ESPN College Football

Several Big Ten players who didn't hear their names called in New York during the weekend still received some good news about their football futures. As soon as the NFL draft concluded, the undrafted free agent scramble began.

Here's an initial list of Big Ten UFA signings. Every Big Ten squad except Indiana had a player signed through free agency. We'll be sure to post more as they become official.

ILLINOIS

• Derek Dimke, K, Detroit Lions
• Jason Ford, RB, Houston Texans
• Jack Cornell, OL, Baltimore Ravens

IOWA

• Broderick Binns, DE, Arizona Cardinals
• Tyler Nielsen, LB, Minnesota Vikings
• Brad Herman, TE, New England Patriots
• Markus Zusevics, OL, New England Patriots

MICHIGAN

• Ryan Van Bergen, DE, Carolina Panthers
• Troy Woolfolk, CB, Dallas Cowboys
• Michael Shaw, RB, Washington Redskins
• Brandon Herron, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MICHIGAN STATE

• Brian Linthicum, TE, New York Jets
• Garrett Celek, TE, San Francisco 49ers
• Todd Anderson, FB, St. Louis Rams

MINNESOTA

• Eric Lair, TE, Green Bay Packers
• Duane Bennett, RB, Green Bay Packers

NEBRASKA

• Brandon Kinnie, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
• Yoshi Hardrick, OL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NORTHWESTERN

• Al Netter, OL, San Francisco 49ers

OHIO STATE

• Mike Brewster, C, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Andrew Sweat, LB, Cleveland Browns
• J.B. Shugarts, OL, Cleveland Browns

PENN STATE

• Quinn Barham, OL, Detroit Lions
• Derek Moye, WR, Miami Dolphins
• D'Anton Lynn, CB, New York Jets
• Andrew Szczerba, TE, Dallas Cowboys
• Eric Latimore, DE, Minnesota Vikings
• Nick Sukay, S, Buffalo Bills
• Chaz Powell, CB, Oakland Raiders

PURDUE

• Joe Holland, LB, San Francisco 49ers
• Carson Wiggs, K, Seattle Seahawks
• Albert Evans, Miami Dolphins
• Jared Crank, FB, Arizona Cardinals

WISCONSIN

• Louis Nzegwu, DE, Atlanta Falcons
• Antonio Fenelus, CB, Indianapolis Colts
• Jake Byrne, TE, New Orleans Saints
• Aaron Henry, S, Oakland Raiders
• Patrick Butrym, DT, San Francisco 49ers

Several players seem to be in good situations, whether it's playing for their hometown team (Kinnie, Netter) or near a family member (Lynn, whose dad, Anthony, coaches running backs for the Jets). It's still shocking to see Brewster on this list rather than the draft one. I'm also surprised Moye, Wiggs, Linthicum and Dimke didn't get drafted.

Other Big Ten players have tryouts with NFL squads, such as Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa (Tampa Bay), Minnesota wide receiver Da'Jon McKnight (Minnesota Vikings), Indiana offensive lineman Chris McDonald (Miami, Green Bay) and Minnesota safety Kim Royston (Minnesota Vikings).

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- A few pregame notes before kickoff between No. 17 Michigan State and Iowa at Kinnick Stadium.

• Michigan State linebacker Chris Norman (shoulder) worked with the first-team defense during warm-ups and didn't appear to be limited. Cornerback Darqueze Dennard (concussion) also warmed up without limitations. The only uncertainty for the Spartans is linebacker Steve Gardiner (neck).
• Iowa defensive end Lebron Daniel returns to the starting lineup today in place of Dominic Alvis, who tore his ACL in last week's win against Michigan. There shouldn't be any other lineup changes for the Hawkeyes.
• Iowa tight end Brad Herman has his hand wrapped. Not sure if it will limit him. Herman has moved to the second team in favor of C.J. Fiedorowicz.
• The winds were kicking up when I shot my pregame video. It seems to be more of a swirling wind right now.

Michigan has been in this position before, trailing at the half and needing a big second-half performance. The Wolverines have been a good closing team. But they haven't done it in a hostile road environment yet.

Give Iowa a lot of credit so far for bouncing back strong from last week's disheartening loss at Minnesota. The Hawkeyes came out with a lot of energy and scored on their first drive.

Michigan looked a little flat early and has made a lot of mistakes. A Denard Robinson fumble that was caused and recovered by Tyler Nielsen killed one promising drive. Robinson also threw an interception deep in the red zone late in the half. The Iowa defense, which has struggled all season, has bottled up Shoelace in holding him to just 10 rushing yards on seven carries. The Wolverines have just 128 total yards and haven't generated many big plays.

Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes' offense is doing a good job of mixing the run and pass. Marcus Coker has rushed for 74 yards and James Vandenberg is 9-of-12 with a touchdown pass to Brad Herman.

Michigan has been a much better team in the second half most of the season, while Iowa has been pretty vulnerable. So this is a long way from being finished. But if things don't change, we'll have a major shakeup in the Big Ten Legends Division race.

Our preseason look at three players likely taking on bigger roles this fall continues with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

OFFENSE: C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, sophomore, 6-7, 250

Some might wonder why James Vandenberg or Marcus Coker isn't the pick on offense, but both of those players aren't exactly "fresh" to Iowa fans, although they'll be taking on bigger roles this season. Fiedorowicz is a known name as well, but mainly because of his accolades as a recruit. He appeared in all 13 games last season -- one of nine true freshmen to see the field -- but didn't record any receptions. That should change this season as Iowa looks for more options to complement Marvin McNutt in the passing game. Fiedorowicz certainly has the size and the athleticism to be much more than a blocking tight end, and along with projected starter Brad Herman, he'll likely be among Vandenberg's top targets.

DEFENSE: Tanner Miller, S, sophomore, 6-2, 195

Iowa loses a lot at safety as Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood, who combined to start 84 career games, depart the program. Although more experienced defensive backs like Micah Hyde and Jordan Bernstine will help fill the void, the Hawkeyes will need production from Miller and other young players. Miller appeared in eight games in 2010, recording seven tackles, including three in the Insight Bowl against Missouri. Miller missed spring practice following shoulder surgery, so he'll need a strong performance in camp next month. Iowa needs to build depth in the secondary, and Miller will be part of that mix.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Eric Guthrie, P, senior, 6-6, 245

Iowa must replace standout Ryan Donahue, who appeared in 51 games as the team's top punter. Guthrie backed up Donahue the past three seasons but had only one punt in a game, a 32-yarder last season against Iowa State. The senior's size certainly jumps out, as he's built more like a tight end than a punter. A walk-on who averaged 37.2 yards per punt in high school, Guthrie impressed the coaching staff with his progress last season and should be ready for a bigger role.

More Fresh Faces

• Michigan State
• Northwestern

Apologies for posting this late, but here's a full wrap-up from the Big Ten chat today. The Gunner Kiel news hadn't broken yet, or I'm sure I would have received a few questions about Indiana's most heralded recruit in recent memory.

Some highlights:

Dan (Iowa City): Adam, great work with the blog. With Iowa this season, which side of the ball do you see them having more trouble with? On offense they start a new quarterack, a unknown but possible gem at RB with Coker, and only 1 real WR option. On defense the D-line is virtually gone, Sash/Greenwood are out of town, and the LB's have a lot of unprovens. What side should I be worrying about?

Adam Rittenberg (12:11 PM): Dan, I'd have some concern on both sides, but a little more on defense. The offensive line will be solid, you have a top-line WR in McNutt and an experienced TE in Brad Herman (along with the promising C.J. Fiedorowicz). Also, both Coker and Vandenberg have proven something, albeit in limited action. Losing three multiyear starters on the defensive line and two multiyear starters at safety seems to be bigger issues.

Rick M (Louisville, KY): Adam, Why does it seem that you are afraid to admit that you do not want to see Nebraska win it. It will make the B1G look weak. I am of a differing opinion. I think that the Husker are a strong team and have too many weapons to deny their superior talent. Please, don't mis-interrupt my statement as arrogant. I look at it as confidence in my Huskers.

Adam Rittenberg (12:32 PM): It's not about being afraid. I don't care who wins the Big Ten. But in assessing whether a Nebraska title is good for the league in Year 1, I would say no. It will take time for Nebraska to be regarded nationally as a Big Ten program. If the Huskers win the league in Year 1, especially with their schedule, most will look at it as a poor reflection of the Big Ten, a conference that is still in many ways trying to repair its national reputation. So it's nothing against the Huskers, who certainly could win the league. But I have a pretty good grasp on national perception -- helps to work at ESPN -- but I don't think this would be favorable for the Big Ten.

Derek (NC): Do you think Penn State's OL will start this year more solid and consistent than last year's OL?

Adam Rittenberg (12:52 PM): Derek, the good news is that most of these linemen have been around for a while. Guys like Okoli, Barham, Troutman, Pannell, even Stankiewitch. They know one another and have been in the program for multiple years. It should ease the process of coming together as a line, but you're absolutely right that Penn State must start off the season much stronger up front than it did in 2010.

Also, here are some updates on Big Ten undrafted free agents who have found NFL homes. Check out the full list.

Michigan State P Aaron Bates: Pittsburgh Steelers

Wisconsin LB Blake Sorensen: Seattle Seahawks

As promised, it's time to rank the Big Ten's top tight ends entering the 2011 season.

Unlike wide receiver, a position loaded with clear-cut No. 1 options, the tight end group has a few more question marks. Standout players like Wisconsin's Lance Kendricks, Michigan State's Charlie Gantt and Iowa's Allen Reisner have departed. While the wide receivers list was based heavily on past performance, this one leans more on potential for the upcoming season.

Here's your top 10 for '11 (Update: Ohio State's Jake Stoneburner has been included in the rankings. Apologies for the oversight):

1. Kyler Reed, Nebraska, junior: Here's a name Big Ten fans need to know. Why? He might terrorize your team's defense when it goes up against Nebraska this fall. Reed is a gifted pass-catching tight end who averaged 18 yards per reception and scored eight touchdowns in 2010. The Huskers lack proven depth at receiver, so Reed should be a focal point of the passing game in Tim Beck's offense.

2. Drake Dunsmore, Northwestern, senior: If Dunsmore can stay healthy, he'll contend for All-Big Ten honors this fall. He didn't have the monster season some expected in 2010, although he still recorded 40 receptions for 381 yards and five touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Mick McCall wants to feature Dunsmore as much as possible, so if the senior avoids the injury bug, he'll have a chance to put up big numbers.

3. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State, junior: Stoneburner has been discussed as a potential breakout player for some time, and this could finally be his season to shine. Ohio State enters the season with no proven depth at receiver, while Stoneburner has been in the system for a while and recorded 21 receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns in 2010. The Buckeyes have seemed hesitant to feature the tight end in the passing game, but Stoneburner could be the man to change things this fall.

4. Ted Bolser, Indiana, sophomore: Bolser quietly turned in one of the best seasons among Big Ten freshmen in 2010. He started seven games and averaged 15.1 yards per reception, recording 27 catches and five touchdowns. Indiana has enough depth at receiver to occupy opposing defensive backs, so Bolser should find some openings to make plays. He boasts excellent size at 6-foot-6, 240.

5. Eric Lair, Minnesota, senior: After recording just one reception in his first two years, Lair had somewhat of a breakout season in 2010. He ranked among the Big Ten's most productive tight ends with 39 receptions for 526 yards, an average of 13.5 yards per catch. The Gophers need more pass-catching options alongside Da'Jon McKnight, and Lair could see an even bigger role this fall.

6. Brian Linthicum, Michigan State, senior: As Gantt departs, Linthicum is the obvious candidate to move into the No. 1 role for an offense that doesn't ignore the tight end position. Linthicum started five games in 2010, recording 18 receptions for 230 yards. He has 19 career starts for two AQ teams (Clemson and Michigan State), so he's no stranger to the spotlight. But Linthicum can't afford a drop-off as talented sophomore Dion Sims rejoins the team.

7. Kevin Koger, Michigan, senior: Experience isn't an issue for Koger, who has started 19 games in his first three seasons. He didn't quite meet expectations in 2010, as his numbers fell a bit even though Michigan's offense made significant strides. The good news is Koger should see an increased role in Al Borges' offense. Borges said this spring Koger can catch at least 30 passes this fall. If so, he'll be in the mix for All-Big Ten honors.

8. Brad Herman, Iowa, senior: Herman has only 10 career catches, but several factors suggest bigger things are ahead. Iowa always seems to produce one of the Big Ten's best tight ends, and the program's recent track record of sending tight ends to the NFL speaks for itself. Herman knows he's the next in line, and he showed big-play ability in 2010, averaging 15.7 yards per catch. Like Linthicum, he faces pressure to perform as a dynamic young player (C.J. Fiedorowicz) is right behind him.

9. Jake Byrne, Wisconsin, senior: Byrne's selection is similar to Herman's. Like Herman, Byrne lacks impressive numbers (only five receptions in 2010), but he also plays for a program that loves to feature its tight ends. Plus, Byrne was one of the most impressive players I saw this spring in my tour around the league. Known for his blocking, Byrne showed this spring he can get open in the middle of the field. Wisconsin lacks depth at receiver, so Byrne should be a big part of the passing attack.

T-10. Evan Wilson, Illinois, sophomore: Like several tight ends on this list, Wilson could benefit from his team's lack of depth at wide receiver. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has made strides as a passer and needs other options to emerge alongside A.J. Jenkins. Wilson started 11 games as a true freshman and made 10 catches, two for touchdowns. He's a good blocker who should get better and better in the passing game.

T-10. C.J. Fiedorowicz, Iowa, sophomore: Maybe I'm buying into the hype, but Fiedorowicz has a chance to claim a significant role in Iowa's passing attack this fall. Herman doesn't have an extensive track record, and Marvin McNutt is the Hawkeyes' only proven receiver. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound Fiedorowicz is big and athletic, and he boasts the skills to become a true pass-catching threat. This is a total projection pick, but I think Fiedorowicz does big things this fall.

We've been ranking each position group in the Big Ten, and so far we've looked at running backs and quarterbacks. Today, let's finish off the offensive skill positions with receivers and tight ends.

The Big Ten is blessed with plenty of standout wide receivers, but remember these rankings heavily account for overall depth at the position, not just isolated star power. We're also including the tight ends in this group while acknowledging that the best ones aren't necessarily big-time pass-catchers.

Here's how we rank them:

1. Michigan State: The Spartans may lack a true superstar, though senior B.J. Cunningham (50 catches for 611 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010) is pretty darn good. What Mark Dantonio can really count on is depth. Cunningham has good size at 6-foot-2, while Keshawn Martin is a speed-burner. Keith Nichol and Bennie Fowler fill out a solid cast of receivers, and when you throw in Brian Linthicum and Dion Sims at tight end, this group deserves the top spot.

2. Michigan: If Darryl Stonum weren't suspended indefinitely, this group might be No. 1. It's still pretty good as things stand now. Roy Roundtree leads the way after catching 72 passes for 935 yards and seven touchdowns last year, and Junior Hemingway is a strong secondary option for Denard Robinson. Tight end Kevin Koger is a third-year starter who can occasionally make big plays in the passing game.

3. Northwestern: Senior Jeremy Ebert (62 catches for 935 yards and eight touchdowns last season) was a first-team All-Big Ten performer as voted by the media. Demetrius Fields had 25 receptions last year, and the Wildcats are counting on big improvements from sophomores Rashad Lawrence, Tony Jones and Venric Mark. Northwestern uses its superback position as a tight end, and Drake Dunsmore had 40 catches from that spot last year.

4. Indiana: The Hoosiers languish at the bottom of many of these rankings, but receiver/tight end is a point of pride. Senior Damarlo Belcher led the Big Ten with 78 catches last year on his way to 832 yards. Even with the loss of Tandon Doss and Terrance Turner, who each had more than 60 catches in '10, new coach Kevin Wilson has a solid corps behind Belcher with Duwyce Wilson and Kofi Hughes, among others. And Ted Bolser is a highly productive tight end who had 27 catches for 407 yards and five scores a year ago.

5. Penn State: Three of the top four receivers from last year return, including No. 1 target Derek Moye (his 16.7 yards per catch average was second in the Big Ten a year ago). Justin Brown and Devon Smith need to continue moving forward. Will the Nittany Lions get anything out of Curtis Drake, who's trying to return from his second broken leg? Penn State hopes to get something out of the tight end position, where Andrew Szczerba and Garry Gilliam dealt with season-ending injuries last year.

6. Wisconsin: Once we reach the middle of these rankings, the units start to become interchangeable and a little indistinguishable. Wisconsin doesn't have to throw it too much because of its stellar running game, but the Badgers have some solid choices when they do go to the air. Senior Nick Toon has the talent to record more than the 36 catches and 459 yards he produced a year ago. Jared Abbrederis should continue to come along after a nice freshman campaign. There's potential but not much experience among the rest of the receivers. Star tight end Lance Kendricks will be tough to replace, but Jake Byrne is an outstanding blocker and Jacob Pedersen caught two touchdowns last year.

7. Nebraska: Brandon Kinnie is the leader here, and the 6-foot-3 senior isn't afraid to make the big catch. Freshmen Jamal Turner and Kenny Bell had nice springs and could add some playmaking skills to a largely unproven crew around Kinnie. Kyler Reed might be the most dangerous pass-catching tight end in the Big Ten, if not the country, after hauling in eight touchdowns and 18 yards per reception a year ago.

8. Iowa: Senior Marvin McNutt is the go-to option after recording 861 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The Hawkeyes will look to junior Keenan Davis to improve and become the No. 2 target. Just about everyone else is green. Tight end is usually a strength for Kirk Ferentz and should be again with senior Brad Herman and a group of talented backups behind him.

9. Ohio State: Seems like we write this a lot, but the Buckeyes would be ranked higher if their star player in this group were available an entire season. But DeVier Posey's five-game suspension means this is an awfully young corps, and that inexperience showed with some inconsistent play this spring. Ohio State will need talented sophomore Corey "Philly" Brown to take a big leap forward and youngsters like Chris Fields, T.Y. Williams and James Louis to contribute in Posey's absence. Tight end Jake Stoneburner might have to become a bigger presence in the passing game.

10. Purdue: The Boilermakers have some decent depth but no proven stars. Antavian Edison is the leading returning receiver with just 314 yards last year, though the junior does have good speed. Justin Siller is talented but has had trouble staying healthy. Purdue lost two solid veterans at tight end in Kyle Adams and Jeff Lindsay and added a couple of potential replacements, including former basketball player Patrick Bade, this summer.

11. Minnesota: Da'Jon McKnight tied for second in the Big Ten last year with 10 receiving touchdowns. But the Gophers' second-leading receiver last season was MarQueis Gray, who's now their starting quarterback. Brandon Green could help after an injury-plagued season. Tight end Eric Lair can grab a few passes, as he did 39 times in 2010.

12. Illinois: The good news: A.J. Jenkins is a reliable weapon who had 746 yards and seven touchdowns last season. The bad news: There's not much experience behind him. Perhaps Ryan Lankford, who starred in the spring while Jenkins was out with an injury, will emerge as a star his sophomore year. Evan Wilson is back at tight end after starting 11 games as a freshman.

Being one of the top-rated recruits in the country is a double-edged sword. You get all the attention and hype you'd ever want coming out of high school. But there is also more pressure on you to succeed once you step foot on campus. And there's more pressure on coaches and programs to get the most out of their big-time prospects. As the old saying goes, potential will get you fired.

With that in mind, today we're taking a look back at the top Big Ten recruits from the 2010 class and seeing where they stand. It's not fair to judge these guys until the end of their college careers, and in several cases these players haven't even gotten on the field yet. But it's never too early to take stock.

We're going to use the ESPNU150 list from 2010 as our guide. The Big Ten had 14 players make that elite list. We'll divide the players into three categories: those who've made the biggest impact so far, those who have played but for whom the jury is still out and those who haven't played yet. (One interesting thing to note: None of the 14 made Adam's 2010 Big Ten All-Freshman team):

Away we go ...

Biggest impact

Rob Bolden, QB, Penn State (No. 112 overall, No. 4 position rank)

You all know the Bolden story. He started the first seven games as a true freshmen and eight games overall, throwing for 1,360 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Then he lost his job to walk-on Matt McGloin after suffering a concussion against Minnesota, and there was a heated quarterback battle this spring. The last we heard, Bolden hadn't decided whether he'll stay at Penn State or transfer before the 2011 season.

Corey Brown, WR, Ohio State (No. 137 overall, No. 20 position rank)

"Philly," as he's called, played in all 13 games last season and saw time on the kick and punt return teams as well as at receiver. He caught eight balls for 105 yards and a touchdown, which came in the win over Purdue. He won the outstanding first-year player award from the coaching staff. But he also had trouble with drops this spring. With the Buckeyes' lone returning starter at receiver, DeVier Posey, out for the first five games, Brown will need to become a consistent force.

Khairi Fortt, LB, Penn State (No. 66 overall, No. 2 position rank): Will Fortt be one of the next great players at Linebacker U.? He saw action in nine games last year, including a start against Illinois in which he recorded 11 tackles. Penn State is loaded at linebacker, but Fortt saw a lot of time with the first-team defense this spring and will be hard to keep out of the lineup this fall.

William Gholston, DE, Michigan State (No. 42 overall, No. 3 position rank)

The Big Ten's highest-rated recruit in 2010 served as the Spartans' backup left end and played in 10 games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Minnesota. He collected 13 tackles and a half-sack as a true freshman and had five stops and an assisted tackle for loss against Iowa. The 6-foot-7, 265-pounder should slide into a starting role in 2011.

Jury's still out

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa (No. 82 overall, No. 6 position rank)

Fiedorowicz saw action in all 13 games but did not record a catch as a true freshman as he saw most of his time on special teams. The 6-foot-7 sophomore is expected to back up starter Brad Herman this season but could see time when the Hawkeyes use two tight ends.

Devin Gardner, QB, Michigan (No. 128 overall, No. 5 position rank)

Gardner got to play in three games as a true freshman. He threw for 85 yards and a touchdown against Bowling Green and also ran for a score in that game. Then he hurt his back and missed the rest of the season, and Michigan is hoping to get a medical redshirt year for him. Of course, his opportunities were limited anyway and figure to be the same for the foreseeable future because he's stuck behind another pretty good quarterback. Fella named Denard. You might have heard of him.

Andrew Rodriguez, OG, Nebraska (No. 147 overall, No. 7 position rank)

The 6-foot-6 Rodriguez got his feet wet with five appearances in 2010, becoming the first true freshman to play on the offensive line for Nebraska since 2006. With starting guards Ricky Henry and Keith Williams now departed, there's a good chance Rodriguez fills one of those spots in 2011.

Look out for

Darryl Baldwin, DE, Ohio State (No. 131 overall, No. 13 position rank)

Baldwin took a redshirt year in 2010 and should see some snaps this year, albeit most likely in a backup role.

Miles Dieffenbach, C, Penn State (No. 118 overall, No. 1 position rank)

Dieffenbach redshirted in 2010 as senior Doug Klopacz held down the center spot. Dieffenbach is expected to back up junior Matt Stankiewitch in 2011.

Evan Hailes, DT, Penn State (No. 88 overall, No. 9 position rank)

It may be a while before we know anything about Hailes. He redshirted in 2010, and Joe Paterno said after the spring game that Hailes could miss the entire 2011 season with an undisclosed illness.

James Louis, WR, Ohio State (No. 80 overall, No. 12 position rank)

Louis redshirted in 2010 and was inconsistent this spring, like most of the Buckeyes' young receivers. At least the opportunity for playing time is there.

C.J. Olaniyan, DE, Penn State (No. 148 overall, No. 16 position rank)

Olaniyan redshirted last season and got some first-team reps this spring with starters Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore slowed by injuries. Those two will start when they get healthy, but Olaniyan should see time in the rotation along the defensive front.

Dakota Royer, LB, Penn State (No. 70 overall, No. 7 position rank)

A defensive end in high school, Royer is battling for playing time at the crowded linebacker position with the Nittany Lions. He redshirted in 2010 and will have to fight to get on the field behind an experienced crew this season.

Rod Smith, RB, Ohio State (No. 56 overall, No. 7 position rank)

Smith reported late to preseason camp last year while he worked on some academics and ended up redshirting. Now he's part of a group of tailbacks battling for carries while starter Dan Herron is out for the first five games. The 6-3, 230-pound bruiser impressed during bowl practice last year, had seven carries for 36 yards in the spring game and could become the featured back in Herron's absence. But the running back competition figures to continue into fall camp.

I've already taken a look at the Big Ten's 1,000-yard rushing candidates and likely sack masters in 2011. Now it's time to put the spotlight on the quarterbacks.

Who will pass for 3,000 yards this season?

Only two Big Ten quarterbacks, Indiana's Ben Chappell (3,295 pass yards) and Iowa's Ricky Stanzi (3,004), eclipsed 3,000 pass yards in 2010. Northwestern's Dan Persa was on pace to do so before rupturing his Achilles tendon in mid November. Three Big Ten signal callers -- Northwestern's Mike Kafka, Penn State's Daryll Clark and Purdue's Joey Elliott -- reached the milestone in 2009.

Let's look at who has the best chance to become Mr. 3,000 this fall. Several Big Ten signal callers operate in systems that don't emphasize the pass enough, while Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor would be on the list if not for his five-game suspension.

1. Northwestern QB Dan Persa: As stated above, Persa would have eclipsed 3,000 pass yards last fall if not for his injury. If he stays healthy for the entire 2010 season, he should reach the milestone. Northwestern is loaded at wide receiver/tight end and has an offensive line that seems to fare a lot better in pass protection than in run blocking. Although the Wildcats will try to spark their struggling ground game, the pass remains their top option and Persa's accuracy and precision should fuel the offense.

2. Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins: Although new offensive coordinator Dan Roushar wants to emphasize the run, Cousins' experience combined with a deep group of wideouts and tight ends should make the pass a big part of the plan. Cousins racked up 2,825 pass yards in 2010 and operates in an offense that can stretch the field with players like Keshawn Martin, B.J. Cunningham, Bennie Fowler and spring sensation Tony Lippett.

3. Michigan QB Denard Robinson: Robinson's record-setting season as a ball-carrier attracted the most attention, but he also racked up 2,570 pass yards in an offense that mostly emphasizes the run. The junior now enters a system where he likely will be passing the ball more. Plus, he'll be working with a talented receiving corps led by Roy Roundtree, Darryl Stonum and Junior Hemingway. Although Robinson has some work to do between now and Sept. 3, he certainly could reach 3,000 pass yards this season.

4. Iowa QB James Vandenberg: The Hawkeyes want to establish the run with Marcus Coker and take some pressure off of their first-year starting quarterback. But with limited depth at running back, Vandenberg might need to take to the air. He'll be working behind one of the league's best offensive lines and boasts a good No. 1 target in receiver Marvin McNutt. If others can emerge at receiver/tight end -- Keenan Davis, Brad Herman, C.J. Fiedorowicz -- Vandenberg could challenge the 3,000 mark.

5. Penn State's starting QB: If Penn State sticks with one quarterback for the entire 2011 season, he could become a 3,000-yard passer. Either Matt McGloin or Rob Bolden would have to become more accurate, but Penn State averaged 12.7 yards per completion and returns some talented receivers, led by All-Big Ten candidate Derek Moye. If the run game can't get going, Penn State will be forced to pass more.

Also keep an eye on these potential 3,000-yard passers from the Big Ten:

• Minnesota QB MarQueis Gray
• Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase
• Indiana's starting QB (most likely Dusty Kiel or Edward Wright-Baker)

I'll continue the series Wednesday with a look at the Big Ten's top interceptors (4 or more).

I'll be compiling Friday's mailblog a little earlier than usual, so send me those questions and comments ASAP! Thanks for your continued participation.

Bryan from Kansas City, Mo., writes: Hey Adam, as a Nebraska fan I just recently started following your blog. Impressive! Thanks for all the coverage so far and for all your different vehicles to tell the stories. As a new Big 10 fan, I need to be made more aware of some of the gritty rivalries that are present, as well as which venues are some of the most daunting to play in. What would your top 3 "must see in person" matchups be for this upcoming season?

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks for reading, Bryan. Ohio State-Nebraska on Oct. 8 certainly jumps out to me. It has to be among the top five must-see games nationally entering the season, given the Big Ten/BCS implications and the return of Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel and the five suspended players, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Memorial Stadium will be electric that day/night. I'd also list the Nebraska-Wisconsin game on Oct. 1 in my must-see group. Although the Big Ten's primetime schedule hasn't been announced, it's a good bet the Huskers will play their first game as a Big Ten member under the lights. Camp Randall is awesome for night games. My third choice likely would be a nonconference game on Sept. 10: Alabama-Penn State or Notre Dame-Michigan (first night game at the Big House).

---

Matt from Farmington Hills, Mich., writes: Adam, If Rich Rod knew what the Michigan-Ohio State game really meant, he would not have fielded three of the worst defenses in Michigan history in embarrassing fashion each November. No toughness, poor tackling, lackluster effort. That is simply not Michigan's brand of football. THAT is why Michigan fans relentlessly insisted that Rodriguez just didn't get it. He created a kind of football foreign to the Wolverines and to the Great Rivalry.

Adam Rittenberg: Matt, you're not the only Michigan fan who feels this way. Rodriguez had won big with the spread offense and the 3-3-5 defense in the past, but it didn't work out for him at Michigan for a variety of reasons. His defenses displayed better fundamentals at West Virginia, and those units also had more experience. It's hard for coaches to go away from systems that have worked for them in the past, but Rodriguez could have been more flexible. Would things have turned out differently if Rodriguez had run a system similar to Greg Mattison's? Hard to tell. You need the players and you need coaches who can develop them. Rodriguez seemed to be lacking in both areas.

---

John from Norwalk, Iowa, writes: Hey Adam, do you think that there's any correlation between spring game performance and performance in the upcoming season? It makes you feel good about your team to read about how players stepped up in their respective spring games, but how often does that translate to on-field performance in the fall?

Adam Rittenberg: Great question, John. I know it's hard for fans because the spring game is usually all they see, but it's important to have perspective when judging a glorified scrimmage. I've seen too many players light it up in spring games and then do nothing on fall Saturdays. That's not to say a spring game performance like, say, Jamal Turner's at Nebraska doesn't suggest big things ahead, but it's important to see the spring games for what they are -- one of 15 spring practice sessions. I put a lot more stock in what coaches tell me about players' performances throughout spring ball.

---

Adam from Baltimore writes: Hey Adam, Question regarding Roushar's idea of trying to be more vertical with the passing game. I love the idea of them going deep, but the biggest problem I see is (especially after their first scrimmage) the QB needs a lot of time (3-4 secs) to wait for those receivers to get down field to really exploit that dimension and I worry that this new O-line is too young to give even a QB as good as Cousins enough time. I know the running game will also help that, but I just question how feasible this new plan really will be with such a young O-line.

Adam Rittenberg: You make an excellent point, Adam. Michigan State's offensive line has to be an area of concern with all the youth right now. The coaches feel there's more athleticism up front, but the line is really one area where you can't substitute for experience. I also wouldn't expect Dan Roushar to become Bobby Petrino overnight. Roushar knows the run game has to be a focal point, and I expect the Spartans to run the ball more this fall. You'll see some shots down the field, but more out of the play-action, which Kirk Cousins executes well.

---

David from Omaha writes: Adam, As a Nebraska fan im new to your blog and maybe its just the contrast with Ubben, but do you not hold weekly chats? They are one of the things I look forward tot hem most. Ubben used to hold his chat the same day of every week unless he needed to reschedule. And I say this with all due respect, but Ubben always made a point to communicate with his readers when the chat will be each week. Again, not wanting to offend as someone new to your chats, but I have yet to see any reference to your chats other than, here is today's chat. Id like to plan to read your chats as I have found ESPN buries them on the site the day after they happen. So my rather long-winded question is, do you hold a chat every week. And if so, when is said chat? A specific day or whenever you feel like it. I would be grateful If you would update us on when there will be chats and if there is any sort of schedule, formula or logic utilized in scheduling them. Thanks!

Adam Rittenberg: David, I'll chalk this up to you being new to the blog, as I typically list chat reminders every week on the day of the chat and also in the lunch links that day. Although the schedule has been a little crazy lately because of my vacation and my spring trips, the Big Ten chats take place every Wednesday at noon ET (1 p.m. CT). We might change the time during the season, but for now, plan to join me then. I'll post a reminder Wednesday morning.

---

Josh from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Adam, this is a fairly specific question but hopefully you can lend your insight. Even with Marcus Coker's outstanding performance last year in the Iowa's bowl game, the Hawks will not feature a lot of proven-depth at the RB position. Even with veterans like Marvin McNutt on the team other guys are going to have to step up. Which Iowa offensive players do you think will grab this opportunity. Keenan Davis was the first that crossed my mind, a big receiver with good hands who has worked under some of the best receivers Iowa has seen. Your thoughts?

Adam Rittenberg: Davis definitely comes to mind for me, too. He had a good spring by most accounts and looked very good in Iowa's spring scrimmage Saturday. It's important Davis takes hold of that No. 2 wideout spot. I also look at the tight ends, Brad Herman and C.J. Fiedorowicz, to play bigger roles in the offense. Herman has worked behind several NFL tight ends at Iowa, and Fiedorowicz boasts the physical gifts to really be special. One of the big keys is who steps up behind Coker. Will it be Jason White or De'Andre Johnson or an incoming freshman? You typically need at least two backs in the Big Ten.

---

Jeff from Lorain, Ohio, writes: Does Hoke know that meeechigan plays Ohio State and not Ohio Univ. at the end of the season? Can he be that stupid?

Adam Rittenberg: I think Hoke knows exactly what he's doing, Jeff. And from the looks of my inbox, he has tweaked quite a few Buckeyes fans with his "Ohio" references. It's all by design.

---

Oliver from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Adam, would the Ohio State coaching staff being doing a disservice to the team if they didn't put the best candidate/player at quarterback during the five-game suspension that gives the team the best chance for success? This means putting someone at QB which would create a simple transition to Terrelle Pryor in Game 6. Thanks.

Adam Rittenberg: Yes, the staff would be doing a disservice by not playing the best player. I don't see why they wouldn't in this situation. I'm guessing you think a guy like Kenny Guiton or Braxton Miller would create the easiest transition to Pryor because of their mobility in the pocket. Joe Bauserman moves around better than people think, though, and he has operated in this system for several years. I guess I'm not as concerned about having a similar quarterback to Pryor. The bigger question is how Pryor responds to his first game situation, a very difficult one in Lincoln.

Since many of you have asked, I won't be attending any spring games this weekend (or next, for that matter). It's a little tough to explain to non-media folks, but I get a lot more out of visiting campuses midweek than for spring games, when things are chaotic. The good news: I'll recap every spring game Monday.

Now it's time to preview the six Big Ten spring games on tap Saturday (in reverse alphabetical order) ...

PENN STATE

The vitals: Blue-White Game presented by AAA kicks off at 2 p.m. ET Saturday at Beaver Stadium; admission and parking are free

More details: Penn State has a pregame autograph session and a ton of events planned for the weekend. All the information can be found here.

Three things to watch

1. The quarterbacks: The race for the starting job has been the top story at Penn State this spring, and all four candidates will be on the field Saturday. Most eyes will be on sophomore Rob Bolden and junior Matt McGloin, who split the starts in 2010 and have paced one another throughout the spring. Both players have impressed the coaches, who likely won't name a starter until the summer. Saturday marks the final chance for Bolden and McGloin to showcase their abilities for the coaches and fans before spring ball concludes.

2. Line play: Penn State has to upgrade both lines if it wants to contend in the Leaders division this season. The Lions have very little depth at defensive end because of injuries, but fans should keep an eye on defensive tackles Devon Still, Jordan Hill and Brandon Ware, all of whom have drawn praise from the coaches this spring. Penn State needs a big year from its interior linemen. The offensive line boasts four seniors and should be solid at the tackle spots, but it'll be interesting to see how the guards and centers perform as Penn State must replace standout Stefen Wisniewski.

3. Running backs: Injuries will keep several Penn State playmakers on the sideline Saturday, but fans should get a clear read on the running backs. There's a lot of hype for Silas Redd after a solid freshman season, but he's being pushed by Stephfon Green and Brandon Beachum, who has stood out this spring after missing all of last season with a torn ACL. Green and Redd both have breakaway ability, while Beachum could be the power back Penn State has missed in recent years.

NORTHWESTERN

The vitals: The spring football "exhibition," which will be more of a situational scrimmage, kicks off at noon CT (1 p.m. ET) at Ryan Field; admission and parking are free but fans are encouraged to bring nonperishable canned-food items for a food drive.

More details: Northwestern is holding a youth football clinic and several other events. All the info can be found here.

Three things to watch

1. The race for backup QB: All-Big Ten selection Dan Persa is on track to return by late May or early June, but he won't be taking any snaps Saturday. Northwestern will divide the reps evenly between three signal-callers -- sophomore Kain Colter, junior Evan Watkins and redshirt freshman Trevor Siemian -- vying to play behind Persa this season. Colter is the most intriguing candidate after a breakout performance against Texas Tech in the TicketCity Bowl, but all three players have endured some ups and downs this spring.

2. New faces on defense: The coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism on defense with recent recruiting, especially at spots like linebacker and defensive back. Northwestern's defense looked slow and overmatched at times last season, and quite a few jobs are open this spring. Keep an eye on players such as linebackers David Nwabuisi and Damian Proby and redshirt freshman safety Ibraheim Campbell, a player coach Pat Fitzgerald has praised multiple times this spring.

3. The running backs: Persa carried the run game in 2010 but admits he took too many shots and will try to limit the damage this fall. He could use more help from a run game that has suffered since Tyrell Sutton graduated. Mike Trumpy provided a spark late last year and has had a good spring, and Adonis Smith has a year under his belt. Keep an eye on Tyris Jones, a physical runner who has stepped up this spring as a running back/H-back.

(Read full post)

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- When the preseason polls come out in August, the Iowa Hawkeyes likely won't be included.

That's not a bad thing.

Iowa didn't receive a single vote in the preseason AP Poll in 2002. The Hawkeyes went on to win 11 games and reach the Orange Bowl.

After winning 31 games and two Big Ten titles between 2002-04, Iowa entered the 2005 season ranked No. 11 nationally. It went 7-5 that year.

Despite a strong finish to the 2008 season, the Hawkeyes squeaked into the preseason rankings (No. 22 AP, No. 21 Coaches'). They were nationally relevant but hardly overhyped. And after a major scare against FCS Northern Iowa in Week 1, Iowa slipped out of the polls. It responded with a team-record 9-0 start and finished the season ranked seventh in both polls after winning the Orange Bowl.

The respect Iowa and its rabid fans crave arrived last summer as the Hawkeyes debuted in the Top 10 in both polls. Some even listed Iowa as a fringe national title contender. The team stumbled to 7-5 before a dramatic win in the Insight Bowl.

"When we start kind of off the radar, not in the Top 25, we always seem to raise expectations, within the program, especially," senior tight end Brad Herman said. "It's very easy to slip into the hype, people always patting you on the back and then you lose one or two games and all of a sudden the sky is falling. History shows that's the case."

Hawkeyes' veterans like Herman and defensive tackle Mike Daniels know what it's like to be both hyped and somewhat forgotten. There's no doubt how they'd rather be viewed.

"Iowa guys, we love to play with a chip on our shoulder," Daniels said, "and being under the radar just makes that chip even larger."

It's also a familiar realm for Iowa players.

Most of them weren't decorated recruits. They play for a program that would much rather list the number of walk-ons it has sent to the NFL than brag about the number of five-star prospects it signs each February.

Iowa players aren't used to hearing how great they are, and Kirk Ferentz and his assistants make sure it stays that way. Although Hawkeye football is the biggest show in the state, the team sometimes goes out of its way to avoid the media spotlight.

The underdog mentality is ingrained in the culture here, and it has helped on fall Saturdays.

"That's the tradition," defensive end Broderick Binns said. "Coach Ferentz looks for guys who are willing to work hard, have good character, who aren't going to be [jerks]. It's not tradition for coach Ferentz to bring in a guy that's four or five stars, who's all glamorous. Iowa's not about that. We're all about, 'Put your feet in the ground and go to work.'"

Iowa will go to work this fall without the potential distractions/pressure brought on by preseason accolades. The Hawkeyes' star power is gone, and the team must fill gaps at nearly every position.

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi, a three-year starter and a local cult hero, has departed for the NFL. Iowa loses three multiyear starters along the defensive line, including a likely first-round pick (Adrian Clayborn) and a likely second-rounder (Christian Ballard). Both starting safeties depart (Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood) along with receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, tight end Allen Reisner and standout punter Ryan Donahue. Iowa returns only five starters on both sides of the ball.

It'll be an uphill climb for respect, but the Hawkeyes don't mind.

"We all have a goal: the Big Ten championship," Herman said. "That's something we state at the beginning of every single season. Being under the radar kind of relieves the pressure a little bit. We aren't really being talked about right now, and that's fine. Nothing changes around here."

If nothing changes this fall, Iowa will find itself in plenty of tightly contested contests. Drama has been the norm for Iowa the past few seasons.

In 2008, the team dropped four of its first nine games by five points or fewer and faced No. 3 Penn State as an underdog. A 24-23 victory against the Nittany Lions transformed Iowa into a clutch team. The Hawkeyes won their next five games decided by five points or fewer and rallied for wins in eight of their first nine games in 2009.

But Iowa's fortunes turned last fall. All five of its losses came by seven points or fewer, including three straight to end the regular season. A team that prides itself on finishing strong repeatedly crumbled in the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes responded in the bowl game against Missouri, rallying for a 27-24 win, but players and coaches agreed the season was a disappointment.

"We're sitting there at 7-2 and lost three games by 10 points, so what can we do to do better in those situations?" Ferentz said. "That's what we're focused on. It comes down to a lot of little details and giving ourselves a chance. ... The reality is we were pretty good from October 2008 to November 2010. I look at it more that way. I'm not a peak-and-valley person. You can't afford to be if you're a coach."

Iowa appeared to go through some valleys in the offseason as several off-field issues cropped up followed by 13 players being hospitalized in January with rhabdomylosis. The team's celebrated strength program came under fire, but an internal investigation found no specific cause for the hospitalizations and Iowa has moved forward.

"We handled the rhabdo situation very well," Herman said. "Everybody was more pulled together as [the criticism] was coming down on us. It's going to benefit us in the fall for sure."

Iowa has its share of uncertainty entering the fall. Can quarterback James Vandenberg steady the ship after a gutsy performance in relief of Stanzi in 2009? Can Daniels and Binns help the defensive line reload? Who fills the gaps at safety, linebacker and wide receiver?

To these questions, the Hawkeyes say ask away. They'll have answers when September rolls around.

"You've got 11 guys on the field who are just mad at the world," Daniels said. "That's the way we would like to play."

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The Heartland Trophy no longer sits in the atrium outside Iowa's football offices, and it won't be coming back until at least 2013.

Iowa's annual series against Wisconsin goes on hiatus the next two seasons, thanks to Big Ten expansion. The Hawkeyes and Badgers have been placed in opposite divisions without a protected crossover, allowing the rivalry to be put on hold for certain stretches. This fall will mark just the third time since 1936 that Iowa and Wisconsin don't play (the teams didn't meet in 1993 or 1994). And since Wisconsin won last year's game in Iowa City, the Hawkeyes must wait until Nov. 2, 2013, to reclaim the big brass bull.

"It is going to be strange not playing Wisconsin, I'll definitely say that," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Friday. "That's going to be a little different, certainly. ... Wisconsin's obviously been a border rivalry, but the positives are we're flipping it for another border rivalry."

That would be Nebraska-Iowa, which has all the ingredients to become one of the Big Ten's most exciting matchups.

Although the teams haven't played since 2000 and Nebraska holds a decided edge in the all-time series (26-12-3), the hype is already building for the reunion of the rivalry this fall in Lincoln.

The next two Iowa-Nebraska matchups will be played on Black Friday -- the lone Big Ten game that day -- and if all goes well, the series could become a post-Thanksgiving treat.

"The people in Iowa, they've always been curious about, 'When are we going to play Nebraska again?'" Ferentz said. "So I think it's going to be a real smooth, natural transition."

The Nebraska series already has piqued the curiosity of Iowa players like senior tight end Brad Herman.

"What are they calling it, Farmageddon?" Herman said. "It's going to be a fun new matchup. Nebraska is going to bring a lot to the Big Ten as far as football goes."

Ferentz doesn't have the fondest memories of the Huskers. Nebraska spoiled his head-coaching debut with Iowa, thumping the Hawkeyes 42-7 in Iowa City to open the 1999 season.

A year later, Nebraska held the No. 1 ranking as it beat Iowa 42-13 in Lincoln.

"Our timing hasn't been good," Ferentz said. "My first year they were third in the country or second, I don't know, and were about 142nd. Hopefully, the field will be a little bit more even this year when we meet."

So while Iowa will miss seeing Wisconsin every year -- players on both sides have mutual respect -- the Nebraska series helps with the disappointment.

"Both teams are red, right?" Ferentz said. "Both teams are border rivalries, and both teams are good teams. So it all works out."

Visited the Indiana schools during the weekend, and three more programs are on the docket this week. Busy times for the Big Ten blog.

• Ohio State's incredible run of success could be in jeopardy, Bob Hunter writes in The Columbus Dispatch. The pros and cons for Ohio State's fill-in quarterback candidates, Tim May and Ken Gordon write in The Dispatch. Jim Tressel's reputation could help him with the NCAA, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
• Former Ohio State receiver Duron Carter is headed to Alabama, colleague Joe Schad reports.
• Penn State's offensive line is a chief concern for JoePa, Jared Shanker writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Lions quarterback Matt McGloin helps his hometown police department with a public service campaign, Denis O'Malley writes in The (Scranton) Times-Tribune.
• Not surprisingly, Wisconsin's run game shines during a Saturday scrimmage, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal. Congrats to Badgers coach Bret Bielema, who recently got engaged.
• Michigan defenders hope to mimic the Baltimore Ravens' D this fall, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. They haven't been unveiled yet, but Michigan and Notre Dame will wear throwback unis under the lights on Sept. 10, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News.
• Both of Michigan State's coordinators want talented freshman Tony Lippett on their side of the ball, George Sipple writes in the Detroit Free Press. The Spartans' safety competition heats up, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Some good Illinois notes from the past week, including a scary story about Jon Gruden's flight, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Illini running back Jason Ford shapes up to be the starter, GateHouse News Service's John Supinie writes.
• Check out the Big Ten's top assistant coach hires of the offseason from Rivals.com's Tom Dienhart.
• None of the candidates for Northwestern's "No. 1" quarterback (read: backup to Dan Persa) has separated himself so far, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Get to know Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray in this Q&A from the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press' Bob Sansevere. Gray looked like a confident quarterback in Saturday's scrimmage, Marcus Fuller writes in the Pioneer Press.
• Quarterback Cody Green's patience and selflessness should benefit Nebraska, Steven M. Sipple writes in the Lincoln Journal Star. The Huskers have senior stars at all three levels of their defense, Rich Kaipust writes in the Omaha World-Herald. Some good Nebraska notes from Samuel McKewon.
• Some Big Ten Saturday scrimmage links: Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Minnesota.
• Don't call Iowa tight end Brad Herman "The Herman-ator," Ryan Suchomel writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Former Hawkeyes running back Brandon Wegher has been named in a custody case, Randy Peterson writes in the Des Moines Register.

It's unfair to say James Vandenberg won Iowa's starting quarterback job on Nov. 14, 2009.

To earn the title, Vandenberg still must perform well this spring and distance himself from fellow Hawkeyes signal callers John Wienke and A.J. Derby. A non-factor for most of the 2010 season, Vandenberg, who completed 5 of 8 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown in three games last fall, must keep the pedal down in spring ball.

But his impressive performance a year and a half ago at Ohio Stadium still resonates with his teammates. Vandenberg, then a redshirt freshman, made his first career start in relief of the injured Ricky Stanzi and nearly led Iowa to an upset of Ohio State in what was essentially the Big Ten championship game.

"To go into Ohio State and do what he did as a redshirt freshman is nothing short of exceptional," Hawkeyes senior tight end Brad Herman told me Wednesday. "Right now, everybody sees him as being the guy."

Before Iowa kicked off spring practice, coach Kirk Ferentz singled out Vandenberg for his work, particularly during practices before the Insight Bowl. But Ferentz added, "He’s going to get good competition. John Wienke has improved a lot, A.J. Derby is set on winning the job, too. That will make all three of the guys better."

Herman has seen good things from both Wienke and Derby this spring, but there's no doubt about who should take the first snaps this fall.

"I'm just glad Vandenberg's our guy," Herman said. "So many times you see teams struggle, and it's because they don't have stability at quarterback. I'm just relieved that Vandenberg is that No. 1 quarterback. I'm confident in his ability to perform at a high level."

A quarterback has to win over the locker room, and Vandenberg took the first step toward doing so against Ohio State in The Shoe.

"It built confidence in him," Herman said. "Especially when you're a quarterback, when you have the confidence of your teammates and they trust that you know what's going on back there and you know what you're doing, that's huge for an offense."