Big East: Wes Lyons
Big East's biggest disappointments
Matt Grothe's injury: Shortly after breaking the Big East's career total yardage record, the South Florida quarterback was lost for the season with a knee injury. While Grothe's absence has allowed B.J. Daniels to become a promising young star, it still would have been nice to see Grothe get a chance to lead his team through the Big East in his senior year. Instead, all we got from Grothe in 2009 were some meaningless games against FCS competition and Western Kentucky.
Victor Anderson: Last year's Big East newcomer of the year rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman and seemed poised for even bigger things this season. Instead, he has only 473 yards and five touchdowns. I must stress that it's not Anderson's fault; he's been plagued by an assortment of injuries and hasn't really been fully healthy all year. Hopefully he'll be back in full force in 2010.
Wes Lyons: The 6-foot-8 West Virginia receiver had a great spring and was touted as a breakout player this season. Instead, the senior has once again faded to the background of the Mountaineers' offense, with just 16 catches in nine games. And for that matter ...
The West Virginia offense: Things started out so promisingly, with the Mountaineers piling up over 30 points in each of their first five games. The offense looked unstoppable with Jarrett Brown's big arm and Noel Devine's swift feet. Since that hot start, however, West Virginia has averaged a pedestrian 21.8 points in its last five games.
Mike Williams' decision: For half the season, Williams was one of the year's best stories. Then he quickly became one of the worst. Williams ranked among the top receivers in the nation after missing all of 2008 because of academic problems. But he got embroiled in some off-the-field issues and quit the team before the Pitt game, rendering all his previous good work moot.
Pitt's loss at NC State: The Wolfpack are 4-6 and have beaten only two FBS teams. One was putrid Maryland. The other was Top 10 Pittsburgh. It was a disappointing loss at the time but even more painful in retrospect, because the Panthers would be in BCS title contention if not for blowing a 31-17 lead with 19 minutes left to play.
George Selvie's sack total: I understand that Selvie was double- and triple-teamed most of his junior season. But this year, with Jason Pierre-Paul arriving as a menace at the opposite end slot, you would think Selvie would be freed up a lot more. But Selvie has only three sacks in nine games, making his hot start to his sophomore year look like more and more of a distant memory.
Tony Pike's left arm injury: Sure, Zach Collaros has performed at an incredibly high level since Pike got hurt at South Florida, and the Bearcats are 10-0. But given the way Pike was playing and the dearth of other no-doubt candidates, Pike could have been right in the thick of the Heisman Trophy race had he stayed healthy and productive this season.
What players, teams or developments in the Big East have disappointed you this season?
Berry questionable, but Williams and Berry ready for WVU
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
West Virginia defensive tackle Scooter Berry is questionable for Thursday's game against Colorado with a lingering shoulder injury, head coach Bill Stewart said Monday.
Berry, a second-team All-Big East Conference performer last season, got hurt in the East Carolina game and did not play at Auburn on Sept. 19. Stewart said Berry went through practice drills on Sunday evening but was held out of all contact work.
"He has motion and movement and the whole deal (in the shoulder)," Stewart said. "But until he can protect himself, I will never ever play a young man who cannot defend himself."
Stewart said linebacker Reed Williams, who also missed the Auburn game with a sprained foot, would be good to go Thursday, along with quarterback Jarrett Brown, who bruised his nonthrowing shoulder near the end of the loss at Auburn.
Stewart also said that receiver Wes Lyons, who's been slowed at the start of the season by a hamstring injury, is recovered and should be at full speed this week.
As we rapidly approach another season, it's time once again to have some fun and look at the best and worst possible scenarios for each Big East team. Remember that these are the most extreme options on both sides.
Since we usually go in alphabetical order and make fans of West Virginia, Syracuse and South Florida wait several days for their schools to appear, we'll do this in reverse alphabetical order this time. That means the Mountaineers are up first:
Best case:
Pat Who? Quarterback Jarrett Brown makes people forget about his legendary predecessor by slinging the ball all over the field like West Virginia hasn't seen since Marc Bulger. The offense regains its dynamic edge behind Brown's big arm and Noel Devine rushing for more than 1,700 yards. Jock Sanders and Tavon Austin give defenders nightmares, too, and Wes Lyons becomes a dangerous red zone threat with his 6-foot-8 frame.
The defense is the best in the Big East, led by league defensive player of the year Reed Williams. Tevita Finau shows up and surprises everyone by living up to his hype.
Early in the season, West Virginia exacts revenge on East Carolina and Colorado and notches another SEC scalp by winning at Auburn. The Mountaineers creep into the top 10 as they head to South Florida on Oct. 30 with a 7-0 record. They lose that game in a frenzied atmosphere but rebound to run the table the rest of the way and claim the Big East's BCS bid yet again.
Pitt finishes 5-7 and is spanked in the Backyard Brawl. Michigan goes 3-9 again and Rich Rodriguez is walking the unemployment line, begging Bill Stewart to take him back as an assistant. Stewart shreds his job application.
In the Orange Bowl, West Virginia pounds ACC champion Virginia Tech into submission, capping a top 5 season. With Devine announcing his intention to return to school and young players like Austin and Geno Smith establishing themselves, the Mountaineers start thinking national title in 2010.
Worst case:
Pat White, a nation turns its lonely eyes to you. West Virginia's newfangled offensive line isn't able to protect Brown and he gets hurt early and often. Inexperienced backups Smith and Coley White are thrown into the fire but are not ready, and Bradley Starks shows why he's a receiver. Defenses no longer have to respect the pass and load up against Devine and the running game, which still can't convert short-yardage downs. With a suspect kicking game as well, nearly every week is a struggle to score points.
Finau shows up in October, and it turns out he's been sticking pins in little Mountaineer voodoo dolls. Williams' shoulders fall apart again. Other key contributors on defense keep getting hurt (damn that doll!), wrecking the team's depth.
East Carolina comes to Morgantown in Week 2 and pulls off a second straight win in the series, knocking out Brown in the process. Winning on the road at Auburn is too much to ask of the young quarterbacks, and things go downhill even further when Colorado wins at Milan Puskar Stadium. With West Virginia spiraling to a 1-3 record, there's panic in the streets of Morgantown, Huntington, Charleston, Parkersburg and everywhere in between.
Brown comes back and rights the ship a bit, but the Mountaineers still lose at South Florida, at Cincinnati, at Rutgers and most painfully, again to Pittsburgh in the Brawl for the third straight year.
An unthinkable 5-7 record leaves West Virginia out of a bowl spot for the first time since 2001. There are calls for Stewart's head, but Ed Pastilong stands by his man. Meanwhile, Pitt wins the Big East and a BCS game, while Rodriguez leads Michigan back to prominence while earning Big Ten coach of the year honors.
Just when things can't seem to get any worse, Congress passes a federal law outlawing muskets.
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
New Rutgers co-offensive coordinators Kirk Ciarrocca and Kyle Flood have to fill several holes, especially at quarterback and wide receiver, Tom Luicci writes in The Star-Ledger.
"Obviously, it's a real challenge right now," Ciarrocca said. "We're racing against the clock to get a lot of guys ready who haven't played in a meaningful college football game.
"We're confident in their ability. They have a tremendous work ethic and ability. But they're young and they don't have much experience."
• Pat Bostick is trying to stay positive, but so far it looks like he's the odd man out in Pitt's three-way quarterback battle, Paul Zeise says in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
• True freshman receiver Dwayne Difton, UConn's prized recruit in the Class of 2009, could be a starter on opening day, Desmond Conner writes in the Hartford Courant.
• South Florida running back Mike Ford, who has been suspended for the first two games, has to earn back his coaches' trust, Brett McMurphy says in the Tampa Tribune. McMurphy also speculates that Jamar Taylor might be out for the year with a knee injury.
• CBSSports.com's Dennis Dodd picks Rutgers to win the Big East but focuses on Cincinnati in his league preview. (Sorry for the earlier mistake; you'd think I'd highlight it when somebody joins me in the Rutgers pick).
• Speaking of the Bearcats, homegrown products Andre Revels and Craig Carey could make a big impact on this year's team, Bill Koch writes in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
• West Virginia is using some of its height -- like 6-foot-8 Wes Lyons and 6-5 Robert Sands -- to put together a potentially dangerous field goal block unit, Mike Casazza writes in the Charleston Daily Mail.
• Chaz Thompson has finally found his niche at strong safety with Louisville, C.L. Brown says in The Courier-Journal.Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
The big news in Morgantown over the weekend was the return of Jock Sanders.
The receiver/running back was reinstated in time for Saturday's first fall practice. He had been suspended since a February DUI arrest. No one seemed happier to have him back than running back Noel Devine.
"That is my brother," Devine said. "Batman and Robin."
You always want to be Batman in that relationship. The Charleston Daily Mail's Mike Casazza has more on the bond between Sanders and Devine.
Sanders worked with the first team on Saturday as Wes Lyons missed the first day with a personal issue. Lyons was back in the slot receiver spot on Sunday. The mind spins at the different looks West Virginia can give defenses from that position, with either the pint-sized Sanders or the 6-foot-8 Lyons.
"He is just a different guy in the slot than he is at the line of scrimmage," head coach Bill Stewart said of Lyons. "When you're a 6-8 target, and a 5-10 defensive guy gets under you and jams you at the line of scrimmage, he has some difficulty with releases. When he's in the slot, particularly with the motion that we like to use, it really gives him an advantageous position."
Not surprisingly, junior college vagabond Tevita Finau was not at either of the Mountaineers' first two practices. The defensive end is still working on academic and personal issues, Stewart said.
"As you know, he is not a typical freshman because number one, he is older," Stewart said. "He just was married and had his first child. We are very happy for him and his bride.
"I don't know the status with his academics. That is still an on-going process, and I would like you to know the clock never stops. He will continue to work on the academic issues, as well as his personal issues. We are wishing him the very best, and hopefully he will join us as soon as possible."
Left tackle Don Barclay, who broke his left leg in the spring game, practiced this weekend. Stewart said Barclay was a little sore after the first workout but otherwise looked good. Freshman quarterback Geno Smith is also practicing after breaking a bone in his foot this summer, and Stewart said he looks better than he had anticipated. At least physically.
"His mind is tying his feet up right now," Stewart said. "He's a typical freshman and we're throwing the offense at him right now. Geno has a long way to go. "
There was also a new name for West Virginia fans to digest this weekend. Jerrard Hunter, a 6-foot-3, 173-pound receiver who originally committed to Illinois, joined the roster after qualifying late. The Mountaineers added him after freshman Deon Long failed to qualify academically.
Sanders expected at West Virginia practice Saturday
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
Yet another sign that Jock Sanders is all but reinstated to the West Virginia football team.
"He'll be there, dressed and ready to work right along with everybody else," coach Bill Stewart told the Charleston Gazette.
The receiver/running back has been suspended since a February DUI arrest but recently agreed to a deal that would see those charges dropped if he completed some court-ordered requirements. Stewart told me at Big East media day that Sanders would still have to meet some university sanctions and receive approval from the team's seniors to fully rejoin the team, but those seem like mere formalities.
There could still be a one-game suspension for Sanders, meaning he would sit out the opener against Liberty. Not that West Virginia will need him for that game.
As to where Sanders will fit in, with Wes Lyons having excelled at the slot position this spring and similarly skilled rookie Tavon Austin coming on board, Stewart had this to say to the Gazette: "We have a lot of helmets and a lot of shoulder pads. We'll find a place for everybody."
Looking back at the '06 Big East recruiting classes
My colleague Ted Miller out in the wild, wild west of the Pac-10 had a really fun post earlier this week. He looked back on that conference's 2006 recruiting class. Players who signed that year should be seniors or redshirt juniors now, so it's a perfect time to judge the class on actual results, not promise.
And so, I figure that's a good idea to steal and apply to the Big East. Pittsburgh had the 16th-best recruiting class in the nation that season, according to our Scouts Inc. experts, while Louisville ranked 21st. No other Big East team cracked the top 25.
Let's take a look back and see how things have turned out, shall we?
Cincinnati
Class: 22
Expected major contributors in 2009: 7 -- LB John Goebel, LB Robby Armstrong, CB Marcus Barnett, TE Ben Guidugli, DL Ricardo Matthews, RB Jacob Ramsey, S Aaron Webster
Misses: DT Oren Wilson
Verdict: Mark Dantonio's final full class contained some players who have already contributed, like Ramsey, Guidugli, Barnett and Webster, and some who should assume bigger roles this year, like Armstrong and Matthews. But overall, this lacked the quality of the deep '05 bunch that formed the core of last year's Orange Bowl squad. Receiver Jamar Howard, who was part of the '06 class but didn't qualify in 2006, is back this year after a stint in junior college.
Connecticut
Class: 24
Expected major contributors in 2009: 11 -- WR Brad Kanuch, S Robert Vaughn, K Desi Cullen, OL Zach Hurd, LB Scott Lutrus, CB Robert McClain, LB Lawrence Wilson, DE Lindsey Witten, OL Mathieu Olivier, DT Alex Polito, DE Mike Cox
Misses: CB Jamie Nixon
Verdict: As usual, Randy Edsall's '06 class didn't draw much attention nationally. But he found a whole bunch of players who exceeded their star rankings and became key pieces for the Huskies. Lutrus is one of the best linebackers in the Big East, while Vaughn is a top safety and Witten has NFL potential. UConn could use a breakthrough from the oft-injured Kanuch.
Louisville
Class: 30
Expected major contributors in 2009: 7 -- DE Rodney Gnat, DT L.T. Walker, LB Brandon Heath, WR Josh Chichester, CB Johnny Patrick, WR Troy Pascley, OT Jeff Adams
Misses: DT Aundre Henderson, DT Kareem Crowell, QB Emmanuel Francis
Verdict: Bobby Petrino's final class at Louisville looked great on paper but was hit hard by attrition and misevaluations, which is part of the reason why the Cardinals have been so thin the past two years. Some problems were unforeseen; promising defensive end Peanut Whitehead had his career ended after just a season by a back injury. Henderson decided he didn't like football and quit. Running back Anthony Allen transferred. Several others were dismissed for disciplinary reasons or never panned out.
Pittsburgh
Class: 27
Expected major contributors in 2009: 9 -- TE Nate Byham, OT Jason Pinkston, CB Aaron Berry, OL John Malecki, CB Jovani Chappel, OL Joe Thomas, S Elijah Fields, DE Greg Romeus, CB Ricky Gary
Misses: QB Kevan Smith, CB Aaron Smith, DT Scott Corson
Verdict: Overall, this was a deep, solid class that will form the backbone of this year's team. Add in the fact that star left tackle Jeff Otah was part of this group as a junior college transfer, and it becomes all the more impressive. Byham, Pinkston, Berry and Romeus are All-Big East-caliber players with pro futures. Pitt hasn't seemed able to figure out what to do yet with once highly-rated prospect Dorin Dickerson. Running back Kevin Collier could contribute this year.
Rutgers
Class: 27
Expected major contributors in 2009: 9 -- RB Kordell Young, WR Tim Brown, LB Antonio Lowery, DT Blair Bines, LB Ryan D'Imperio, DB Zaire Kitchen, TE Shamar Graves, FB Jack Corcoran, DT Charlie Noonan
Misses: TE Jeff Minemeyer, LB Sorie Bayoh
Verdict: The best player from this class, Kenny Britt, was a first-round NFL draft pick in April. Combine that with a high number of contributors, and Greg Schiano had a pretty good batting average with this class.
South Florida
Class: 30
Expected major contributors in 2009: 11 -- WR Carlton Mitchell, OL Zach Hermann, S Nate Allen, DB Jerrell Young, OL Jeremiah Warren, LB Sabbath Joseph, DL Aaron Harris, DL Craig Marshall, K Delbert Alvarado, WR Ed Alcin, OL Kevin McCaskill
Misses: DT Leslie Stirrups, WR Jason Sherman, DE Joseph Jackson
Verdict: Surprisingly, some of the Bulls' highest-rated recruits in the 2006 class are the ones who didn't pan out, while the lesser-regarded names have gained regular playing time. The best player so far of this group is Allen, who should have an NFL future. This is a good class that just needs a little more star power.
Syracuse
Class: 22
Expected major contributors in 2009: 9 -- TE Andrew Robinson, RB Delone Carter, OL Jim McKenzie, OL Ryan Bartholomew, OL Tucker Baumbach, OL Jonathan Meldrum, DE Jared Kimmel, LB Derrell Smith, WR Mike Williams
Misses: WR Andrey Baskin, S Derek Hrinya
Verdict: Several players from the '06 batch will start this year, including nearly all of Syracuse's offensive line. But this class, like most of Greg Robinson's efforts, is short on all-conference caliber players. Baskin was the Orange's biggest recruit, but he failed to qualify and never made it to campus. Robinson was the starting quarterback two years ago before switching to tight end this spring.
West Virginia
Class: 16
Expected major contributors in 2009: 6 -- DT Chris Neild, WR Wes Lyons, LB Anthony Leonard, C Eric Jobe, S Franchot "Boogie" Allen, LB J.T. Thomas
Misses: S John Maddox, CB Robert Williams, OL Eric Rodemoyer, CB Greg Davis
Verdict: The Mountaineers had a small class in '06, and they could have handed out half the scholarships and gotten the same results. Only eight 2006 signees are on the current roster. Several from that class are expected to take a step up this year, including Neild, Lyons and Allen. Still, only getting six major contributors from any class is a hard pill to swallow.
Mountaineers receivers hope maturity and growth intersect
West Virginia's passing game is a curious mixture of maturity and potential.
Rarely do you find a group of veteran players with so much room left for growth. But such is the case with these particular Mountaineers.
Consider that the team's leading returning receiver (other than the currently-suspended Jock Sanders) is Alric Arnett, a fifth-year senior. But Arnett played two years in junior college, was redshirted in 2007 because of a thumb injury and has 35 career Division I catches, all of them coming last year.
The other starting wideout is Bradley Starks, a third-year sophomore who showed signs of becoming a special player last season. But Starks has spent most of his career at quarterback and may even serve as the backup there again this year.
Then there's new starting slot man Wes Lyons, another senior. He's the walking definition of potential with his 6-foot-8 frame and athleticism. Yet injuries have slowed him throughout a heretofore undistinguished college career.
And don't forget the guy who's throwing to them: fifth-year senior Jarrett Brown, who's spent his entire career backing up Pat White and has only two starts to his name.
"We do have a lot of experience and a lot of mature players," Lyons said. "But I think we can get a lot better."
Adding to the potential for bigger things is West Virginia's plan to feature more of a passing-based attack this season. Receivers won't just be asked to block as the quarterback or tailback run downfield. The Mountaineers will play more like they did in the Meineke Car Care Bowl win over North Carolina, when White passed for 332 yards, Arnett had seven catches for 93 yards and two scores and Starks added four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown.
Lyons was the biggest revelation during spring practice, excelling at his new slot position and looking like he was finally ready to bust out with a huge year. He was the talk of the coaching staff this spring.
"I plan to keep working hard through the summer and keep getting better as a player," he said. "Even before everybody was talking about me, I already knew what I could do. I'm already confident, and as long as I'm confident in myself, I'll be fine."
This summer looms as an important time for Brown and his receivers. They all know the playbook now as opposed to last year when they were still digesting second-year offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen's schemes. Now is the time to build chemistry and get used to one another if they are to make this passing game really click in the fall.
"I feel like it's forming right now," Lyons said, "but there's always room for improvement."
Even among such veteran players.
Big East mailbag: Top 30 reaction, Part II
More of your reaction from the Big East Top 30 list ...
Dave from Pittsburgh writes: Brian, I think Matt Grothe should have two rankings: 1 and 30. When's he on top of his game, he's absolutely amazing (see Kansas game from 2008), but when's he's off his passing game, the results can be awful. However, even when he can't throw, he's still a consistent running threat (see the 80-yard run against Pitt). Grothe's an enigma. Probably more than any other player in the country, Grothe's play tells you what the outcome will be. He can single-handedly beat any Top 10 team in the nation, but he can also lose to Louisville (even in the same month). I know the list considers pro potential, so George Selvie belongs at the top, but as a college player, Grothe could go down as an all-time great if USF wins the Big East and beats FSU and Miami this year. So here's my question to you: is Mike Canales the guy to get Grothe thinking clearly for an entire game/season? And, does USF have an offensive guy to finally take some pressure off Grothe?
Brian Bennett: No question that Grothe has committed too many turnovers in the past -- 14 interceptions in each of his first three years. But I think much of that comes from him trying to force the issue because he feels the pressure to make every play. There was simply too much placed on his shoulders in the past. I still believe the Bulls have to find a solid running game to complement Grothe. I like what I've seen so far from Canales and think he will be an upgrade over Greg Gregory. Will that be enough to get Grothe and Co. over the hump? That's the main question facing South Florida.
Manny from East Brunswick, N.J., writes: In your Big East Top 30 list, you left out Rutgers running back Joe Martinek. Yes, he hasn't started in too many games, but neither has Tony Pike, who you ranked No. 2. He received the most rushing yards in last year's bowl and completely dominated in the spring game. This guy is ripe with potential and in my opinion, is the best running back out of a solid bunch at Rutgers.
Brian Bennett: I think Martinek is bound for great things, but let's be real. He had 404 total yards last year and one 100-yard day. Yes, he led Rutgers in rushing in the bowl game, but he had just 58 yards. Martinek hasn't done enough yet to merit inclusion in the Top 30 list, and there's no guarantee he will even be the featured back for the Scarlet Knights this season.
Jack from Washington, D.C., writes: Brian, I thought you did a good job on this list. I know you have heard the comments about Scott Long and his ridiculous placement on this list (hey, maybe he'll prove me wrong), but my question to you is how was Pitt's Oderick Turner not included? No doubt he made some errors and needs improvement, but isn't he likely Pitt's No. 2 receiver next year and wasn't he integral last season? I see him having a very big year playing No. 2 to Jonathan Baldwin. Also: would TJ Porter have made your list, and if so, where?
Brian Bennett: Derek Kinder was actually Pitt's leading receiver last year. Turner had only 298 yards receiving and was far too inconsistent for my tastes. He needs to have a rebound year this season. Porter was one of my breakout candidates for this year, but I wouldn't have placed him in the Top 30.
Kyle K. from Austin, Texas, writes: I think your biggest omission is Mick Williams. While you include some of the other defensive stars for Pitt, he is the one who allowed Scott McKillop to be an All American and never gets enough credit. As for future potential, he is the perfect size and speed to slide over to DE in a 3-4 defense.
Brian Bennett: Williams was definitely on my short list and nearly made it. He probably deserved it. A defensive end? I'm not sure he's quick enough for that. But he's a terrific college defensive lineman.
T.D. from Mechanicsburg, Pa., writes: Besides not putting J.T. Thomas on the list, why didn't you put Wes Lyons? I know his past, but you and I both saw how he played at the spring game. Based on now and not past history, I'm very surprised you didn't put him somewhere on that list of top players.
Brian Bennett: You can't include a player based on one very good spring. Lyons had 104 yards receiving last year -- basically a good half for Kenny Britt. He had 111 yards in all of 2007. He's missed time with injuries, and West Virginia always hasn't thrown the ball much. But Lyons hasn't produced enough to be considered a Top 30 player -- yet.
Shaggy from Hartford writes: I think that you do not have enough UConn players in your Top 30 players in the Big East. Do I have to point out this year's draft?
Brian Bennett: Last year's draft has nothing to do with this year's list. But I do agree with you that UConn's players are usually underrated and underappreciated.
Jason from Mobile, Ala., writes: No way do I think Tony Pike or Grothe deserve to be above Noel Devine in your Top 30 list. In pure God-given talent, I feel there is no way Devine doesn't have Grothe and Pike dominated. Grothe has had the benefit of Floridian level talent blocking for him his entire career. As soon as a tough team gets in his face he folds up like a cheap lawn chair. He runs timidly when forced to scramble. Pike, however, is simply a benefactor to a good offensive system. All of his passes are of 15 yards or less and often benefit from the yards after catch, which is fine, but most high school level starting QBs could make most of the passes he completes. His height is probably his best weapon really. Jarrett Brown will be an exciting one to watch at WVU this coming season. You can't ignore that he went 15-of-15 before throwing a pass that was dropped in the spring game ...
Brian Bennett: Sure, Devine has more God-given ability. But that's not the only criteria for my list. You're way too harsh on your criticisms of Grothe and Pike, both of whom have led their programs to new heights. And as much as I like Brown, yes, I can pretty much ignore his performance in the spring against West Virginia's second-string defense.
Varun from New Brunswick, N.J., writes: Hey Brian, love the blog, especially this Top 30 players thing. Just wished we had it in previous years, if only to spark debate. How would you feel about making a quick Top 30 Big East players of 2008 list? No need to write an entry on each player. We'd also have the added benefit of hindsight, so we can make it a list of "who WAS the best" and not "who COULD BE the best". Please do it! Kenny Britt No. 1! :)
Brian Ben
nett: Fun idea. We do have the benefit of hindsight, so I'll incorporate what happened in the NFL draft. I'm not going to do a whole Top 30, but here's my Top 10:
1. Donald Brown, RB, UConn: Hard to argue against his 2008 production, and he was a first-round pick.
2. Pat White, QB, West Virginia: Unbelievable career accomplishments and was a second-round pick.
3. LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt: Terrific sophomore year and a second-round pick with tons of upside.
4. Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Parlayed dominant year for the Scarlet Knights into first-round status.
5. Scott McKillop, LB, Pitt: Defensive player of the year in the Big East and a fifth-round NFL pick.
6. Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati: Came out of nowhere to post a huge senior year and get taken in the second round.
7. Selvie.
8. Cody Brown, DE, UConn: Realized his potential as a senior and became a second-rounder.
9. Darius Butler, CB, UConn: Lockdown corner who also returned kicks and played receiver for the Huskies before going in the second round.
10. Eric Wood, C, Louisville: First-rounder.
Which Big East positions got the most help this spring?
Questions remain around the Big East, but a few teams found some help this spring at certain positions. Here's a list of where that help came from for a few teams:
Cincinnati: The addition of Marcus Barnett to the defense helped solidify a secondary that lost starting cornerbacks Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith and safety Brandon Underwood.
Connecticut: The play of Jordan Todman, Andre Dixon and Meme Wylie at running back left the Huskies feeling OK about their ability to replace star Donald Brown.
Pittsburgh: Elijah Fields finally played up to his potential, and Dom DeCicco was solid as the Pitt safety position looked strong this spring.
Syracuse: Moving Derrell Smith to the inside and switching Doug Hogue from running back solidified the Orange's linebacker corps.
West Virginia: The emergence of Wes Lyons in the slot and the solid play of Bradley Starks and Alric Arnett on the outside gave the Mountaineers a good feeling about their receivers.
Allen, Murphy, Devine among other Big East workout warriors
Last summer, South Florida strength coach Ron McKeefery was pushing his players pretty hard in the weight room. Nose tackle Terrell McClain got a bit frustrated and walked out to get some water.
On his way back in, McClain stopped in front of a six-foot ledge that borders the weight area. He calmly reached one hand on the ledge -- and then leaped right over it. Keep in mind that McClain weighs 304 pounds.
"I was like, you've got to be kidding me," McKeefery said. "That was like jumping a 6-foot-fence with just putting your hand on top of it."
No matter how long strength and conditioning coaches have been at it -- and McKeefery in his ninth season with the Bulls --- they still find themselves surprised sometimes by the athletes in their care. Some are just freaks -- or workout warriors, as we're highlighting today on ESPN.com.
Five of the eight Big East schools responded to our request for their list of strength-training studs. Earlier today, I wrote about Cincinnati and two of their workout warriors, Adrien Robinson and Marcus Waugh. Here are some more around the league, leading off with McKeefery's Bulls.
South Florida:
Senior safety Nate Allen made my list of the Big East's Top 30 players at No. 26, but based on his workout numbers alone, he should be much higher.
Allen ran a 4.38 40-yard dash this spring, making him one of the fastest players on the team. By comparison, USC's uber-freak safety Taylor Mays ran a 4.32.
"That 4.3 shocked me, to be honest with you, because I didn't think he was that fast," McKeefery said. "But at the same time, he's been running really well."
One of Allen's teammates in the secondary, cornerback Jerome Murphy, was a tenth-of a second slower in the 40. But the 6-foot-1, 185-pound Murphy boasts some pretty impressive numbers himself. He has a stunning 3.5 percent body fat, as measured by the BodPod. He can bench 320, squat 450 and has posted a 10-foot, 1-inch standing broad jump.
"He's just shredded," McKeefery said. "He is as pretty as they come. His numbers in a lot of respects are a lot better than (former Bulls cornerback) Mike Jenkins, who was a first-rounder for us. I think he's set to come out and do some big things this year."
In addition to his ledge-leaping prowess, the 6-foot-3 McClain benched 405, squatted 560 and ran a 4.99 40-yard dash. And of course, there's star defensive end George Selvie ... but I'll have more on him later this week.
West Virginia
You know that Noel Devine is fast. Freakishly fast. But did you have any idea how strong the Mountaineers' running back is?
According to West Virginia's numbers, the 5-foot-7, 175-pound Devine can power clean 300 pounds, squat 500 and bench 435. Those numbers are better than some of the team's offensive linemen. He also posted a 38-inch vertical leap, a 10-foot-7 inch broad jump and ran the pro agility drill in a microscopic 4.04 seconds.
Quarterback Jarrett Brown, all 225 pounds of him, also has a 38-inch vertical and did the pro agility drill in 4.1 seconds. Brown will have a hard time throwing the ball too high for receiver Wes Lyons, who's 6-foot-8 and has a 38.5-inch vertical.
West Virginia coaches have been buzzing about nose tackle Chris Neild, and weight room numbers can tell you why. The 6-foot-2, 298-pounder squatted 625 pounds and power-cleaned 325.
Pittsburgh
Pound for pound, the following four players are among the strongest Panthers (Bench press is listed with player's body weight in parenthesis):
• Tight end Dorin Dickerson: 405 pounds (230)
• Defensive back Marco Pecora: 355 pounds (195)
• Receiver Jonathan Baldwin: 345 pounds (220)
Pitt officials say they've had four players register vertical jumps exceeding 40 inches: Dickerson, Baldwin and defensive backs Elijah Fields and Buddy Jackson.
Jackson, by the way, is the fastest player on the team in the 40, posting a reported time of 4.29 seconds. Dickerson was second at 4.38.
Louisville
The Cardinals sent along two nominees, both from the receiver position. Scott Long, a much-maligned pick for my Top 30 list but a freakish athlete, front-squatted 365 pounds. Maurice Clark, a 205-pound receiver, benched 365.
Posted by ESPN.com's Brian Bennett
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Emerging stars from the spring in the Big East
Who announced themselves as emerging stars this spring in the Big East? Here are a few educated guesses, based on the eyeball test, coaches' comments and other observations. Some you may know about already, and others you'll get to know this fall.
Cincinnati
Offense:
Isaiah Pead, RB, So.: He's gotten a lot of ink, and all the skills are there. He just has to put it all together.
Defense:
Curtis Young, DE, Sr.: Some stars have to emerge on a mostly no-name Cincinnati defense. Young will get plenty of opportunity as a hybrid rush end/outside linebacker in the new 3-4 base scheme.
Connecticut
Offense:
Jordan Todman, RB, So.: Todman showed flashes of his ability in a limited role last year. Now he's the frontrunner to replace Donald Brown as the Huskies' main back.
Defense:
Lindsey Witten, DE, Sr.: He's been a pass rush specialist in the past and now will get a chance to play a lot more with Cody Brown and Julius Williams gone. Also keep an eye on Marcus Campbell on the other side.
Louisville
Offense:
Darius Ashley, RB, Fr.: Not sure how many carries he'll get behind Victor Anderson and with Bilal Powell around. But Ashley showed this spring that he can make things happen.
Defense:
Greg Scruggs, DE, So.: An athletic guy still learning the game, Scruggs should get ample opportunities on Louisville's thin defensive line.
Pittsburgh
Offense:
Chris Jacobson and Lucas Nix, OL, So.: These two young guys were heralded recruits who look ready to bust their way into the starting lineup this year.
Defense:
Max Gruder, LB, So.: Could claim a starting spot at outside linebacker and give Pitt another hyper-athletic player there, along with Greg Williams.
Rutgers
Offense:
Joe Martinek, RB, So.: Looked every bit the part of a featured back this spring while injuries and poor performance hampered other skill players.
Defense:
Mohamed Sanu, S, Fr.: OK, so there's a good chance Sanu won't even be on the defense after his successful late-spring switcheroo over to receiver, a position of considerable need for the Scarlet Knights. But the fact is Sanu, who enrolled in January, can play and will find his way on the field somewhere. If he's on offense, a defensive player to watch might be junior defensive tackle Charlie Noonan, who was named most improved player on that side of the ball this spring.
South Florida
Offense:
Donatavia Bogan, WR, Jr.: Bogan broke out as a kick returner last year and may be ready to make a big impact at receiver. Also look out for backup quarterback/receiver Evan Landi.
Defense:
Jon Lejiste, S., Fr.: The Bulls are hoping Lejiste can help shore up their secondary, either as a nickel back or at one of the starting safety spots.
Syracuse
Offense:
Antwon Bailey, RB, So.: Bailey produced some highlights at Notre Dame last year and will get a chance to win the starting tailback job now that Curtis Brinkley is gone.
Defense:
Doug Hogue, LB, Jr.: The former running back was moved to defense in the spring, and the hunch here is he'll put his athleticism to good use as a linebacker.
West Virginia
Offense:
Wes Lyons, WR, Sr.: The coaching staff absolutely raved about the 6-foot-8 Lyons' performance this spring. Let's see if he can translate that to success in the fall.
Robert Sands, S, So.: He got his feet wet as a true freshman starter, and the 6-foot-5 Sand looked good in his switch from free to strong safety this spring.
Six things I didn't think I'd see this spring ...
As I wrote earlier, there were some things I expected to see around the Big East this spring. But you can't predict everything. These are some of the surprises I didn't expect to see:
1. Marcus Barnett playing cornerback for Cincinnati: This one caught everybody off guard. It was jarring to go to the Bearcats' first practice and see No. 85 lined up in coverage against Mardy Gilyard, his former receiving colleague. Barnett was one of the top receivers in the Big East two years ago, and now he may be starting at corner. Brian Kelly always has something up his sleeve.
2. Wes Lyons in the slot and thriving: It's not every day that you see a 6-foot-8 receiver in the inside slot position. But West Virginia decided that would be the best way to utilize the talents of Lyons, a senior who has never really taken off in his career. He responded with a huge spring and has the Mountaineers excited about the potential mismatches he can create.
3. Dion Lewis winning (for now) the Pitt tailback job: I figured there'd be quite a shuffle among the Panthers to see who would succeed LeSean McCoy and that it would probably end up as a committee situation. I really didn't think that Lewis, a 5-foot-8 true freshman who enrolled in January, would emerge as the leader. But that's exactly what happened, thanks to Lewis' maturity and explosive speed. There's still a long way to go, but if the season started today, Lewis would open as Pitt's No. 1 running back.
4. Syracuse naming Ryan Nassib its starting quarterback -- and then flirting with Greg Paulus: Nassib wasn't well known outside the Orange program after going through his redshirt season, and Doug Marrone also had seniors Cam Dantley and Andrew Robinson. But he named Nassib his starter just four practices into the spring. In the last couple of weeks, former Duke point guard Greg Paulus has entered the picture, and he was on Syracuse's campus for a visit this week. I wonder how many people could have seen these developments coming in early March.
5. Evan Landi becoming Mr. Everything for South Florida: Landi was another guy who came into the spring under most people's radar, viewed as probably the third-string quarterback behind Matt Grothe and B.J. Daniels. Well, Landi excelled under center -- and at receiver and on special teams and even making Jim Leavitt thing he could play defensive back. Landi will get on the field somewhere and have an impact in 2009.
6. Leavitt livening things up: During the season, at least, the South Florida coach can come across as grumpy and short with the media. During most of the spring, though, Leavitt seemed to be having a good time, never more so than when he ran a 40-yard dash to help promote the spring game. It seems like Leavitt really likes his team this year, even with some of the question marks on the offensive line.
Spring Q&A: West Virginia coach Bill Stewart
There aren't many coaches in college football like Bill Stewart.
Stewart seems equally at home in dissecting a playbook or spinning yarns to a local Boy Scout troop. His folksy manner sometimes leads people to underestimate him, but in just 14 games as West Virginia's head coach, he's beaten Bob Stoops in a BCS game and Butch Davis in the Meineke Car Care Bowl.
I caught up with the always-entertaining Mountaineers' head man for the final installment of our spring Q&A series.
How do you feel about your team now that spring practice has ended?
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| Streeter Lecka/Getty Images | |
| Bill Stewart hopes to take what he learned as a first-year head coach and apply it to his 2009 team. |
Bill Stewart: We became a tougher football team. We had some problems last year in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Not so much in the red zone, but we didn't do as well in a couple crucial situations. I remember in particular at Colorado in overtime. I remember the overtime loss to Cincinnati. I remember at Louisville, not getting the ball in before the half. I didn't think we were a tough enough football team on third- and fourth-and-short. So, by golly, we went to work and rolled our sleeves up and said, 'How do we get better? You work at it.' And that's what we did. So we became a tougher football team this spring.
Anyone surprise you with his performance this spring?
BS: Oh yeah. I think Wes Lyons absolutely exploded on the scene. We always believed he had talent, and he's been a neat young man to coach. His name never comes across my desk for missing class, being late to study hall or 6 a.m. workouts. He's always done everything right. And boy, he's injury free for the first time in four years, and he had the spring of springs. I'm very happy and proud of him because he really stepped up.
Reed Williams came back and had a banner spring. Of course we thought he would, and he did some really, really good things. Having Reed back was just a godsend. I thought Chris Neild really showed up. Those are the guys that just jump right out at us at the get-go.
What concerns do you have going into the fall?
BS: Jarrett Brown had a really good spring but he's a first-year true starter and that's a concern. And then the offensive line. We're going to be younger than anybody in the league. But I don't care; you've got to start sometime. I know this: they're tough. They don't have the accolades of the starting line last year, but these guys are tough, burly and get-after-it type of young men. They've done a good job, but that's going to be a concern. And I still think that the secondary, I worry a little bit about open-field tackling. I am a blitz guy. I want to blitz more. How are we going to get off the field? That's probably the biggest thing that worries me defensively.
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.
