 6-3, 244
Why him: Graham might not stand out in any one area. He's not a speed merchant nor a physically imposing player. But he gets the most out of his ability and developed into a really reliable pass-catcher for Louisville as a senior. He could make a solid No. 2 or No. 3 tight end for some team in the right system.
Pittsburgh
Jason Pinkston, OT, 6-3, 317
Why him: Pinkston was a three-year starter for the Panthers and as steady a player as there was in the Big East. He earned all-league honors his last two seasons and performed well against some of the best pass-rushers the conference had to offer. He might not be big or athletic enough to play left tackle at the next level as he did in college, but he'll find a home somewhere on an NFL line.
Rutgers
Joe Lefeged, S, 5-11, 210
Why him: This isn't the strongest Scarlet Knights draft class of recent years, and Lefeged is likely the only Rutgers player who will get drafted. He tailed off after a hot start last season, but seemed to be affected by the Eric LeGrand injury as much as any of his teammates. What I like about Lefeged is that he's also a really good and very willing special-teams performer, so an NFL team will get that extra value from him.
South Florida
Mistral Raymond, DB, 6-1, 191
Why him: Is Raymond talented enough to play in the NFL? I don't know. I do know that he's a hard worker who rose from walk-on to team leader for the Bulls, and he's lanky and versatile enough to play either corner or safety. He'll probably be an undrafted free agent, but he's a guy I would want on my practice squad at the very least.
Syracuse
Rob Long, P, 6-2, 190
Why him: Anyone strong-willed enough to battle through a brain tumor with the positive attitude Long maintained is someone I'd want on my side. And don't forget he was one of the league's best punters throughout his career and also handled kickoffs and holding duties. Not many punters get drafted, but I'd offer him a contract if I were a GM looking to upgrade my special teams.
West Virginia
Chris Neild, DT, 6-1, 319
Why him: Mountaineers fans don't need to be reminded why Neild is such a valuable player. Let's hope that an NFL team sees it. In the right system, Neild would be an excellent contributor.
We know the Big East isn't going to dominate the first couple of rounds of the NFL draft, but there are several good players from the league who can help teams. I'm no Mel Kiper Jr. -- one look at my hairdo tells you that -- and I realize the NFL is in many ways a different game than the college level.
Still, I've watched Big East players up close for the past few years and can tell when somebody can play. Here's one guy from each Big East team that I think could be a bargain in the NFL draft as a mid-round selection or even a free-agent pickup:
Cincinnati
Jason Kelce, C, 6-2, 280
Why him: Kelce arrived at Cincinnati as a walk-on linebacker, then started for two years at left guard before taking over the center duties as a senior. That tells you he's a hard worker willing to do whatever it takes to help a team and get on the field, and he was a part of two Big East championship teams. If nothing else, he could add depth to an offensive line with his versatility.
Connecticut
Scott Lutrus, LB, 6-2, 241
Why him: Lutrus is a student of the game and a better athlete than he gets credit for, as evidenced by his strong NFL combine numbers. He's got pretty good size, too, and is a solid tackler. There is some health risk here because he had shoulder/stinger problems his last two seasons at UConn. But as a late pick or free-agent signee, he is worth a gamble.
Louisville
Cameron Graham, TE, 6-3, 244
Why him: Graham might not stand out in any one area. He's not a speed merchant nor a physically imposing player. But he gets the most out of his ability and developed into a really reliable pass-catcher for Louisville as a senior. He could make a solid No. 2 or No. 3 tight end for some team in the right system.
Pittsburgh
Jason Pinkston, OT, 6-3, 317
Why him: Pinkston was a three-year starter for the Panthers and as steady a player as there was in the Big East. He earned all-league honors his last two seasons and performed well against some of the best pass-rushers the conference had to offer. He might not be big or athletic enough to play left tackle at the next level as he did in college, but he'll find a home somewhere on an NFL line.
Rutgers
Joe Lefeged, S, 5-11, 210
Why him: This isn't the strongest Scarlet Knights draft class of recent years, and Lefeged is likely the only Rutgers player who will get drafted. He tailed off after a hot start last season, but seemed to be affected by the Eric LeGrand injury as much as any of his teammates. What I like about Lefeged is that he's also a really good and very willing special-teams performer, so an NFL team will get that extra value from him.
South Florida
Mistral Raymond, DB, 6-1, 191
Why him: Is Raymond talented enough to play in the NFL? I don't know. I do know that he's a hard worker who rose from walk-on to team leader for the Bulls, and he's lanky and versatile enough to play either corner or safety. He'll probably be an undrafted free agent, but he's a guy I would want on my practice squad at the very least.
Syracuse
Rob Long, P, 6-2, 190
Why him: Anyone strong-willed enough to battle through a brain tumor with the positive attitude Long maintained is someone I'd want on my side. And don't forget he was one of the league's best punters throughout his career and also handled kickoffs and holding duties. Not many punters get drafted, but I'd offer him a contract if I were a GM looking to upgrade my special teams.
West Virginia
Chris Neild, DT, 6-1, 319
Why him: Mountaineers fans don't need to be reminded why Neild is such a valuable player. Let's hope that an NFL team sees it. In the right system, Neild would be an excellent contributor.
If Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay are on the mark, it could be a slow start to the draft for Big East prospects.
Both Kiper
and McShay have unveiled their new three-round mock drafts, and it takes some serious scanning to find Big East players involved.
Kiper's top Big East pick at this point is Pitt's Jabaal Sheard, the reigning defensive player of the year whom he has going in the second round, at No. 37 overall. Then there's a wait until the 74th pick, when Kiper has Sheard's former teammate, receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Kiper has South Florida defensive tackle Terrell McClain also in the third round, at No. 83. And that's it.
McShay has a few more league players in his mock draft. He picks Baldwin as his top Big East player off the board, but not until pick No. 61. He also has Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick in the second round, two picks behind Baldwin. He has West Virginia cornerback Brandon Hogan in the third round at 71st overall and Sheard 74th. Then Pitt running back Dion Lewis is 79th, followed by McClain at No. 83 and Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged at No. 88.
Most mock drafters agree at this point that the Big East won't have a first-round pick this year.
Both Kiper
and McShay have unveiled their new three-round mock drafts, and it takes some serious scanning to find Big East players involved.
Kiper's top Big East pick at this point is Pitt's Jabaal Sheard, the reigning defensive player of the year whom he has going in the second round, at No. 37 overall. Then there's a wait until the 74th pick, when Kiper has Sheard's former teammate, receiver Jonathan Baldwin. Kiper has South Florida defensive tackle Terrell McClain also in the third round, at No. 83. And that's it.
McShay has a few more league players in his mock draft. He picks Baldwin as his top Big East player off the board, but not until pick No. 61. He also has Louisville cornerback Johnny Patrick in the second round, two picks behind Baldwin. He has West Virginia cornerback Brandon Hogan in the third round at 71st overall and Sheard 74th. Then Pitt running back Dion Lewis is 79th, followed by McClain at No. 83 and Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged at No. 88.
Most mock drafters agree at this point that the Big East won't have a first-round pick this year.
Question of the day: If Johnny McEntee stood in the 30th row of Reliant Stadium and threw footballs at the basketball goals, would he have hit more than Butler did against UConn?
But it's not my job to ask questions on Friday. Mailbag time.
Aaron from Elizabeth, N.J., writes: I read your comments frequently and I know sometimes teams do not perform up to expectations; but individual efforts should not be ignored just because a team is not as good. The fact that Joe Lefeged was not a pick for top 25 players in the conference and not considered for Defensive POY because Rutgers was bad does not make sense. I need to know why you feel this way.
Brian Bennett: Two things, Aaron. One, Lefeged started out great last year, but he had a second-half swoon as did many of the other Scarlet Knights defenders. One league coach whose team played Rutgers in the latter half of the year told me his game plan was based around picking on Lefeged -- and it worked. The emotional toll of the Eric LeGrand affected a lot of players, especially the veterans on defense. Secondly, when talking about defensive awards, you have to look to players on teams that are successful. There's a reason the Heisman Trophy now almost always goes to a team in the national title hunt. When I set preseason odds for these types of things, I take team success into account. And I think that's the way it should be (if you really want to get me riled up, ask me about Andre Dawson's MVP award the year the Cubs finished last).
Steve in DC writes: In your thoughts on WVU column, you ended a blurb on true freshman Paul Millard with "How this kid went unrecruited is baffling." I've been wondering the same. He threw for 4400+ yards in 5-A Texas ball with 47 TDs and 6 picks. There is no way someone like that just slipped through the cracks, is there? There has to be an explanation. Does he smell bad or something?
Brian Bennett: I did not get close enough to smell Millard on my trip, which probably would have been very awkward had I done so. Millard told the Charleston Daily Mail that he didn't wow people on the summer camp circuit, and that his best attributes are mental and not physical. ESPN.com's recruiting profile of Millard called him lanky and said, in part, "Millard is not a strong-armed rifleman capable of driving the ball into tight spots and pushing the ball vertically, but rather a rhythm and timing passer with very nice touch. Throws a catchable ball and does a very good job leading receivers. He exclusively works from the shotgun and does not always settle his feet, plant and drive the ball with authority. Almost looks off balance from snap-to-snap even when he is not pressured or rushed."
Given his production and the level of football in which he played, it's bizarre that he lacked significant opportunities. Millard looked pretty good to me in practice. I have a feeling he's going to make some people feel silly they missed out on him before it's all over.
Ed C. from Pittsburgh writes: What is the status on Pitt LB Dan Mason?
Brian Bennett: Mason isn't practicing this spring, and from what I've been told he still has a long way to go. Mason suffered a gruesome knee injury against Miami last year. Hopefully he'll make it all the way back.
Ryan from Tampa writes: Consider coaching changes, returning stars, and gelling systems, many people are hoping for the conference to be more competitive in 2011. My question to you is not if but when will we all be let down only to discover nothing has changed? 2nd week of the season? 1st week? Next week?
Brian Bennett: I would say by Week 4. By then, we will have seen the following games: West Virginia vs. Maryland LSU, Pitt vs Iowa and Notre Dame, Cincinnati vs. NC State and Tennessee, USF vs. Notre Dame, Syracuse vs. USC, UConn vs. Iowa State, Louisville vs. Kentucky and Rutgers vs. North Carolina. Some of those, obviously, are difficult games. But if the Big East falls on its face in the majority of those high-profile matchups -- especially the ones on league turf -- then we might be in for another long year.
Mike from Tampa writes: Is USF's performance in the April 2 spring game discouraging for the Bulls' high hopes this year? Or is it just something that they'll be able to work out over the summer?
Brian Bennett: I would never place too much emphasis on a spring game. The defense and the offense know each other's plays, after all. The Bulls could come out a look a lot better this Saturday in their final spring scrimmage. The one thing that concerns, though, is the poor passing-game performance last week. That's an area that really had to get better this offseason for USF to get to the next level, and it's not encouraging to see B.J. Daniels and his receivers struggle to connect in that setting.
Charlie from Morgantown writes: If you get a chance on your visit to Morgantown ask Coach Casteel where he thinks we are best on defense and what position and situation we need to work on in the spring? We have not been hearing too much about the defense in Morgantown because of the new offense, but I am curious how we look with the loss of Sands, Scooter, Neild, Hogan, and Thomas.
Brian Bennett: I got to sit down with Jeff Casteel and talk about the defense at length. He's one of the best in the business, and West Virginia is lucky to have him. He told me that other schools did indeed make him offers this offseason, but he's still in Morgantown.
Anyway, one thing he said that struck me is that the entire defense was hit by departures. It's true if you think about it. The defensive line lost Chris Neild and Scooter Berry, whom Casteel said had an underrated senior year. The linebacking corps lost three of its top four players, including J.T. Thomas and Anthony Leonard. And the back end lost Brandon Hogan, Sidney Glover and Robert Sands. So no position is immune. I think Casteel still really likes his defensive front, especially if Jorge Wright and Josh Taylor -- and perhaps incoming recruit Shaq Rowell -- can do enough to make up for Neild's absence. Having Julian Miller and Bruce Irvin at the other two spots isn't too shabby.
But it's not my job to ask questions on Friday. Mailbag time.
Aaron from Elizabeth, N.J., writes: I read your comments frequently and I know sometimes teams do not perform up to expectations; but individual efforts should not be ignored just because a team is not as good. The fact that Joe Lefeged was not a pick for top 25 players in the conference and not considered for Defensive POY because Rutgers was bad does not make sense. I need to know why you feel this way.
Brian Bennett: Two things, Aaron. One, Lefeged started out great last year, but he had a second-half swoon as did many of the other Scarlet Knights defenders. One league coach whose team played Rutgers in the latter half of the year told me his game plan was based around picking on Lefeged -- and it worked. The emotional toll of the Eric LeGrand affected a lot of players, especially the veterans on defense. Secondly, when talking about defensive awards, you have to look to players on teams that are successful. There's a reason the Heisman Trophy now almost always goes to a team in the national title hunt. When I set preseason odds for these types of things, I take team success into account. And I think that's the way it should be (if you really want to get me riled up, ask me about Andre Dawson's MVP award the year the Cubs finished last).
Steve in DC writes: In your thoughts on WVU column, you ended a blurb on true freshman Paul Millard with "How this kid went unrecruited is baffling." I've been wondering the same. He threw for 4400+ yards in 5-A Texas ball with 47 TDs and 6 picks. There is no way someone like that just slipped through the cracks, is there? There has to be an explanation. Does he smell bad or something?
Brian Bennett: I did not get close enough to smell Millard on my trip, which probably would have been very awkward had I done so. Millard told the Charleston Daily Mail that he didn't wow people on the summer camp circuit, and that his best attributes are mental and not physical. ESPN.com's recruiting profile of Millard called him lanky and said, in part, "Millard is not a strong-armed rifleman capable of driving the ball into tight spots and pushing the ball vertically, but rather a rhythm and timing passer with very nice touch. Throws a catchable ball and does a very good job leading receivers. He exclusively works from the shotgun and does not always settle his feet, plant and drive the ball with authority. Almost looks off balance from snap-to-snap even when he is not pressured or rushed."
Given his production and the level of football in which he played, it's bizarre that he lacked significant opportunities. Millard looked pretty good to me in practice. I have a feeling he's going to make some people feel silly they missed out on him before it's all over.
Ed C. from Pittsburgh writes: What is the status on Pitt LB Dan Mason?
Brian Bennett: Mason isn't practicing this spring, and from what I've been told he still has a long way to go. Mason suffered a gruesome knee injury against Miami last year. Hopefully he'll make it all the way back.
Ryan from Tampa writes: Consider coaching changes, returning stars, and gelling systems, many people are hoping for the conference to be more competitive in 2011. My question to you is not if but when will we all be let down only to discover nothing has changed? 2nd week of the season? 1st week? Next week?
Brian Bennett: I would say by Week 4. By then, we will have seen the following games: West Virginia vs. Maryland LSU, Pitt vs Iowa and Notre Dame, Cincinnati vs. NC State and Tennessee, USF vs. Notre Dame, Syracuse vs. USC, UConn vs. Iowa State, Louisville vs. Kentucky and Rutgers vs. North Carolina. Some of those, obviously, are difficult games. But if the Big East falls on its face in the majority of those high-profile matchups -- especially the ones on league turf -- then we might be in for another long year.
Mike from Tampa writes: Is USF's performance in the April 2 spring game discouraging for the Bulls' high hopes this year? Or is it just something that they'll be able to work out over the summer?
Brian Bennett: I would never place too much emphasis on a spring game. The defense and the offense know each other's plays, after all. The Bulls could come out a look a lot better this Saturday in their final spring scrimmage. The one thing that concerns, though, is the poor passing-game performance last week. That's an area that really had to get better this offseason for USF to get to the next level, and it's not encouraging to see B.J. Daniels and his receivers struggle to connect in that setting.
Charlie from Morgantown writes: If you get a chance on your visit to Morgantown ask Coach Casteel where he thinks we are best on defense and what position and situation we need to work on in the spring? We have not been hearing too much about the defense in Morgantown because of the new offense, but I am curious how we look with the loss of Sands, Scooter, Neild, Hogan, and Thomas.
Brian Bennett: I got to sit down with Jeff Casteel and talk about the defense at length. He's one of the best in the business, and West Virginia is lucky to have him. He told me that other schools did indeed make him offers this offseason, but he's still in Morgantown.
Anyway, one thing he said that struck me is that the entire defense was hit by departures. It's true if you think about it. The defensive line lost Chris Neild and Scooter Berry, whom Casteel said had an underrated senior year. The linebacking corps lost three of its top four players, including J.T. Thomas and Anthony Leonard. And the back end lost Brandon Hogan, Sidney Glover and Robert Sands. So no position is immune. I think Casteel still really likes his defensive front, especially if Jorge Wright and Josh Taylor -- and perhaps incoming recruit Shaq Rowell -- can do enough to make up for Neild's absence. Having Julian Miller and Bruce Irvin at the other two spots isn't too shabby.
Looking at Big East NFL draft hopefuls
March, 23, 2011
3/23/11
10:33
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Scouts Inc. has come up with comprehensive draft boards for every position as we draw ever closer to the 2011 NFL draft (and, hopefully, a 2011 NFL season).
Let's start on the offensive side of the ball and take a look at where some Big East hopefuls are ranked. First, the skill positions:
Now, the offensive linemen/tight ends:
Now let's move to the defensive side and see where Scouts Inc. rates some Big East defenders:
These projections aren't gospel by any means, but they should give you a pretty good idea of how Big East hopefuls are being viewed right now.
Let's start on the offensive side of the ball and take a look at where some Big East hopefuls are ranked. First, the skill positions:
- Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh: second round
- Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut: third round
- Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh: fourth round
- Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse: fourth round
- Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: fifth round
- Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut: fifth round
- Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia: sixth round
- Henry Hynoski, FB, Pittsburgh: seventh round
- Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati: seventh round
Now, the offensive linemen/tight ends:
- Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsbugh: fifth round
- Cameron Graham, TE, Louisville: sixth round
- Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut: sixth round
- Ryan Bartholomew, C, Syracuse: seventh round
- Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati: seventh round
Now let's move to the defensive side and see where Scouts Inc. rates some Big East defenders:
- Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida: second round
- Jabaal Sheard, DE/LB, Pittsburgh: second round
- Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville: third round
- Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh: fourth round
- Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia: fourth round
- Robert Sands, S, West Virginia: fourth round
- Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut: fifth round
- Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut: fifth round
- Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers: sixth round
- Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia: sixth round
- Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse: sixth round
- J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia: sixth round
- Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse: sixth round
- Greg Lloyd, LB, Connecticut: seventh round
These projections aren't gospel by any means, but they should give you a pretty good idea of how Big East hopefuls are being viewed right now.
- Syracuse will play 10 "home" games at the New Meadowlands Stadium -- one every other year, beginning in 2019.
- Joe Lefeged is optimistic about his draft hopes after a solid NFL combine showing. Brandon Bing put up some dazzling 40 times at Rutgers pro day, but will that be enough? Eric LeGrand was in the house for pro day, and the fact that it wasn't a big deal was good news.
- Pat White has given up baseball.
- A quick look at the UConn quarterback depth chart.
More Big East results from the NFL combine
March, 1, 2011
3/01/11
3:30
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
On Monday, I looked at the results posted by Big East offensive linemen, running backs, receivers, tight ends and preliminary numbers for the linebackers. Let's check in now on some more updates by top performers for the defensive guys from the league (performance ranks are listed by position).
Defensive line
Pittsburgh's Jabaal Sheard had the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.69 seconds. He was 12th in the broad jump.
Linebackers
Scott Lutrus put up strong numbers, finishing first in vertical leap (38 inches) second in the 60-yard shuttle, third in the three-cone drill, fourth in the 20-yard shuttle, tied for fifth in the broad jump and tied for seventh in the 40 at 4.68 seconds. Here's what our Scouts Inc. team wrote about Lutrus's performance:
Syracuse's Doug Hogue was fifth in the 40 at 4.63 seconds. He tied for fifth in the broad jump, tied for sixth in vertical leap and was 12th in the three-cone drill.
West Virginia's J.T. Thomas tied for seventh in the 40, tied for 10th in the 20-yard shuttle, and tied for 13th in the 60-yard drill.
Connecticut's Greg Lloyd tied for 14th in the three-cone drill.
UConn's Lawrence Wilson tied for 13th in both the vertical leap and 40-yard dash. Would you have guessed Lutrus would beat teammate Wilson in the 40?
Safeties
West Virginia's Robert Sands showed off his array of skills. He tied for second with a 35-inch vertical leap and had the best broad jump at 10 feet, four inches. His 40 time of 4.57 seconds was third.
Cornerbacks
Rutgers' Joe Lefeged, a safety in college who was listed with the cornerbacks at the combine, tied for the fifth-best 40 time at 4.43 seconds. He also tied for 11th in the vertical leap and 14th in the broad jump.
West Virginia's Brandon Hogan tied for 10th on the bench press with 19 reps at 225 pounds.
Defensive line
Pittsburgh's Jabaal Sheard had the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash time at 4.69 seconds. He was 12th in the broad jump.
Linebackers
Scott Lutrus put up strong numbers, finishing first in vertical leap (38 inches) second in the 60-yard shuttle, third in the three-cone drill, fourth in the 20-yard shuttle, tied for fifth in the broad jump and tied for seventh in the 40 at 4.68 seconds. Here's what our Scouts Inc. team wrote about Lutrus's performance:
"Lutrus (6-2½, 241) far exceeded expectations based on what we've seen on film. ... We now have to go back to the tape to see if we missed something during our initial evaluation and figure why his explosiveness and lateral quickness are so much better at this point."
Syracuse's Doug Hogue was fifth in the 40 at 4.63 seconds. He tied for fifth in the broad jump, tied for sixth in vertical leap and was 12th in the three-cone drill.
West Virginia's J.T. Thomas tied for seventh in the 40, tied for 10th in the 20-yard shuttle, and tied for 13th in the 60-yard drill.
Connecticut's Greg Lloyd tied for 14th in the three-cone drill.
UConn's Lawrence Wilson tied for 13th in both the vertical leap and 40-yard dash. Would you have guessed Lutrus would beat teammate Wilson in the 40?
Safeties
West Virginia's Robert Sands showed off his array of skills. He tied for second with a 35-inch vertical leap and had the best broad jump at 10 feet, four inches. His 40 time of 4.57 seconds was third.
Cornerbacks
Rutgers' Joe Lefeged, a safety in college who was listed with the cornerbacks at the combine, tied for the fifth-best 40 time at 4.43 seconds. He also tied for 11th in the vertical leap and 14th in the broad jump.
West Virginia's Brandon Hogan tied for 10th on the bench press with 19 reps at 225 pounds.
Big East's NFL prospects head to combine
February, 24, 2011
2/24/11
2:05
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
The NFL combine officially began on Wednesday, as players arrived in Indianapolis and started interviews with team officials.
There are more interviews Thursday, along with measurements and medical examinations. Workouts start on Friday, and here is the schedule for position groups:
Friday: Specialists
Saturday: Offensive linemen, tight ends
Sunday: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
Monday: Defensive linemen, linebackers
Tuesday: Defensive backs
It will be fun to follow the Big East players as they strut their stuff for scouts. Who will be the top player drafted from the league? My money is still on Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin, whom I expect to put up dazzling numbers in his combine workouts.
Here again is the full list of Big East players scheduled to participate in Indianapolis:
Cincinnati (3)
Armon Binns, WR
Jason Kelce, OL
Jake Rogers, K
Connecticut (6)
Zach Hurd, OL
Anthony Sherman, FB
Jordan Todman, RB
Lawrence Wilson, LB
Greg Lloyd, LB
Scott Lutrus, LB
Louisville (3)
Cameron Graham, TE
Johnny Patrick, CB
Bilal Powell, RB
Pittsburgh (6)
Jon Baldwin, WR
Henry Hynoski, FB
Dion Lewis, RB
Jason Pinkston, OL
Greg Romeus, DE
Jabaal Sheard, DE
Rutgers (1)
Joe Lefeged, S
South Florida (1)
Terrell McClain, DT
Syracuse (4)
Ryan Bartholomew, OL
Doug Hogue, LB
Delone Carter, RB
Derrell Smith, LB
West Virginia (6)
Noel Devine, RB
Brandon Hogan, CB
Chris Neild, DT
Jock Sanders, WR
Robert Sands, S
J.T. Thomas, LB
There are more interviews Thursday, along with measurements and medical examinations. Workouts start on Friday, and here is the schedule for position groups:
Friday: Specialists
Saturday: Offensive linemen, tight ends
Sunday: Quarterbacks, wide receivers, running backs
Monday: Defensive linemen, linebackers
Tuesday: Defensive backs
It will be fun to follow the Big East players as they strut their stuff for scouts. Who will be the top player drafted from the league? My money is still on Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin, whom I expect to put up dazzling numbers in his combine workouts.
Here again is the full list of Big East players scheduled to participate in Indianapolis:
Cincinnati (3)
Armon Binns, WR
Jason Kelce, OL
Jake Rogers, K
Connecticut (6)
Zach Hurd, OL
Anthony Sherman, FB
Jordan Todman, RB
Lawrence Wilson, LB
Greg Lloyd, LB
Scott Lutrus, LB
Louisville (3)
Cameron Graham, TE
Johnny Patrick, CB
Bilal Powell, RB
Pittsburgh (6)
Jon Baldwin, WR
Henry Hynoski, FB
Dion Lewis, RB
Jason Pinkston, OL
Greg Romeus, DE
Jabaal Sheard, DE
Rutgers (1)
Joe Lefeged, S
South Florida (1)
Terrell McClain, DT
Syracuse (4)
Ryan Bartholomew, OL
Doug Hogue, LB
Delone Carter, RB
Derrell Smith, LB
West Virginia (6)
Noel Devine, RB
Brandon Hogan, CB
Chris Neild, DT
Jock Sanders, WR
Robert Sands, S
J.T. Thomas, LB
Big East's top 2010 individual performances
February, 16, 2011
2/16/11
1:42
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
I'm borrowing an idea from Big 12 blogger David Ubben and taking a look at the top individual performances by a Big East player in 2010.
Ubben's list was restricted to offensive players in conference games, and only players whose team won the game were eligible. I'm going to be a lot more inclusive than that. But I will give extra weight to performances in victories and in games against league competition or other high-caliber opponents. Sorry, but no stat-stuffing feats against FCS opponents were considered.
Here, then, is my Top 10:
1. Jordan Todman versus Pittsburgh: Todman -- with a heaping dose of help from his offensive line -- was simply unstoppable against Pitt's defense, running for 222 yards on 37 carries in a key win that changed the conference race. He was so good that Randy Edsall felt confident going for it on fourth-and-short from deep in his own territory late in the game, and of course Todman picked up that first down.
2. Isaiah Pead versus Rutgers: Granted, the Scarlet Knights' defense was a shell of its former self by this point. Still, Pead racked up a whopping five total touchdowns, most by a Big East player in a league game in 2010. He had 213 rushing yards and four scores on 31 rushing attempts and added a touchdown reception. Rutgers had no answer.
3. Sio Moore versus West Virginia: The Connecticut linebacker, often overshadowed by Lawrence Wilson and Scott Lutrus at his own position, was a one-man wrecking crew in the win that changed the Huskies' season. He collected 17 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered two of them in the hard-fought upset.
4. Dion Lewis versus Cincinnati: The Bearcats had seen this show before. For the second straight year, Lewis was a load that the Cincinnati defense couldn't stop. He carried 42 times for 261 yards and four touchdowns in the snow at Nippert Stadium for what turned out to be his final regular-season college game.
5. Geno Smith versus Marshall: Down 21-6 in the fourth quarter, West Virginia looked like it would suffer its first loss to its in-state opponent. But Smith came to the rescue. He calmly led two scoring drives in the final minutes and delivered perfect strikes for the tying touchdown and two-point conversion plays attempt near the end of regulation. He finished 32-of-45 for 316 yards, and that's even more impressive when you consider it was just his second career start.
6. Bilal Powell versus Cincinnati: Our first performance on the list that came in a losing effort. It wasn't Powell's fault. The Louisville senior rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries and had perhaps the highlight of the season with his bruising, 85-yard scoring run. Powell also rushed for 204 yards on just 18 carries the week before, but it came against a truly terrible Memphis defense (not that Cincinnati's was all that much better).
7. Delone Carter versus Kansas State: Carter had a strong year but lacked a lot of explosive plays. That changed in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State's admittedly shaky defense. Carter crushed the Wildcats for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries as the Orange held on for the postseason win.
8. Mark Harrison versus Cincinnati: There were a lot of great performances against the Cincinnati defense, but Harrison's was truly breathtaking -- and record-breaking. The Rutgers wideout had 10 catches for 240 yards and four touchdowns against the helpless Bearcats secondary.
9. Ray Graham versus Florida International: Not an elite opponent by any means, but what Graham did was still mighty impressive. Subbing for an injured Lewis, Graham nearly broke the Pitt single-game rushing record with 277 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.
10. Joe Lefeged versus Florida International: FIU appears again as a victim here in a ridiculous performance by the Rutgers safety. He had an interception, forced two fumbles and blocked a pair of punts to almost single-handedly ensure his team's narrow victory.
Honorable mention: Zach Collaros versus South Florida and Rutgers; B.J. Daniels versus Cincinnati and Clemson; Pead versus Oklahoma; Todman versus Cincinnati; Armon Binns versus Louisville; Chas Dodd versus Connecticut; Dave Teggart versus South Florida; Doug Hogue versus West Virginia; Marcus Sales versus Kansas State.
Ubben's list was restricted to offensive players in conference games, and only players whose team won the game were eligible. I'm going to be a lot more inclusive than that. But I will give extra weight to performances in victories and in games against league competition or other high-caliber opponents. Sorry, but no stat-stuffing feats against FCS opponents were considered.
Here, then, is my Top 10:
[+] Enlarge
Frank Victores/US PresswireIsaiah Pead scored half of the Bearcats' 10 touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights.
Frank Victores/US PresswireIsaiah Pead scored half of the Bearcats' 10 touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights.2. Isaiah Pead versus Rutgers: Granted, the Scarlet Knights' defense was a shell of its former self by this point. Still, Pead racked up a whopping five total touchdowns, most by a Big East player in a league game in 2010. He had 213 rushing yards and four scores on 31 rushing attempts and added a touchdown reception. Rutgers had no answer.
3. Sio Moore versus West Virginia: The Connecticut linebacker, often overshadowed by Lawrence Wilson and Scott Lutrus at his own position, was a one-man wrecking crew in the win that changed the Huskies' season. He collected 17 tackles, forced two fumbles and recovered two of them in the hard-fought upset.
4. Dion Lewis versus Cincinnati: The Bearcats had seen this show before. For the second straight year, Lewis was a load that the Cincinnati defense couldn't stop. He carried 42 times for 261 yards and four touchdowns in the snow at Nippert Stadium for what turned out to be his final regular-season college game.
5. Geno Smith versus Marshall: Down 21-6 in the fourth quarter, West Virginia looked like it would suffer its first loss to its in-state opponent. But Smith came to the rescue. He calmly led two scoring drives in the final minutes and delivered perfect strikes for the tying touchdown and two-point conversion plays attempt near the end of regulation. He finished 32-of-45 for 316 yards, and that's even more impressive when you consider it was just his second career start.
6. Bilal Powell versus Cincinnati: Our first performance on the list that came in a losing effort. It wasn't Powell's fault. The Louisville senior rushed for 209 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries and had perhaps the highlight of the season with his bruising, 85-yard scoring run. Powell also rushed for 204 yards on just 18 carries the week before, but it came against a truly terrible Memphis defense (not that Cincinnati's was all that much better).
7. Delone Carter versus Kansas State: Carter had a strong year but lacked a lot of explosive plays. That changed in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl against Kansas State's admittedly shaky defense. Carter crushed the Wildcats for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries as the Orange held on for the postseason win.
8. Mark Harrison versus Cincinnati: There were a lot of great performances against the Cincinnati defense, but Harrison's was truly breathtaking -- and record-breaking. The Rutgers wideout had 10 catches for 240 yards and four touchdowns against the helpless Bearcats secondary.
9. Ray Graham versus Florida International: Not an elite opponent by any means, but what Graham did was still mighty impressive. Subbing for an injured Lewis, Graham nearly broke the Pitt single-game rushing record with 277 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.
10. Joe Lefeged versus Florida International: FIU appears again as a victim here in a ridiculous performance by the Rutgers safety. He had an interception, forced two fumbles and blocked a pair of punts to almost single-handedly ensure his team's narrow victory.
Honorable mention: Zach Collaros versus South Florida and Rutgers; B.J. Daniels versus Cincinnati and Clemson; Pead versus Oklahoma; Todman versus Cincinnati; Armon Binns versus Louisville; Chas Dodd versus Connecticut; Dave Teggart versus South Florida; Doug Hogue versus West Virginia; Marcus Sales versus Kansas State.
Big East players headed to NFL Combine
February, 4, 2011
2/04/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
The official invitation list to the NFL combine is out, and 30 Big East players will be showing off their skills at the premiere pre-draft event.
The following league players are scheduled to participate in the set of drills before scouts from Feb. 23 to March 1 in Indianapolis:
Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Ryan Bartholomew, OL, Syracuse
Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Cameron Graham, TE, Louisville
Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse
Zach Hurd, OL, Connecticut
Henry Hynoski, FB, Pittsburgh
Jason Kelce, OL, Cincinnati
Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers
Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
Greg Lloyd, LB, Connecticut
Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut
Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
Jason Pinkston, OL, Pittsburgh
Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Jake Rogers, K, Cincinnati
Jock Sanders, WR, West Virginia
Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut
Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse
J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut
The following league players are scheduled to participate in the set of drills before scouts from Feb. 23 to March 1 in Indianapolis:
Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
Ryan Bartholomew, OL, Syracuse
Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia
Cameron Graham, TE, Louisville
Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse
Zach Hurd, OL, Connecticut
Henry Hynoski, FB, Pittsburgh
Jason Kelce, OL, Cincinnati
Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers
Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
Greg Lloyd, LB, Connecticut
Scott Lutrus, LB, Connecticut
Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
Jason Pinkston, OL, Pittsburgh
Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh
Jake Rogers, K, Cincinnati
Jock Sanders, WR, West Virginia
Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
Anthony Sherman, FB, Connecticut
Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse
J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut
Recapping the Big East at the Senior Bowl
January, 31, 2011
1/31/11
10:14
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
The Big East player who probably helped himself the most last week at the Senior Bowl was Louisville running back Bilal Powell.
Powell drew positive reviews all week for his running style and vision during practice, and he led all rushers in Saturday's game with 51 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He may have worked himself up into being one of the top running backs taken.
Another star tailback from the league didn't have as good of a week. Noel Devine measured only 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, and while he had a touchdown for the victorious South team, he finished with just eight yards on seven carries. He did have a 12-yard catch, though.
Former West Virginia teammate Jock Sanders had a catch for seven yards.
Connecticut's Lawrence Wilson collected six tackles for the North team, while Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged made four stops and returned a kickoff 25 yards. (But analyst Todd McShay said Lefeged was among those who didn't improve his draft stock last week). West Virginia nose tackle Chris Neild was credited with two tackles.
Other than Powell, none of the Big East players really attracted much of a buzz during the Senior Bowl festivities. Right now, McShay isn't projecting a single Big East player in the first round of the draft.
Powell drew positive reviews all week for his running style and vision during practice, and he led all rushers in Saturday's game with 51 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He may have worked himself up into being one of the top running backs taken.
Another star tailback from the league didn't have as good of a week. Noel Devine measured only 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds, and while he had a touchdown for the victorious South team, he finished with just eight yards on seven carries. He did have a 12-yard catch, though.
Former West Virginia teammate Jock Sanders had a catch for seven yards.
Connecticut's Lawrence Wilson collected six tackles for the North team, while Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged made four stops and returned a kickoff 25 yards. (But analyst Todd McShay said Lefeged was among those who didn't improve his draft stock last week). West Virginia nose tackle Chris Neild was credited with two tackles.
Other than Powell, none of the Big East players really attracted much of a buzz during the Senior Bowl festivities. Right now, McShay isn't projecting a single Big East player in the first round of the draft.
Seven Big East players in Senior Bowl
January, 20, 2011
1/20/11
5:11
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
The Big East won't have a heavy presence at next week's Under Armour Senior Bowl, but some of the top seniors from the league in 2010 will be participating.
The game announced the invitees from the league Thursday afternoon, adding six alongside the previously announced inclusion of Noel Devine. Here is the list of invitees:
Connecticut: Lawrence Wilson, LB
Louisville: Johnny Patrick, DB; Bilal Powell, RB
Pittsburgh: Jason Pinkston, OL
Rutgers: Joe Lefeged, DB
West Virginia: Noel Devine, RB; Chris Neild, DL
Also, Rutgers announced on Thursday that defensive end Jonathan Freeny and linebacker Antonio Lowery will play in the inaugural Eastham Energy College All-Star Game this Sunday. West Virginia safety Sidney Glover, South Florida receiver Dontavia Bogan and center Sampson Genus, and Louisville defensive end Rodney Gnat are also listed on the rosters for that game. It will be held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
The game announced the invitees from the league Thursday afternoon, adding six alongside the previously announced inclusion of Noel Devine. Here is the list of invitees:
Connecticut: Lawrence Wilson, LB
Louisville: Johnny Patrick, DB; Bilal Powell, RB
Pittsburgh: Jason Pinkston, OL
Rutgers: Joe Lefeged, DB
West Virginia: Noel Devine, RB; Chris Neild, DL
Also, Rutgers announced on Thursday that defensive end Jonathan Freeny and linebacker Antonio Lowery will play in the inaugural Eastham Energy College All-Star Game this Sunday. West Virginia safety Sidney Glover, South Florida receiver Dontavia Bogan and center Sampson Genus, and Louisville defensive end Rodney Gnat are also listed on the rosters for that game. It will be held at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.
Earlier today, I presented you with my picks for the All-Big East team, which you can find here. Not long after, the official league awards and first and second teams came out, which you can find here.
The Big East official teams are voted on by the league's eight head coaches, who know a heck of a lot more about football than me. But that doesn't mean they always make the right choices. Let's take a look at each position and go over some of the reasoning behind the picks, starting with what seems to me like the most egregious error.
Quarterback
The league coaches chose Cincinnati's Zach Collaros as the unanimous pick, which is just shocking to me. Don't get me wrong, Collaros is a fantastic player who can put up crazy numbers. But I don't see how Collaros was chosen over West Virginia's Geno Smith. Smith led the Big East in passing efficiency and had a 23-6 touchdown to interception ratio. He had one bad game against Syracuse and was terrific just about every other game. Collaros threw 26 touchdowns but with a whopping 14 interceptions. His completion percentage was 58.7 compared to Smith's to 65.8.
In conference play, Collaros had 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Smith had 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in league play, not to mention that the Mountaineers were co-champions while Cincinnati finished 4-8.
The coaches, frankly, blew this one.
Running back
Jordan Todman and Bilal Powell were the easy calls here. What's amazing is that neither Noel Devine nor Dion Lewis made the first or second team. No one saw that coming before the year.
Wide receiver and tight end
Armon Binns and Jon Baldwin were the obvious calls at receiver. Louisville's Cameron Graham was the most productive tight end in the league.
Offensive line
Here's where the coaches' expertise should come into play. It's really hard just watching from TV or even from a press box to tell who's playing well on the interior of an offensive line, especially if you don't know what the blocking assignments are supposed to be. I made sure to get some input from coaches on this one and was pleased to see my choices of Sampson Genus at center and Zach Hurd and Mark Wetterer at guard were echoed by the coaches. We also agreed on Jason Pinkston at tackle, though the coaches had UConn's Mike Ryan at the other tackle, while I had Louisville's Byron Stingily. Both are fine choices, since Louisville and UConn had the best offensive lines in the league.
Defensive line
Very little question here with Jabaal Sheard, Terrell McClain and Chris Neild up front. The second defensive end spot was a tricky one for me. The coaches chose Kendall Reyes, who had an excellent year. I picked West Virginia's Julian Miller, who was a beast in conference play and part of the Mountaineers' unbelievable defense. When in doubt at one of these defensive positions, I went with a West Virgina player. I also strongly considered Chandler Jones, Brandon Lindsey and Jesse Joseph for that spot.
Linebacker
Linebacker is one of the deepest positions in the Big East this year. Lawrence Wilson was a definite, and the coaches and I agreed on J.T. Thomas. They chose Doug Hogue while I went with his Syracuse teammate, Derrell Smith. Can't argue too much either way and I would have put all four of them on there if there were enough spots.
Defensive back
Here's another place where I sharply disagree with the coaches' pick. They had West Virginia's Keith Tandy and not Brandon Hogan. I'm not sure even Tandy would agree with that. Tandy had the better interception and tackle numbers, but as he told me in a late-season interview, most of that was because teams wouldn't throw Hogan's way. The coaches I talked to all said Hogan was easily the best cornerback in the Big East. I had him and Johnny Patrick, who was also an official pick, though I heard some support for and strongly considered South Florida's Mistral Raymond.
At safety, Robert Sands was a no-brainer. The other safety spot was my most difficult choice on the entire list. Safety was not a strong position for the Big East this year. The coaches picked Dom DeCicco, who had a solid year. But I felt like he played some his best while working at linebacker for Pitt this year. I went instead with West Virginia's Sidney Glover, a rock-solid senior who fit my "when in doubt pick a Mountaineer" strategy. I liked Rutgers' Joe Lefeged earlier in the year but thought he faded along with his whole team. One coach who played Rutgers late in the season said they picked on Lefeged in the passing game.
So there you have it. How do you feel about the all-conference picks? Do you think, like I do, that Smith and Hogan were the biggest snubs?
The Big East official teams are voted on by the league's eight head coaches, who know a heck of a lot more about football than me. But that doesn't mean they always make the right choices. Let's take a look at each position and go over some of the reasoning behind the picks, starting with what seems to me like the most egregious error.
Quarterback
The league coaches chose Cincinnati's Zach Collaros as the unanimous pick, which is just shocking to me. Don't get me wrong, Collaros is a fantastic player who can put up crazy numbers. But I don't see how Collaros was chosen over West Virginia's Geno Smith. Smith led the Big East in passing efficiency and had a 23-6 touchdown to interception ratio. He had one bad game against Syracuse and was terrific just about every other game. Collaros threw 26 touchdowns but with a whopping 14 interceptions. His completion percentage was 58.7 compared to Smith's to 65.8.
In conference play, Collaros had 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Smith had 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in league play, not to mention that the Mountaineers were co-champions while Cincinnati finished 4-8.
The coaches, frankly, blew this one.
Running back
Jordan Todman and Bilal Powell were the easy calls here. What's amazing is that neither Noel Devine nor Dion Lewis made the first or second team. No one saw that coming before the year.
Wide receiver and tight end
Armon Binns and Jon Baldwin were the obvious calls at receiver. Louisville's Cameron Graham was the most productive tight end in the league.
Offensive line
Here's where the coaches' expertise should come into play. It's really hard just watching from TV or even from a press box to tell who's playing well on the interior of an offensive line, especially if you don't know what the blocking assignments are supposed to be. I made sure to get some input from coaches on this one and was pleased to see my choices of Sampson Genus at center and Zach Hurd and Mark Wetterer at guard were echoed by the coaches. We also agreed on Jason Pinkston at tackle, though the coaches had UConn's Mike Ryan at the other tackle, while I had Louisville's Byron Stingily. Both are fine choices, since Louisville and UConn had the best offensive lines in the league.
Defensive line
Very little question here with Jabaal Sheard, Terrell McClain and Chris Neild up front. The second defensive end spot was a tricky one for me. The coaches chose Kendall Reyes, who had an excellent year. I picked West Virginia's Julian Miller, who was a beast in conference play and part of the Mountaineers' unbelievable defense. When in doubt at one of these defensive positions, I went with a West Virgina player. I also strongly considered Chandler Jones, Brandon Lindsey and Jesse Joseph for that spot.
Linebacker
Linebacker is one of the deepest positions in the Big East this year. Lawrence Wilson was a definite, and the coaches and I agreed on J.T. Thomas. They chose Doug Hogue while I went with his Syracuse teammate, Derrell Smith. Can't argue too much either way and I would have put all four of them on there if there were enough spots.
Defensive back
Here's another place where I sharply disagree with the coaches' pick. They had West Virginia's Keith Tandy and not Brandon Hogan. I'm not sure even Tandy would agree with that. Tandy had the better interception and tackle numbers, but as he told me in a late-season interview, most of that was because teams wouldn't throw Hogan's way. The coaches I talked to all said Hogan was easily the best cornerback in the Big East. I had him and Johnny Patrick, who was also an official pick, though I heard some support for and strongly considered South Florida's Mistral Raymond.
At safety, Robert Sands was a no-brainer. The other safety spot was my most difficult choice on the entire list. Safety was not a strong position for the Big East this year. The coaches picked Dom DeCicco, who had a solid year. But I felt like he played some his best while working at linebacker for Pitt this year. I went instead with West Virginia's Sidney Glover, a rock-solid senior who fit my "when in doubt pick a Mountaineer" strategy. I liked Rutgers' Joe Lefeged earlier in the year but thought he faded along with his whole team. One coach who played Rutgers late in the season said they picked on Lefeged in the passing game.
So there you have it. How do you feel about the all-conference picks? Do you think, like I do, that Smith and Hogan were the biggest snubs?
Few teams were more ready to get the 2010 season over with than Rutgers.
Greg Schiano had turned the Scarlet Knights into a perennial bowl team, even if they were going to unexciting postseason destinations. This year, the bottom fell out.
There were worries about the team's youth and its offensive line going into the season, but no one could have predicted just how bad things would turn out. The line never really gelled and allowed a nation's worst 61 sacks. Tom Savage regressed and got injured and was replaced by true freshman Chas Dodd at quarterback. Rutgers struggled to generate a conventional running game and was forced to go to the Wildcat formation over and over again with only sporadic success. The team lost dispiriting home games to North Carolina and Tulane before finding a spark to beat eventual league champ Connecticut in the Big East opener.
That, however, would be the high point of the season. Defensive linemen Eric LeGrand suffered a devastating spinal injury against Army the following week, and it's still unknown whether he'll walk again. Defense had been the team's main strength before that, but losing LeGrand from the rotation and the mental anguish that incident caused seemed to drain the Scarlet Knights. They lost their final six games of the season and were torched for 144 points in the final three defeats.
Schiano is promising changes, and co-offensive coordinators Kirk Ciarrocca and Kyle Flood are under fire. Savage, hailed as the program's most important recruit ever just two years ago, might transfer. The best thing that can be said about the 2010 Scarlet Knights season is that it is over.
Offensive MVP: Mark Harrison
The Rutgers offense was mostly just offensive. But Harrison, a sophomore wideout, rose above the muck to announce himself as a future superstar. He had 44 catches for 829 yards and nine touchdowns, almost all of it coming in league play, while drawing comparisons to a young Kenny Britt. With him, Jeremy Deering, Mohammed Sanu and a back-from-injury Tim Wright, the Scarlet Knights have a terrific young cast of wideouts to work with next year.
Defensive MVP: Joe Lefeged
Lefeged was terrific early in the season, but like most of Rutgers' defense, his numbers faded late. Still, the senior safety had 84 tackles, an interception and four forced fumbles.
Turning point: The LeGrand injury. Enough said.
What's next: Schiano said he will meet with all the players and coaches to determine a course of action. It's clear that the Scarlet Knights need a change of philosophy on offense and most likely in coordinators. It's hard to see Savage staying unless he sees a new direction he likes. Rutgers played a ton of true freshmen and sophomores this year, so they will bring back a strong corps to build around, and things could hardly go worse than they did in 2010.
Greg Schiano had turned the Scarlet Knights into a perennial bowl team, even if they were going to unexciting postseason destinations. This year, the bottom fell out.
There were worries about the team's youth and its offensive line going into the season, but no one could have predicted just how bad things would turn out. The line never really gelled and allowed a nation's worst 61 sacks. Tom Savage regressed and got injured and was replaced by true freshman Chas Dodd at quarterback. Rutgers struggled to generate a conventional running game and was forced to go to the Wildcat formation over and over again with only sporadic success. The team lost dispiriting home games to North Carolina and Tulane before finding a spark to beat eventual league champ Connecticut in the Big East opener.
That, however, would be the high point of the season. Defensive linemen Eric LeGrand suffered a devastating spinal injury against Army the following week, and it's still unknown whether he'll walk again. Defense had been the team's main strength before that, but losing LeGrand from the rotation and the mental anguish that incident caused seemed to drain the Scarlet Knights. They lost their final six games of the season and were torched for 144 points in the final three defeats.
Schiano is promising changes, and co-offensive coordinators Kirk Ciarrocca and Kyle Flood are under fire. Savage, hailed as the program's most important recruit ever just two years ago, might transfer. The best thing that can be said about the 2010 Scarlet Knights season is that it is over.
Offensive MVP: Mark Harrison
The Rutgers offense was mostly just offensive. But Harrison, a sophomore wideout, rose above the muck to announce himself as a future superstar. He had 44 catches for 829 yards and nine touchdowns, almost all of it coming in league play, while drawing comparisons to a young Kenny Britt. With him, Jeremy Deering, Mohammed Sanu and a back-from-injury Tim Wright, the Scarlet Knights have a terrific young cast of wideouts to work with next year.
Defensive MVP: Joe Lefeged
Lefeged was terrific early in the season, but like most of Rutgers' defense, his numbers faded late. Still, the senior safety had 84 tackles, an interception and four forced fumbles.
Turning point: The LeGrand injury. Enough said.
What's next: Schiano said he will meet with all the players and coaches to determine a course of action. It's clear that the Scarlet Knights need a change of philosophy on offense and most likely in coordinators. It's hard to see Savage staying unless he sees a new direction he likes. Rutgers played a ton of true freshmen and sophomores this year, so they will bring back a strong corps to build around, and things could hardly go worse than they did in 2010.
What to watch in the Big East: Week 12
November, 18, 2010
11/18/10
10:15
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
1. Clarity or chaos: There appear to be five teams truly in the Big East race heading into the weekend. By Saturday night, we could be down to as few as two true contenders. Or there could be mass chaos and the race will look even more jumbled. The Syracuse-Connecticut and Pittsburgh-South Florida matchups will go a long way toward providing some answers. Pitt still has the one-game lead and just needs to hold serve. The loser of the Orange-Huskies duel is probably done.
2. Battling for bowls: The Big East race is the big thing, but there are still several teams scrambling to gain bowl eligibility. Louisville, Pittsburgh and Connecticut each need one more win to get to the magic six. A Cincinnati loss would eliminate the back-to-back BCS bowl participants from the postseason, while Rutgers still needs to find two more wins.
3. Pitt's purposefulness: Pittsburgh had a two-game cushion going into last week's game at Connecticut and proceeded to act like it. The Panthers were sloppy in several areas while losing to the Huskies, committing costly turnovers and penalties, getting gashed in the ground game and flopping in special teams. Now that the comfy lead is gone, Pitt needs to attack the rest of the schedule with a sense of urgency, starting Saturday at red-hot South Florida. Will the Panthers come out more focused and sharp this week with a lot to lose?
4. B.J. Daniels vs. the Pitt defense: Daniels and the Bulls offense were simply terrible last year at Heinz Field. Daniels threw only eight passes and had two intercepted in a 41-14 shellacking. The sophomore quarterback has been more consistent of late, but the Bulls have been winning with a lot of help from special teams. To beat Pitt, they'll probably have to hit some big plays in the passing game, and Daniels will see heavy pressure from ends Jabaal Sheard and Brandon Lindsey. Daniels hasn't had to win games lately so much as manage them, but he'll probably need to be at his best Saturday.
5. Jordan Todman vs. the Syracuse defense: Todman is coming off a spectacular 222-yard performance against Pitt, and Connecticut will ride its running game as much as possible. While the Orange defense has been excellent this year, it has been susceptible to the running game and ranks just fifth in the Big East in rush defense. Louisville backup Jeremy Wright ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago, while Jeremy Deering had 166 yards out of the Wildcat last week for Rutgers. UConn will get some yards on the ground. The key might be whether quarterback Zach Frazer can make anything happen if Syracuse sells out against the run and dares the Huskies to go over the top.
6. Home sour home?: One of the weirder splits you'll ever see is Syracuse's Big East record this year: 4-0 on the road, 0-2 at home. Orange fans are excited about this team's improvement, but very few of them have actually seen it in person. This is an important game that will have a major impact on the league race, so you'd expect an electric atmosphere in the Carrier Dome. Can Syracuse take advantage? Then again, Connecticut hasn't won a single game on the road this year and has been brutally bad at times away from home. If you offered both teams the choice of playing at a neutral site, they'd take it.
7. One-week wonder for West Virginia?: Did the Mountaineers really figure things out on offense in their 37-10 win over Cincinnati last week? Or did they just exploit what has been the worst defense in the Big East? This week should tell the tale, as West Virginia faces a Louisville defense that has been very stout for about the past month. The Cardinals usually tackle well and speed is not a problem, so the Mountaineers will have to do more than throw underneath and expect to break free. They'll likely need to get the running game churning, and Geno Smith has to avoid mistakes.
8. Rivalry resurfacing?: The West Virginia-Louisville series quickly became the best rivalry in the Big East -- who can forget that classic 2005 triple-overtime game in Morgantown, or the Thursday night thriller in 2006 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium -- but it fizzled when the air went out of Louisville's program. The Cards aren't all the way back, but Charlie Strong has them on the right path, and a win Saturday against the Mountaineers would be his biggest one yet. One sure sign that the rivalry isn't the same, though: West Virginia returned several thousand unsold tickets from its allotment for this game.
9. Bad vs. Bad: Call it the Matchup of the Weak: Rutgers' anemic offense versus Cincinnati's porous defense. Both are last in the Big East statistically at what they do, and both have been horrific at times this season. The Bearcats have given up at least 30 points in their last three games, all losses. The Scarlet Knights have all but thrown in the towel and gone to the Wing-T in an effort to generate any yardage. It's the very movable object against the extremely stoppable force. At least we'll know Saturday who truly has the worst unit in the Big East.
10. Turnover trial: Speaking of extremes, we also have that in the turnover battle between Cincinnati and Rutgers. The Bearcats act like the football is a hot potato covered in malaria at times; they've lost 19 turnovers and have a minus-10 margin, third worst in the FBS. The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, have been excellent again at ripping the ball free, leading the Big East with 11 fumbles gained and ranking 13th nationally in turnover margin. You've got to think that a balhawk like Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged is lying awake at night drooling over going up against slippery-fingered receivers like D.J. Woods. In the battle for the Big East basement, turnovers could make the difference.
2. Battling for bowls: The Big East race is the big thing, but there are still several teams scrambling to gain bowl eligibility. Louisville, Pittsburgh and Connecticut each need one more win to get to the magic six. A Cincinnati loss would eliminate the back-to-back BCS bowl participants from the postseason, while Rutgers still needs to find two more wins.
3. Pitt's purposefulness: Pittsburgh had a two-game cushion going into last week's game at Connecticut and proceeded to act like it. The Panthers were sloppy in several areas while losing to the Huskies, committing costly turnovers and penalties, getting gashed in the ground game and flopping in special teams. Now that the comfy lead is gone, Pitt needs to attack the rest of the schedule with a sense of urgency, starting Saturday at red-hot South Florida. Will the Panthers come out more focused and sharp this week with a lot to lose?
4. B.J. Daniels vs. the Pitt defense: Daniels and the Bulls offense were simply terrible last year at Heinz Field. Daniels threw only eight passes and had two intercepted in a 41-14 shellacking. The sophomore quarterback has been more consistent of late, but the Bulls have been winning with a lot of help from special teams. To beat Pitt, they'll probably have to hit some big plays in the passing game, and Daniels will see heavy pressure from ends Jabaal Sheard and Brandon Lindsey. Daniels hasn't had to win games lately so much as manage them, but he'll probably need to be at his best Saturday.
5. Jordan Todman vs. the Syracuse defense: Todman is coming off a spectacular 222-yard performance against Pitt, and Connecticut will ride its running game as much as possible. While the Orange defense has been excellent this year, it has been susceptible to the running game and ranks just fifth in the Big East in rush defense. Louisville backup Jeremy Wright ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago, while Jeremy Deering had 166 yards out of the Wildcat last week for Rutgers. UConn will get some yards on the ground. The key might be whether quarterback Zach Frazer can make anything happen if Syracuse sells out against the run and dares the Huskies to go over the top.
6. Home sour home?: One of the weirder splits you'll ever see is Syracuse's Big East record this year: 4-0 on the road, 0-2 at home. Orange fans are excited about this team's improvement, but very few of them have actually seen it in person. This is an important game that will have a major impact on the league race, so you'd expect an electric atmosphere in the Carrier Dome. Can Syracuse take advantage? Then again, Connecticut hasn't won a single game on the road this year and has been brutally bad at times away from home. If you offered both teams the choice of playing at a neutral site, they'd take it.
7. One-week wonder for West Virginia?: Did the Mountaineers really figure things out on offense in their 37-10 win over Cincinnati last week? Or did they just exploit what has been the worst defense in the Big East? This week should tell the tale, as West Virginia faces a Louisville defense that has been very stout for about the past month. The Cardinals usually tackle well and speed is not a problem, so the Mountaineers will have to do more than throw underneath and expect to break free. They'll likely need to get the running game churning, and Geno Smith has to avoid mistakes.
8. Rivalry resurfacing?: The West Virginia-Louisville series quickly became the best rivalry in the Big East -- who can forget that classic 2005 triple-overtime game in Morgantown, or the Thursday night thriller in 2006 at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium -- but it fizzled when the air went out of Louisville's program. The Cards aren't all the way back, but Charlie Strong has them on the right path, and a win Saturday against the Mountaineers would be his biggest one yet. One sure sign that the rivalry isn't the same, though: West Virginia returned several thousand unsold tickets from its allotment for this game.
9. Bad vs. Bad: Call it the Matchup of the Weak: Rutgers' anemic offense versus Cincinnati's porous defense. Both are last in the Big East statistically at what they do, and both have been horrific at times this season. The Bearcats have given up at least 30 points in their last three games, all losses. The Scarlet Knights have all but thrown in the towel and gone to the Wing-T in an effort to generate any yardage. It's the very movable object against the extremely stoppable force. At least we'll know Saturday who truly has the worst unit in the Big East.
10. Turnover trial: Speaking of extremes, we also have that in the turnover battle between Cincinnati and Rutgers. The Bearcats act like the football is a hot potato covered in malaria at times; they've lost 19 turnovers and have a minus-10 margin, third worst in the FBS. The Scarlet Knights, meanwhile, have been excellent again at ripping the ball free, leading the Big East with 11 fumbles gained and ranking 13th nationally in turnover margin. You've got to think that a balhawk like Rutgers safety Joe Lefeged is lying awake at night drooling over going up against slippery-fingered receivers like D.J. Woods. In the battle for the Big East basement, turnovers could make the difference.
Player of the year race: Offense
1. Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: Powell had only 64 yards versus Pittsburgh but still has done more outstanding work than anyone else so far. If he misses this week's game against Syracuse, however, his candidacy would suffer.
2. Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut: Todman needed 33 carries to gain 113 yards against West Virginia, but he regained the rushing yards per game lead in the league. He needs 46 more yards for 1,000 on the season.
3. Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati: Anyone doubting his worth shouldn't any more after the Bearcats scored just seven points without an injured Collaros versus Syracuse.
4. Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh: It's true. Sunseri leads all Big East quarterbacks in passing yards (237 per game), touchdowns (seven) and completion percentage (68 percent) in league contests.
Player of the year race: Defense
1. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh: Sheard has taken his game to a new level this year and leads the Big East in sacks and tackles for loss despite commanding a lot of extra attention each game.
2. Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse: Smith didn't have to do too much work for his big interception against Cincinnati since it was thrown right to him. But he continues to lead a balanced defense that is shutting down every opponent not named Pittsburgh.
3. Dom DeCicco, LB/S, Pittsburgh: As discussed earlier in the stock report, DeCicco has been a stabilizing force for the Panthers defense and now has 50 tackles and three interceptions.
4. Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse: Smith's running partner at linebacker has been just as valuable as any Orange defender. (And it's no coincidence that Pitt and Syracuse players dominate this category this week, as they are the teams playing the best).
Player of the year race: Special teams
1. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers: Lefeged is one of the best kick returners in the league and has also blocked two punts.
2. Rob Long, P, Syracuse: Long has been instrumental in helping the Orange use field position to its advantage in its Big East wins.
3. Dan Hutchins, P/K, Pittsburgh: Hutchins leads the league in punting average and boomed a 71-yarder last week against Louisville. But you'd like to see him be a little more consistent on field goals, where he's just 14-of-19 and only 1-of-4 outside 40 yards.
Coach of the year race
1. Doug Marrone, Syracuse: Balloting is closed on this one until further notice. Start etching Marrone's name in the hardware.
1. Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: Powell had only 64 yards versus Pittsburgh but still has done more outstanding work than anyone else so far. If he misses this week's game against Syracuse, however, his candidacy would suffer.
2. Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut: Todman needed 33 carries to gain 113 yards against West Virginia, but he regained the rushing yards per game lead in the league. He needs 46 more yards for 1,000 on the season.
3. Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati: Anyone doubting his worth shouldn't any more after the Bearcats scored just seven points without an injured Collaros versus Syracuse.
4. Tino Sunseri, QB, Pittsburgh: It's true. Sunseri leads all Big East quarterbacks in passing yards (237 per game), touchdowns (seven) and completion percentage (68 percent) in league contests.
Player of the year race: Defense
1. Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh: Sheard has taken his game to a new level this year and leads the Big East in sacks and tackles for loss despite commanding a lot of extra attention each game.
2. Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse: Smith didn't have to do too much work for his big interception against Cincinnati since it was thrown right to him. But he continues to lead a balanced defense that is shutting down every opponent not named Pittsburgh.
3. Dom DeCicco, LB/S, Pittsburgh: As discussed earlier in the stock report, DeCicco has been a stabilizing force for the Panthers defense and now has 50 tackles and three interceptions.
4. Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse: Smith's running partner at linebacker has been just as valuable as any Orange defender. (And it's no coincidence that Pitt and Syracuse players dominate this category this week, as they are the teams playing the best).
Player of the year race: Special teams
1. Joe Lefeged, Rutgers: Lefeged is one of the best kick returners in the league and has also blocked two punts.
2. Rob Long, P, Syracuse: Long has been instrumental in helping the Orange use field position to its advantage in its Big East wins.
3. Dan Hutchins, P/K, Pittsburgh: Hutchins leads the league in punting average and boomed a 71-yarder last week against Louisville. But you'd like to see him be a little more consistent on field goals, where he's just 14-of-19 and only 1-of-4 outside 40 yards.
Coach of the year race
1. Doug Marrone, Syracuse: Balloting is closed on this one until further notice. Start etching Marrone's name in the hardware.
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.
