Big East: Jordan Todman
Say what you will about the UConn offense. But one thing that has been a constant has been its ability to run the football in recent years.
The Huskies have had at least one player make the All-Big East first or second team at running back every year they have been a member of the league except 2006. Three different players have led the league in rushing. That includes Jordan Todman, who did it last season.
But so far this year, it has been much slower going replacing Todman's productivity. Expected starter D.J. Shoemate has been hobbled with an ankle injury. Lyle McCombs opened the season with back-to-back 100-yard performances. But he had just 46 yards against Iowa State and 61 last week at Buffalo. UConn ranks No. 5 in the Big East in rushing offense, averaging 121.8 yards a game. Its 3.0 yards-per-carry average ranks sixth.
Consider that the worst UConn has averaged per carry since joining the Big East is 3.9 (2005, 2007). The worst season it had in rushing offense was in 2004, at 148.4 yards per game.
Coach Paul Pasqualoni said there are a few problems the Huskies have faced. First and foremost, teams are loading up the box to stop the run because they do not respect the pass. This certainly is understandable, considering UConn has played three different quarterbacks and none of them have been highly productive or all that accurate.
"One of the things our opponents are doing is saying they've got an inexperienced quarterback, so we're going to put nine, 10 guys within 7 yards of the line of scrimmage and we're not going to let them run the ball and traditionally that's what they've done well," Pasqualoni said. "Now we have to execute better, block better, but it's the fact that people are going to make us win the game throwing the ball."
Johnny McEntee made strides against Buffalo, going 12-of-21 for 213 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has to keep building on that performance in order to really help the ground game get going. He has to keep building on that performance in order to really help the ground game get going -- especially now that he is officially the starter.
Meanwhile, the offensive line needs to be more consistent in its blocking. Pasqualoni has shuffled the lineup around: Left tackle Mike Ryan was moved to right tackle, Jimmy Bennett switched from left guard to left tackle, Kevin Friend is now at right tackle instead of left guard, and Adam Masters moved from tackle to right guard.
"The last two weeks we have not been as consistent as we need to be and hopefully as we're going to be," Pasqualoni said. "We've got to do a better job. The guys did a very good job in protection on Saturday night. Buffalo came with a variety of pressures trying to disrupt the quarterback, so I think we were better in protections than we were in the run game. Part of that was because we couldn't block everybody they put in there because you run out of blockers. But we have to block better. We have to finish."
The Huskies have had at least one player make the All-Big East first or second team at running back every year they have been a member of the league except 2006. Three different players have led the league in rushing. That includes Jordan Todman, who did it last season.
But so far this year, it has been much slower going replacing Todman's productivity. Expected starter D.J. Shoemate has been hobbled with an ankle injury. Lyle McCombs opened the season with back-to-back 100-yard performances. But he had just 46 yards against Iowa State and 61 last week at Buffalo. UConn ranks No. 5 in the Big East in rushing offense, averaging 121.8 yards a game. Its 3.0 yards-per-carry average ranks sixth.
Consider that the worst UConn has averaged per carry since joining the Big East is 3.9 (2005, 2007). The worst season it had in rushing offense was in 2004, at 148.4 yards per game.
Coach Paul Pasqualoni said there are a few problems the Huskies have faced. First and foremost, teams are loading up the box to stop the run because they do not respect the pass. This certainly is understandable, considering UConn has played three different quarterbacks and none of them have been highly productive or all that accurate.
"One of the things our opponents are doing is saying they've got an inexperienced quarterback, so we're going to put nine, 10 guys within 7 yards of the line of scrimmage and we're not going to let them run the ball and traditionally that's what they've done well," Pasqualoni said. "Now we have to execute better, block better, but it's the fact that people are going to make us win the game throwing the ball."
Johnny McEntee made strides against Buffalo, going 12-of-21 for 213 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. He has to keep building on that performance in order to really help the ground game get going. He has to keep building on that performance in order to really help the ground game get going -- especially now that he is officially the starter.
Meanwhile, the offensive line needs to be more consistent in its blocking. Pasqualoni has shuffled the lineup around: Left tackle Mike Ryan was moved to right tackle, Jimmy Bennett switched from left guard to left tackle, Kevin Friend is now at right tackle instead of left guard, and Adam Masters moved from tackle to right guard.
"The last two weeks we have not been as consistent as we need to be and hopefully as we're going to be," Pasqualoni said. "We've got to do a better job. The guys did a very good job in protection on Saturday night. Buffalo came with a variety of pressures trying to disrupt the quarterback, so I think we were better in protections than we were in the run game. Part of that was because we couldn't block everybody they put in there because you run out of blockers. But we have to block better. We have to finish."
Poll: Big East's hardest player to replace
May, 12, 2011
5/12/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
Over the next couple of days, I'll be asking you to give your opinion on a variety of burning questions in the Big East.
You'll get a chance to vote in a poll right here and let your voice be heard. We'll tally up the results and react to your decision once the vote it over.
To start off, I want your opinion on who will be the hardest players to replace in the Big East this season. I highlighted many of the candidates in my spring shoes to fill series. Here's a quick look at what I feel like are the top five nominees:
So there are your nominees. Now it's time to cast your vote.
To start off, I want your opinion on who will be the hardest players to replace in the Big East this season. I highlighted many of the candidates in my spring shoes to fill series. Here's a quick look at what I feel like are the top five nominees:
- Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut: Todman ranked second nationally in rushing last year and was the Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.
- Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville: Not many Big East backs have Powell's combination of strength, speed, vision and fearlessness.
- Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia: A bull in the middle of the Mountaineers' defensive line, Neild often occupied two blockers at a time.
- Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh: Sheard used his nonstop motor to fight off double-teams and pressure quarterbacks on his way to winning defensive player of the year honors in 2010.
- Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati: Led all Big East receivers in catches, yards and touchdowns last year and provided a great red zone target.
So there are your nominees. Now it's time to cast your vote.
Hey, everybody. Pretty good weekend, huh? Let's keep up the good vibes with some of your emails:
Zack from Louisville writes: So with the recent news that NC State's Russell Wilson has been allowed to play next season along the lines of Greg Paulus for Syracuse, do you think that UofL will take an interest? He obviously knows how to play, and knows Big East teams, having played against most Big East teams at one time or another in his career. If only to provide as a reliable backup and teach the new guys it seems like offering a scholarship doesn't seem like a bad idea. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: When I heard the Wilson news, I started thinking about Big East teams that could use him. The two most obvious ones are Louisville and Connecticut, since they are the two Big East teams that do not have a returning starting quarterback for 2011. And though at UConn he could learn from the same coaches who tutored Donovan McNabb, I can't imagine him going to Storrs. No offense to Will Stein, who had a really good spring for Louisville, but the Cardinals would be a great fit. Wilson could play for a year as Teddy Bridgewater -- another athletic, mobile guy -- learned from him. Colleague Joe Schad also mentioned Pitt as a possible destination, which probably came as news to Tino Sunseri.
I would imagine Wilson will have lots of opportunities, including from some SEC and ACC programs, and he'll end up in one of those leagues. One other thing to consider is the effect this will have on Cincinnati's game against the Wolfpack in September. I'm pretty sure Butch Jones is not too upset about missing Wilson this year.
William from Big East, USA, writes: Do you think the situation unfolding at UCF with Caldwell and Bender is being monitored by the Big East? If this situation unfolds and UCF gets hit with NCAA sanctions, im thinking their Big East football aspirations are officially over. Your thoughts?
Brian Bennett: Let's see where this goes first, and the NCAA often moves at a snail's pace. But it's certainly not good timing for the Knights as they continue trying to make their case that they belong in the Big East. The league wouldn't want to bring in a program crippled by major NCAA sanctions, but it also might not know what UCF's future is when the conference is ready to make a move. Long term, even if it does have to deal with some punishment, UCF still has a lot of attractive features to offer.
Ken from Philadelphia writes: Hey BB, maybe you can shine some light on a subject for me. Jordan Todman was the 4th RB taken from the BE. Not only did he outperform the four in front of him on the field with no threat of a passing attack, but he also put better numbers up at the combine than all of them. Kiper had him rated 3rd coming out of the combine and he just free-falled. Any theories?
Brian Bennett: It was very surprising to me, especially after Todman appeared to pass every test at the combine. The best explanation is that teams shied away from Todman because of his size -- he's listed at 5-9 and about 200 pounds. Look at the other Big East backs taken ahead of him: Delone Carter, Bilal Powell and teammate Anthony Sherman are all much stronger backs, as were most of the other backs drafted ahead of Todman. But then how do you explain Dion Lewis going ahead of Todman?
So did Todman make a mistake coming out a year early? I don't think so. There is little else he could have proved in college, and running backs have short shelf lives. He carried it 334 times last season, and he probably would have taken a heavy load again this year since the Huskies have no proven quarterback. Todman isn't going to get the benefit of a rich contract to begin his NFL career, but if he performs the way he's capable, he'll be OK.
Steve from Huntington, W.Va., writes: Discovered the blog a couple of months ago and love it! I check 2-3 times per day and am looking forward to following during the upcoming season. My question: I know you don't put a lot of stock in spring "games" but isn't it a least a little encouraging that in West Virginia's game the new offense all seemed to be on the same page with a minimal number of procedure penalties and almost no broken plays, or is that just my Holgy fever looking for significance in insignificant things?
Brian Bennett: I understand the optimism, and any positive signs this time of year can be used as encouragement. I have little doubt that Dana Holgorsen's offense will be successful and much more productive than Jeff Mullen's schemes. I do think there are some lingering questions about the offensive line and the running game, and you shouldn't read a huge amount into the offense's production against the second-team defense last week. But 838 yards is 838 yards, and if that didn't get you daydreaming about the possibilities this fall, I don't know what will.
Jeff S. from Lambertville, N.J., writes: Instead of the Big East trying to grow by adding schools like 'Nova or UCF why not just set the bar and go big? I think the ACC and Big East (Football and Basketball schools only) should combine and create a truly Big East. Combining the 21 schools would leave an excellent Football and Basketball conference. The schools from the current Big East that are basketball only would not form a shabby Basketball conference and I am sure they would attract some good schools to come play with them. This new Big East would command much more respect and attention bringing much more lucrative T.V. and advertising deals.
Brian Bennett: It's like I suggested to my girlfriend: why don't we go big and add Rachel Bilson to the mix? An ACC/Big East merger may eventually be in the cards if the mega-conferences ever come to fruition. But the ACC is already locked in for the future with its TV deal, and a 21-school conference is way too unwieldy. Heck, 17 isn't exactly going real smoothly right now.
Tim from Portland, Ore., writes: I read you were running a half marathon Saturday. Let us know how fast or slow you ran it.
Brian Bennett: Thanks for asking. I ran it in 1:46.58, which was a personal best. I'll let you decide if that's fast or slow, but I'm not complaining.
Jason from Elkview, W.Va., writes: You listed Big East spring game attendance figures and compared them only to elite BCS programs in other conferences. Isn't it only fair for you to compare attendance with the likes of Washington State, Duke, Vanderbilt, Miami and such? How about the Mountain West schools? People like to compare the Big East to the MWC.
Brian Bennett: I listed the top five most-attended spring games just to give you an idea of how crazy some places are over football. Like I said, I think spring games are overrated and I'd probably find something better to do on a Saturday if given the choice. I don't think the Big East wants to compare itself to Duke, Vandy and Washington State. But since the ACC is the most comparable AQ conference, and we just had a question about an ACC-Big East merger, here are some reported spring game attendance figures from that league (note: not all schools announce spring game crowds):
Florida State: 53,818
Virginia Tech: 40,000
Clemson: 27,000
North Carolina: 15,500
NC State: 13,439
Miami: 11,724
Maryland: 5,000
Zack from Louisville writes: So with the recent news that NC State's Russell Wilson has been allowed to play next season along the lines of Greg Paulus for Syracuse, do you think that UofL will take an interest? He obviously knows how to play, and knows Big East teams, having played against most Big East teams at one time or another in his career. If only to provide as a reliable backup and teach the new guys it seems like offering a scholarship doesn't seem like a bad idea. Thoughts?
Brian Bennett: When I heard the Wilson news, I started thinking about Big East teams that could use him. The two most obvious ones are Louisville and Connecticut, since they are the two Big East teams that do not have a returning starting quarterback for 2011. And though at UConn he could learn from the same coaches who tutored Donovan McNabb, I can't imagine him going to Storrs. No offense to Will Stein, who had a really good spring for Louisville, but the Cardinals would be a great fit. Wilson could play for a year as Teddy Bridgewater -- another athletic, mobile guy -- learned from him. Colleague Joe Schad also mentioned Pitt as a possible destination, which probably came as news to Tino Sunseri.
I would imagine Wilson will have lots of opportunities, including from some SEC and ACC programs, and he'll end up in one of those leagues. One other thing to consider is the effect this will have on Cincinnati's game against the Wolfpack in September. I'm pretty sure Butch Jones is not too upset about missing Wilson this year.
William from Big East, USA, writes: Do you think the situation unfolding at UCF with Caldwell and Bender is being monitored by the Big East? If this situation unfolds and UCF gets hit with NCAA sanctions, im thinking their Big East football aspirations are officially over. Your thoughts?
Brian Bennett: Let's see where this goes first, and the NCAA often moves at a snail's pace. But it's certainly not good timing for the Knights as they continue trying to make their case that they belong in the Big East. The league wouldn't want to bring in a program crippled by major NCAA sanctions, but it also might not know what UCF's future is when the conference is ready to make a move. Long term, even if it does have to deal with some punishment, UCF still has a lot of attractive features to offer.
Ken from Philadelphia writes: Hey BB, maybe you can shine some light on a subject for me. Jordan Todman was the 4th RB taken from the BE. Not only did he outperform the four in front of him on the field with no threat of a passing attack, but he also put better numbers up at the combine than all of them. Kiper had him rated 3rd coming out of the combine and he just free-falled. Any theories?
Brian Bennett: It was very surprising to me, especially after Todman appeared to pass every test at the combine. The best explanation is that teams shied away from Todman because of his size -- he's listed at 5-9 and about 200 pounds. Look at the other Big East backs taken ahead of him: Delone Carter, Bilal Powell and teammate Anthony Sherman are all much stronger backs, as were most of the other backs drafted ahead of Todman. But then how do you explain Dion Lewis going ahead of Todman?
So did Todman make a mistake coming out a year early? I don't think so. There is little else he could have proved in college, and running backs have short shelf lives. He carried it 334 times last season, and he probably would have taken a heavy load again this year since the Huskies have no proven quarterback. Todman isn't going to get the benefit of a rich contract to begin his NFL career, but if he performs the way he's capable, he'll be OK.
Steve from Huntington, W.Va., writes: Discovered the blog a couple of months ago and love it! I check 2-3 times per day and am looking forward to following during the upcoming season. My question: I know you don't put a lot of stock in spring "games" but isn't it a least a little encouraging that in West Virginia's game the new offense all seemed to be on the same page with a minimal number of procedure penalties and almost no broken plays, or is that just my Holgy fever looking for significance in insignificant things?
Brian Bennett: I understand the optimism, and any positive signs this time of year can be used as encouragement. I have little doubt that Dana Holgorsen's offense will be successful and much more productive than Jeff Mullen's schemes. I do think there are some lingering questions about the offensive line and the running game, and you shouldn't read a huge amount into the offense's production against the second-team defense last week. But 838 yards is 838 yards, and if that didn't get you daydreaming about the possibilities this fall, I don't know what will.
Jeff S. from Lambertville, N.J., writes: Instead of the Big East trying to grow by adding schools like 'Nova or UCF why not just set the bar and go big? I think the ACC and Big East (Football and Basketball schools only) should combine and create a truly Big East. Combining the 21 schools would leave an excellent Football and Basketball conference. The schools from the current Big East that are basketball only would not form a shabby Basketball conference and I am sure they would attract some good schools to come play with them. This new Big East would command much more respect and attention bringing much more lucrative T.V. and advertising deals.
Brian Bennett: It's like I suggested to my girlfriend: why don't we go big and add Rachel Bilson to the mix? An ACC/Big East merger may eventually be in the cards if the mega-conferences ever come to fruition. But the ACC is already locked in for the future with its TV deal, and a 21-school conference is way too unwieldy. Heck, 17 isn't exactly going real smoothly right now.
Tim from Portland, Ore., writes: I read you were running a half marathon Saturday. Let us know how fast or slow you ran it.
Brian Bennett: Thanks for asking. I ran it in 1:46.58, which was a personal best. I'll let you decide if that's fast or slow, but I'm not complaining.
Jason from Elkview, W.Va., writes: You listed Big East spring game attendance figures and compared them only to elite BCS programs in other conferences. Isn't it only fair for you to compare attendance with the likes of Washington State, Duke, Vanderbilt, Miami and such? How about the Mountain West schools? People like to compare the Big East to the MWC.
Brian Bennett: I listed the top five most-attended spring games just to give you an idea of how crazy some places are over football. Like I said, I think spring games are overrated and I'd probably find something better to do on a Saturday if given the choice. I don't think the Big East wants to compare itself to Duke, Vandy and Washington State. But since the ACC is the most comparable AQ conference, and we just had a question about an ACC-Big East merger, here are some reported spring game attendance figures from that league (note: not all schools announce spring game crowds):
Florida State: 53,818
Virginia Tech: 40,000
Clemson: 27,000
North Carolina: 15,500
NC State: 13,439
Miami: 11,724
Maryland: 5,000
- Undrafted West Virginia players -- and all prospective Big East undrafted free agents -- now have to play the waiting game with the NFL lockout. WVU could allow beer sales at other sports, too, not just football. The Mountaineers defense needs some building back up.
- The Big East didn't do well where it mattered in the NFL draft.
- The Pac-12 has reportedly landed a lucrative TV contract that could be the richest in college sports. What will it mean for the Big East's own negotiations?
- Jordan Todman and his supporters are mystified why the UConn star fell so far in the draft.
- What's going on with Villanova? There's this snippet from a Mike Jensen column in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"At this point, consider the move-up a coin flip (i.e., I don't have a clue).
"One big question: Does Big East commissioner John Marinatto have any pull to get this done? If the answer is no, then it's hard to see the Big East staying together as it is constructed now, if a block of the league's football schools are thinking as a football league, period."
A lot of great people were born on this day. Ulysses S. Grant, Samuel Morse, Rogers Hornsby, Casey Kasem, Enos Slaughter. I feel like I'm forgetting somebody ...
- USF defended its Title IX practices after a New York Times story raised some red flags.
- Returning from an ankle injury, Scott Vallone continued to dominate defensively for Rutgers. But overall, Greg Schiano was not particularly pleased with Tuesday's scrimmage.
- An obscure high school play that hardly anyone saw at the time helped land Darwin Cook his scholarship at West Virginia. The Mountaineers aren't expressing big concern over their spring kicking game problems yet.
- Can Pitt's Jon Baldwin or Jabaal Sheard sneak into the first round of the NFL draft?
- A look at some of UConn's draft hopefuls, non-Jordan Todman division.
- If the Big East needs revenue-generating teams, well, there is this to consider.
- Linebacker Doug Rigg is ready to step up for West Virginia, which lost two starters at the position. Jorge Wright, who came to WVU as a 16-year-old, is trying to fill Chris Neild's sizable shadow.
- First West Virginia, and now Rutgers is exploring whether to sell beer at its home games. Justin Francis overcame some trouble early in his career and is now looking to start at defensive end as a fifth-year senior for the Scarlet Knights.
- A tight end talks about why he chose Louisville.
- Greg Romeus is ready for the NFL Draft after a season full of adversity at Pitt.
- Is Jordan Todman a draft diamond in the rough?
- Ready for some primetime Belk Bowl action? You'd better be, because the Big East's No. 2 team might end up there this year.
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.
Time to name our headliner in the Big East Top 25 player countdown, based on 2010 performance and impact ...
No. 1
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut, Jr.
Preseason rank: No. 9
2010 numbers: Carried 334 times for 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Making the case for Todman: How great was Todman in 2010? Let us count the ways.
Todman ran for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore, but there were questions about him coming into last season. People wondered if he could be an every-down back and get the tough yards between the tackles after splitting time with Andre Dixon in 2009. It's safe to say that Todman answered every question. Emphatically. He left school a year early to jump into the NFL draft, and it's hard to blame him for that. Todman proved everything he could in college -- and proved he was the Big East's best player in 2010.
The full list:
No. 25: Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut
No. 24: Dave Teggart, K, Connecticut
No. 23: Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse
No. 22: J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia
No. 21: Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
No. 20: Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
No. 19: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
No. 18: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
No. 17: Kendall Reyes, DL, Connecticut
No. 16: Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
No. 15: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
No. 14: Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
No. 13: Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pittsburgh
No. 12: Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse
No. 11: Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
No. 10: Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
No. 9: Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
No. 8: Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut
No. 7: Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati
No. 6: Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
No. 5: Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
No. 4: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
No. 3: Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
No. 2: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
No. 1: Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
No. 1
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut, Jr.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Jessica HillJordan Todman answered the questions skeptics had about him last season on the way to 1,695 rushing yards.
AP Photo/Jessica HillJordan Todman answered the questions skeptics had about him last season on the way to 1,695 rushing yards.2010 numbers: Carried 334 times for 1,695 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Making the case for Todman: How great was Todman in 2010? Let us count the ways.
- He finished second in the nation in rushing and would have easily had the most rushing yards in the country if he didn't miss the Buffalo game with an injury.
- He topped 100 yards 10 times, had at least 150 yards rushing five times and reached at least 190 yards three times.
- He ran for 222 yards against Pittsburgh in the game that change the Big East race.
- Over the last five regular-season games, Todman carried the ball an average of 32 times per game for an average of 146.6 yards per game. UConn won all five of those games. And remember he did that even though the Huskies had very little threat of a passing game to take pressure off him. Without Todman, there's no way Connecticut claims the BCS bid. No player had a bigger impact on the Big East.
Todman ran for more than 1,000 yards as a sophomore, but there were questions about him coming into last season. People wondered if he could be an every-down back and get the tough yards between the tackles after splitting time with Andre Dixon in 2009. It's safe to say that Todman answered every question. Emphatically. He left school a year early to jump into the NFL draft, and it's hard to blame him for that. Todman proved everything he could in college -- and proved he was the Big East's best player in 2010.
The full list:
No. 25: Zach Hurd, OG, Connecticut
No. 24: Dave Teggart, K, Connecticut
No. 23: Derrell Smith, LB, Syracuse
No. 22: J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia
No. 21: Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
No. 20: Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
No. 19: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
No. 18: Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati
No. 17: Kendall Reyes, DL, Connecticut
No. 16: Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh
No. 15: Jon Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
No. 14: Robert Sands, S, West Virginia
No. 13: Brandon Lindsey, DE, Pittsburgh
No. 12: Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse
No. 11: Brandon Hogan, CB, West Virginia
No. 10: Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida
No. 9: Chris Neild, DT, West Virginia
No. 8: Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut
No. 7: Zach Collaros, QB, Cincinnati
No. 6: Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse
No. 5: Armon Binns, WR, Cincinnati
No. 4: Geno Smith, QB, West Virginia
No. 3: Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville
No. 2: Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh
No. 1: Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut
The NFL combine has wrapped up, and we can all go back to not caring how quickly a guy can navigate a set of cones in shorts and a T-shirt for another year. But first, let's hit some final numbers.
Here is where Big East players ranked among the top overall performers in each drill at Indianapolis:
40-yard dash
Connecticut running back Jordan Todman tied for eighth at 4.40 seconds.
Bench press
Syracuse offensive lineman Ryan Bartholomew tied for fourth with 34 reps on the 225-pound bench. UConn fullback Anthony Sherman tied for 10th with 32.
Vertical leap
Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin tied for second at 42 inches.
Broad jump
Baldwin tied for fifth at 10-feet-9 inches.
Who helped themselves the most? Bartholomew had a really nice showing. Baldwin put up excellent numbers as expected. Connecticut linebacker Scott Lutrus turned heads with some of his performances.
Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. said Todman, the 2010 Big East offensive player of the year, was one of the biggest winners of the combine experience. He writes:
Here is where Big East players ranked among the top overall performers in each drill at Indianapolis:
40-yard dash
Connecticut running back Jordan Todman tied for eighth at 4.40 seconds.
Bench press
Syracuse offensive lineman Ryan Bartholomew tied for fourth with 34 reps on the 225-pound bench. UConn fullback Anthony Sherman tied for 10th with 32.
Vertical leap
Pittsburgh receiver Jon Baldwin tied for second at 42 inches.
Broad jump
Baldwin tied for fifth at 10-feet-9 inches.
Who helped themselves the most? Bartholomew had a really nice showing. Baldwin put up excellent numbers as expected. Connecticut linebacker Scott Lutrus turned heads with some of his performances.
Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. said Todman, the 2010 Big East offensive player of the year, was one of the biggest winners of the combine experience. He writes:
"The draft class at running back isn't helped by the fact that many teams have more than one running back on their rosters they feel they can win with. But in a class that was already weak, Todman jumped. He ran a 4.40 in the 40 and was among the top performers in a number of other workouts, highlighting his athleticism. He's one of the few guys in this class who scouts feel can make NFL defenders miss, and at 203 pounds, he isn't a total scat back."
- Syracuse offensive lineman Ryan Bartholomew helped his cause at the NFL combine.
- Jordan Todman was impressive too, though the reviews weren't as favorable for teammate Zach Hurd.
- A look at West Virginia's participants in the combine.
- Louisville got its first commitment for the 2012 class.
Weekend Combine results for the Big East
February, 28, 2011
2/28/11
10:38
AM ET
By
Brian Bennett | ESPN.com
The NFL combine kicked into full swing over the weekend in Indianapolis, and several Big East players already turned in their audition.
There's a lot more testing to be done, with defensive linemen and linebackers getting center stage on Monday. But many results are already in, and here's a look at how Big East players have fared so far. All results are based upon performance by position unless otherwise noted:
Running back
Connecticut's Jordan Todman was third among running backs (and sixth overall so far) in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.40 seconds. He was third with a 38-inch vertical, third in the 60-yard shuttle, eighth in the 20-yard shuttle and sixth in bench press with 25 repetitions.
Huskies fullback Anthony Sherman topped running backs at 32 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.
Syracuse's Delone Carter was third in the 20-yard shuttle (and ninth overall so far), 14th in the 40-yard dash at 4.5 seconds, 10th in the three-cone drill, sixth in broad jump, seventh in vertical leap at 37 inches and fourth on the bench press.
Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis was 13th with a 4.57 time in the 40, fourth in the 60-yard shuttle, eighth in the 20-yard shuttle and three-cone drills, and 14th in vertical leap at 34.5 inches. Lewis, by the way, measured in at 5-foot-7 and 193 pounds.
West Virginia's Noel Devine was seventh in the bench press.
Wide receivers
Pitt's Jon Baldwin topped all receivers (and is second overall so far) with a 42-inch vertical leap. He was fifth in broad jump, 12th in the 40-yard dash at 4.5 seconds and fourth in bench press with 20 reps.
West Virginia's Jock Sanders tied for sixth in bench press and was 10th in the 20-yard shuttle.
Offensive linemen
Syracuse's Ryan Bartholomew topped offensive linemen with 34 reps in the bench press. He was second in the 40-yard dash at 4.97 seconds and ninth in the 20-yard shuttle.
Cincinnati's Jason Kelce was first among offensive linemen with a 4.93 40-yard time and also came in first in the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. He tied for eighth in vertical leap and was third in broad jump.
Defensive linemen
West Virginia's Chris Neild tied for 10th with 30 reps on the bench press.
South Florida's Terrell McClain tied for 14th on the bench with 29 reps.
Tight end
Louisville's Cameron Graham was 11th in bench, 12th in vertical leap, 12th in the 3-cone and 12th in the 20-yard shuttle.
Linebackers
Connecticut's Lawrence Wilson tied for seventh on the bench press with 24 reps.
West Virginia's J.T. Thomas did 23 reps, which tied for ninth.
UConn's Greg Lloyd tied for 13th with 22 reps.
There's a lot more testing to be done, with defensive linemen and linebackers getting center stage on Monday. But many results are already in, and here's a look at how Big East players have fared so far. All results are based upon performance by position unless otherwise noted:
Running back
Connecticut's Jordan Todman was third among running backs (and sixth overall so far) in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.40 seconds. He was third with a 38-inch vertical, third in the 60-yard shuttle, eighth in the 20-yard shuttle and sixth in bench press with 25 repetitions.
Huskies fullback Anthony Sherman topped running backs at 32 repetitions on the 225-pound bench press.
Syracuse's Delone Carter was third in the 20-yard shuttle (and ninth overall so far), 14th in the 40-yard dash at 4.5 seconds, 10th in the three-cone drill, sixth in broad jump, seventh in vertical leap at 37 inches and fourth on the bench press.
Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis was 13th with a 4.57 time in the 40, fourth in the 60-yard shuttle, eighth in the 20-yard shuttle and three-cone drills, and 14th in vertical leap at 34.5 inches. Lewis, by the way, measured in at 5-foot-7 and 193 pounds.
West Virginia's Noel Devine was seventh in the bench press.
Wide receivers
Pitt's Jon Baldwin topped all receivers (and is second overall so far) with a 42-inch vertical leap. He was fifth in broad jump, 12th in the 40-yard dash at 4.5 seconds and fourth in bench press with 20 reps.
West Virginia's Jock Sanders tied for sixth in bench press and was 10th in the 20-yard shuttle.
Offensive linemen
Syracuse's Ryan Bartholomew topped offensive linemen with 34 reps in the bench press. He was second in the 40-yard dash at 4.97 seconds and ninth in the 20-yard shuttle.
Cincinnati's Jason Kelce was first among offensive linemen with a 4.93 40-yard time and also came in first in the three-cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. He tied for eighth in vertical leap and was third in broad jump.
Defensive linemen
West Virginia's Chris Neild tied for 10th with 30 reps on the bench press.
South Florida's Terrell McClain tied for 14th on the bench with 29 reps.
Tight end
Louisville's Cameron Graham was 11th in bench, 12th in vertical leap, 12th in the 3-cone and 12th in the 20-yard shuttle.
Linebackers
Connecticut's Lawrence Wilson tied for seventh on the bench press with 24 reps.
West Virginia's J.T. Thomas did 23 reps, which tied for ninth.
UConn's Greg Lloyd tied for 13th with 22 reps.
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
Thanks to those of you who offered changes/corrections to my posts reviewing the 2007 recruiting classes. Trying to track nearly 200 players from four years ago with a quick turnaround can lead to some oversights, and I've tried to fix where possible. As I said in the beginning, it was not an exact science, nor was it meant to be. Of course, the underlying point remains: Teams are lucky if they get about a 60 percent return on solid contributors from their signing classes.
Now on to some of your e-mails on signing day eve:
Bill from South Jersey writes: In your article "Greg Schiano does right by Tom Savage," I could not disagree more. When a player/players commit to a school (Rutgers, USC, Notre Dame, TCU, South Florida) they should honor the commitment. What drives me crazy are the kids that say, "Well, I'm outta here because it's not working for me. I'll transfer, that's the answer." Hardships, coach either fired/quit/retire that's different. Then a college should be able to just pull a commitment whenever they feel like as well. I might agree with Schiano's reason b/c we recruit there, but where is line drawn at? When is enough enough?
Brian Bennett: I respect your opinion, Bill, but we disagree on this one. I'd buy the commitment argument if it worked both ways, but it simply doesn't. Schools only give players one-year renewable scholarships, and coaches can leave anytime after promising a player they will be there their entire four years. Why should a college student be forced to stay at a school if he decides the situation isn't right for him? We all have that freedom in our work lives, and we had it when we were students. Restricting a player from transferring to a conference school or a team on the schedule is one thing, but players should be free to go just about anywhere else they choose.
Matt from Storrs writes: In one of your recent posts you talked about recruiting needs, and for UConn you didn't mention they needed a running back despite Jordan Todman's departure, or a quarterback, which in addition to the wide receivers was a struggling position. How confident are you that UConn can fill these positions?
Brian Bennett: Connecticut does at least have some options at those positions. Michael Box started a game last year at quarterback and is just a sophomore. There's also Scott McCummings, Johnny McEntee and Leon Kinnard, and the Huskies should at least be able to match the production they got in last year's passing game, which wasn't much. At running back, they have Robbie Frey back, plus D.J. Shoemate and Lyle McCombs, who was fairly well-regarded as a recruit. Todman leaves big shoes to fill, but UConn has shown the ability to plug in new players at tailback and not miss a beat.
Dave from Pittsburgh writes: Ryne Giddins at USF deserves mentions in the ESPNU150 list -- he made a few big plays last year and looks like he'll be a future star. It sounds like he's already penciled in as a starter next year. USF's only other ESPNU 150 guy is Todd Chandler -- no idea if he'll pan out.
Brian Bennett: You're right, both those guys should have been in there. Giddins needs to have a breakthrough season for the Bulls next year. Defensive linemen sometimes take a little longer to develop.
Zack M. from Sana'a, Yemen, writes: Great job with the blog. Thanks for keeping it so active during the off-season and giving us all our daily fix of college football. How quickly can the Big East climb out of the hole it dug for itself last season? Do you think next year might even be worse? I truly hope the best for the conference but it's hard to be optimistic. I would imagine the only recruits that would want to come to the BE would be punters and kickers ;-)
Brian Bennett: Yemen? Really? Well, I might be overly optimistic, but I think the Big East is in for a rebound soon. The majority of the teams bring back their starting quarterback, which is always big. New offenses at West Virginia and Pitt should help those teams in the long run. I could see 2011 being a sort of bridge year, and then in 2012 when all the coaches have their systems fully in place and TCU comes in, we could be looking at a really strong Big East campaign.
Jack from Louisville writes: When you have talked about Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater sometimes it sounds like you didn't know he is on campus and is going to practice this spring. But it would just be me and how you are wording it. But I think he will be our starting QB next year and will break many records after 4 years of being here.
Brian Bennett: Yes, I'm aware Bridgewater is already enrolled and will practice this spring. That gives him a huge leg up on DaMarcus Smith, provided Smith still signs with the Cardinals. But there is still a long way to go.
John from McKinney, Texas, writes: Read your article about recruiting needs. The old Pitt staff was going to (and probably the current Pitt staff will), hit WPIAL hard for OL in 2012. There are suppose to be 4 or 5 pretty good OL prospects in the 2012 in WPIAL. I heard WPIAL class for 2012 is suppose to be one of the strongest ones in recent years. It will be interesting to see if the new staff can hold off Ohio State for the top recruits.
Brian Bennett: That may be the case, but as of right now this year's recruiting class has only two offensive linemen in it. Given Pitt's problems on the line this year, coupled with the loss of the Panthers' starting left tackle and center, that seems like a problem to me.
Adam M. from East Brunswick, N.J., writes: Just saw that Josue Matias decommitted from Rutgers and gave Florida State a solid verbal. I find this strange as new Rutgers recruit Savon Huggins was quoted as saying Matias wanted to go wherever he (Huggins) went. Should his hasty retreat have Rutgers fans worried?
Brian Bennett: It's my experience that a lot of players say they want to play together in college, but only a portion of the time does that turn out to be true. In the end, the player has to decide what's best for himself.
Philip M. from Austin, Texas, writes: I do not see the point of getting to 10 members. If not going for 12, I think it's best to stay at nine. Please enlighten me on what 10 members brings. Thank you in advance.
Brian Bennett: Say hello to one of my favorite cities, Philip. The Big East doesn't need to get to 10. A nine-team league works just fine for scheduling. But the conference has said it wants to go to 10. The advantages would be an extra TV market for media-rights negotiating purposes, and potentially a stronger overall league. Remember that except for the Big 12, all other BCS leagues will have 12 members in 2011.
Shane W. from Clarksburg, W. Va., writes: First of all, I'm a huge fan of the blog. I read it every day. I was just wondering, how badly do you think staying for his senior year affected Noel Devine's draft stock?
Brian Bennett: Thanks for the kind words, Shane. I don't really think it had much negative effect. Devine still would have measured 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds last year. Maybe if he'd been healthier he could have looked better for scouts, but his size was always going to be a big question mark.
Brian from Tampa writes: Do you think the state of Florida is now the "BIG 4". This is a Yes or No question.
Brian Bennett: No. Not yet. I agree with Skip Holtz: The Bulls need to win a Big East championship and get to a BCS game before they can consider themselves on the same level as Florida, Florida State and Miami. They are getting closer, though.
Doug from Tampa writes: BB, your push for UCF wouldn't have anything to do with ESPN and the parent company Disney ties would it? I know you're looking out for your job and all and in a tough spot, but if you are a real journalist and have any honor than why not disclose the whole story in spite of it? Yes, it could be career suicide but you would be a hero and show you're a class act. There are better fits than UCF for the BE; if we are looking at a wish list, UCF is about 5-to-10 on the wish list correct.
Brian Bennett: I am afraid to answer this letter, because Mickey is holding my whole family hostage at gunpoint. Nah, come on, that's just silly. Hey, it's my job to give my opinions on Big East issues, and it's simply my opinion that Central Florida is the best fit for a 10th league member right now. No other available program has the facilities, market, large student body and a team that just finished in the Top 25 and beat an SEC team in a bowl game. Reasonable minds can disagree whether the Knights are the best fit. But to say UCF isn't even in the top five best available teams is just ridiculous.
Now on to some of your e-mails on signing day eve:
Bill from South Jersey writes: In your article "Greg Schiano does right by Tom Savage," I could not disagree more. When a player/players commit to a school (Rutgers, USC, Notre Dame, TCU, South Florida) they should honor the commitment. What drives me crazy are the kids that say, "Well, I'm outta here because it's not working for me. I'll transfer, that's the answer." Hardships, coach either fired/quit/retire that's different. Then a college should be able to just pull a commitment whenever they feel like as well. I might agree with Schiano's reason b/c we recruit there, but where is line drawn at? When is enough enough?
Brian Bennett: I respect your opinion, Bill, but we disagree on this one. I'd buy the commitment argument if it worked both ways, but it simply doesn't. Schools only give players one-year renewable scholarships, and coaches can leave anytime after promising a player they will be there their entire four years. Why should a college student be forced to stay at a school if he decides the situation isn't right for him? We all have that freedom in our work lives, and we had it when we were students. Restricting a player from transferring to a conference school or a team on the schedule is one thing, but players should be free to go just about anywhere else they choose.
Matt from Storrs writes: In one of your recent posts you talked about recruiting needs, and for UConn you didn't mention they needed a running back despite Jordan Todman's departure, or a quarterback, which in addition to the wide receivers was a struggling position. How confident are you that UConn can fill these positions?
Brian Bennett: Connecticut does at least have some options at those positions. Michael Box started a game last year at quarterback and is just a sophomore. There's also Scott McCummings, Johnny McEntee and Leon Kinnard, and the Huskies should at least be able to match the production they got in last year's passing game, which wasn't much. At running back, they have Robbie Frey back, plus D.J. Shoemate and Lyle McCombs, who was fairly well-regarded as a recruit. Todman leaves big shoes to fill, but UConn has shown the ability to plug in new players at tailback and not miss a beat.
Dave from Pittsburgh writes: Ryne Giddins at USF deserves mentions in the ESPNU150 list -- he made a few big plays last year and looks like he'll be a future star. It sounds like he's already penciled in as a starter next year. USF's only other ESPNU 150 guy is Todd Chandler -- no idea if he'll pan out.
Brian Bennett: You're right, both those guys should have been in there. Giddins needs to have a breakthrough season for the Bulls next year. Defensive linemen sometimes take a little longer to develop.
Zack M. from Sana'a, Yemen, writes: Great job with the blog. Thanks for keeping it so active during the off-season and giving us all our daily fix of college football. How quickly can the Big East climb out of the hole it dug for itself last season? Do you think next year might even be worse? I truly hope the best for the conference but it's hard to be optimistic. I would imagine the only recruits that would want to come to the BE would be punters and kickers ;-)
Brian Bennett: Yemen? Really? Well, I might be overly optimistic, but I think the Big East is in for a rebound soon. The majority of the teams bring back their starting quarterback, which is always big. New offenses at West Virginia and Pitt should help those teams in the long run. I could see 2011 being a sort of bridge year, and then in 2012 when all the coaches have their systems fully in place and TCU comes in, we could be looking at a really strong Big East campaign.
Jack from Louisville writes: When you have talked about Louisville and Teddy Bridgewater sometimes it sounds like you didn't know he is on campus and is going to practice this spring. But it would just be me and how you are wording it. But I think he will be our starting QB next year and will break many records after 4 years of being here.
Brian Bennett: Yes, I'm aware Bridgewater is already enrolled and will practice this spring. That gives him a huge leg up on DaMarcus Smith, provided Smith still signs with the Cardinals. But there is still a long way to go.
John from McKinney, Texas, writes: Read your article about recruiting needs. The old Pitt staff was going to (and probably the current Pitt staff will), hit WPIAL hard for OL in 2012. There are suppose to be 4 or 5 pretty good OL prospects in the 2012 in WPIAL. I heard WPIAL class for 2012 is suppose to be one of the strongest ones in recent years. It will be interesting to see if the new staff can hold off Ohio State for the top recruits.
Brian Bennett: That may be the case, but as of right now this year's recruiting class has only two offensive linemen in it. Given Pitt's problems on the line this year, coupled with the loss of the Panthers' starting left tackle and center, that seems like a problem to me.
Adam M. from East Brunswick, N.J., writes: Just saw that Josue Matias decommitted from Rutgers and gave Florida State a solid verbal. I find this strange as new Rutgers recruit Savon Huggins was quoted as saying Matias wanted to go wherever he (Huggins) went. Should his hasty retreat have Rutgers fans worried?
Brian Bennett: It's my experience that a lot of players say they want to play together in college, but only a portion of the time does that turn out to be true. In the end, the player has to decide what's best for himself.
Philip M. from Austin, Texas, writes: I do not see the point of getting to 10 members. If not going for 12, I think it's best to stay at nine. Please enlighten me on what 10 members brings. Thank you in advance.
Brian Bennett: Say hello to one of my favorite cities, Philip. The Big East doesn't need to get to 10. A nine-team league works just fine for scheduling. But the conference has said it wants to go to 10. The advantages would be an extra TV market for media-rights negotiating purposes, and potentially a stronger overall league. Remember that except for the Big 12, all other BCS leagues will have 12 members in 2011.
Shane W. from Clarksburg, W. Va., writes: First of all, I'm a huge fan of the blog. I read it every day. I was just wondering, how badly do you think staying for his senior year affected Noel Devine's draft stock?
Brian Bennett: Thanks for the kind words, Shane. I don't really think it had much negative effect. Devine still would have measured 5-foot-7 and 160 pounds last year. Maybe if he'd been healthier he could have looked better for scouts, but his size was always going to be a big question mark.
Brian from Tampa writes: Do you think the state of Florida is now the "BIG 4". This is a Yes or No question.
Brian Bennett: No. Not yet. I agree with Skip Holtz: The Bulls need to win a Big East championship and get to a BCS game before they can consider themselves on the same level as Florida, Florida State and Miami. They are getting closer, though.
Doug from Tampa writes: BB, your push for UCF wouldn't have anything to do with ESPN and the parent company Disney ties would it? I know you're looking out for your job and all and in a tough spot, but if you are a real journalist and have any honor than why not disclose the whole story in spite of it? Yes, it could be career suicide but you would be a hero and show you're a class act. There are better fits than UCF for the BE; if we are looking at a wish list, UCF is about 5-to-10 on the wish list correct.
Brian Bennett: I am afraid to answer this letter, because Mickey is holding my whole family hostage at gunpoint. Nah, come on, that's just silly. Hey, it's my job to give my opinions on Big East issues, and it's simply my opinion that Central Florida is the best fit for a 10th league member right now. No other available program has the facilities, market, large student body and a team that just finished in the Top 25 and beat an SEC team in a bowl game. Reasonable minds can disagree whether the Knights are the best fit. But to say UCF isn't even in the top five best available teams is just ridiculous.
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.
