ESPN College Football

My basketball responsibilities caused me to fall behind on monitoring pro days at Big Ten schools, but I'm back in football mode now. Four Big Ten schools -- Illinois, Michigan State, Penn State and Northwestern -- all held their annual pro days on Wednesday, and here are some highlights.

ILLINOIS

• Wide receiver Arrelious Benn certainly helped himself by clocking a 4.36 in the 40-yard dash, more than a tenth of a second faster than his time (4.48) at the NFL combine.
• Wide receiver/tight end Jeff Cumberland clocked a 4.46 in the 40. Cumberland boasts excellent size, but his pass-catching ability has been questioned.
• Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui ran a 4.83 in the 40.
• Quarterback Juice Williams had his first chance to work out before NFL scouts, while guard Jon Asamoah sat out pro day with a shoulder injury that has limited him since Senior Bowl practice.

MICHIGAN STATE

• Wide receiver Blair White continued a strong pre-draft performance by running the 40 in 4.46 seconds, improving on his time from the combine (4.5). He also recorded a 33.5-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 10 feet.
• Defensive end Trevor Anderson ran a 4.66 in the 40, had a 37-inch vertical leap and a broad jump of 10 feet, 7.5 inches.
• According to The Detroit News, cornerback Jeremy Ware ran an unofficial time of 4.37 in the 40, while safety Danny Fortener, running back A.J. Jimmerson and cornerback Ross Weaver all ran better than a 4.5.

PENN STATE

• Quarterback Daryll Clark said he clocked a 4.61 in the 40-yard dash after not running at the combine because of a hamstring injury.
• Linebacker Navorro Bowman said his 40 time improved to 4.61 seconds (he had a 4.72 in Indy).
• Linebacker Josh Hull improved substantially on his poor 40 time at the combine (4.91 seconds) by clocking a 4.71 on Wednesday.
• Linebacker Sean Lee improved his 40 time from 4.74 seconds in Indianapolis to unofficially 4.55 Wednesday.
• Defensive tackle Jared Odrick said he improved on his 40 time, recording several attempts below five seconds after clocking a 5.03 at the combine. He also improved on his broad jump.
• Tight end Andrew Quarless said he ran the 40 in the 4.5 range Wednesday after recording a 4.69 in Indianapolis.
• Tackle Dennis Landolt and defensive end/linebacker Jerome Hayes both said they had 24 reps in the 225-pound bench press.
• Former Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli worked out for scouts Wednesday as he tries to revive his pro career.

NORTHWESTERN

• Quarterback Mike Kafka continued a strong pre-draft performance on pro day, reportedly hitting on almost every throw.
• Wide receiver Andrew Brewer recorded a 4.60 in the 40, a 39-inch vertical leap, a 10-foot broad jump and a short shuttle run of 4.08 seconds.

This isn't how Illinois defensive end Doug Pilcher envisioned his final collegiate game taking place.

For starters, Pilcher, like the rest of his Fighting Illini teammates, entered the season fully expecting to play beyond Saturday's contest against Fresno State (Big Ten Network, 12:30 p.m. ET). Illinois had both talent and depth, and was widely projected to end up back in a bowl game after a one-year hiatus.

But nothing went according to plan, and a senior class that has endured an unusual tenure in Champaign will receive its sendoff Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

“The season didn't go as well as we'd hoped," said Pilcher, who ranks second on the team in both sacks (3.5) and tackles for loss (7.5). "We had high expectations. But you can’t really change it. It is what it is. Right now, we just focus on Fresno State and working hard to get that win. We want to go out with a bang."

The fourth-year seniors were part of head coach Ron Zook's first full recruiting class to Illinois. Juice Williams, a raw but talented quarterback from Chicago, headlined the group, along with other heralded prospects like Vontae Davis, Chris Duvalt, Chris James and Jeff Cumberland.

Illinois fourth-year and fifth-year seniors were part of the team's surprise Rose Bowl run in 2007. They also have experienced plenty of losing. Remove the 2007 season, and Illinois has gone 12-34 since Zook's arrival.

"They've done an awful lot of good things and an awful lot of bad things," Zook said this week. "One thing this class has done is show us where we can be and where we need to get back to. When they came here, it wasn't necessarily the popular thing to do, so I have a special place in my heart for that. As I told our football team after the [Cincinnati] game, they basically recruited everybody in this room.

"We owe it to them to do everything in our power as a football team and as a coaching staff to do everything we can do to win this game."

Zook recited the play-every-play-like-it's-your-last cliché during a team meeting Monday, but he further explained his point.

"Why do you think you talk about playing every play like it's your last play?" Zook said. "Because eventually it's going to be, and as I said, for some of these guys this is it. You will never play football again. ... The only thing they're guaranteed is one more game."

Though Illinois is playing strictly for pride Saturday, Pilcher doesn't expect any letdown. Fresno State boasts the nation's leading rusher in junior Ryan Matthews (149.1 ypg), who is cleared to play after missing the Bulldogs' last two games with a concussion.

"It’s always great to compete against the best," Pilcher said. "Everyone's fired up to play. It's important for us to get this win and send the underclassmen out on a high note."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A few Big Ten nuggets on the last afternoon before the season kicks off:

• Michigan starting running back Brandon Minor remains hobbled by an ankle injury and could sit out Saturday's opener against Western Michigan. Minor was limited in Wednesday's practice. "We're concerned whether he can go Saturday," Rodriguez said. "We're hoping he can. I guess the next two days will determine that." Fellow senior Carlos Brown would start if Minor can't go. My take: Minor plays Saturday, without a doubt.
• Rodriguez won't publicly name his starting quarterback before the game, though freshman Tate Forcier reportedly took snaps with the first-team offense Wednesday.
• Illinois couldn't keep Kyle Prater at home, as the standout wide receiver committed to USC on Wednesday. Despite losing Jeff Cumberland and possibly Arrelious Benn after the season, the Illini look pretty solid at wide receiver for the future, though the talented Prater would have been an excellent addition.
• Former Iowa head coach Hayden Fry will serve as an honorary captain for the Hawkeyes' season opener Saturday against Northern Iowa. Fry will accompany Iowa's captains to midfield for the pregame coin flip and be with the team in the locker room and on the sideline.
• Former Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr isn't commenting on the mess in Ann Arbor, while Michigan has reportedly hired Gene Marsh, the former chairman of the NCAA's Infractions Committee, to assist in the investigation of NCAA rule violations by the football program.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Ron Zook is entering his fifth season at Illinois, but the coach simply can't get away from his ties to Florida.

Florida head coach Urban Meyer opened fire on his predecessor Friday, saying he inherited a program where freshmen were regularly mistreated by older players and exiled in a violent locker room. Meyer's response came after The Orlando Sentinel's Jeremy Fowler asked him how he treats fighting between players after an alleged incident at Miami that left Hurricanes defensive end Adewale Ojomo with a broken jaw.

The question had no mention of Zook or the previous regime, but Meyer, who never mentioned Zook by name, launched into this attack.

"When we first got here five years ago they had freshmen in a separate locker room and it was a bunch of tin lockers over there and they weren't allowed to walk [into the regular locker room]," Meyer told reporters Friday. "Think about this for a minute: this is a big-time college football program and we had some fights because they treat their freshman like they were non-people.

"'Don't walk through here, we'll kick your tail, we'll shave your eyebrows.' It took us awhile to break that great culture we had here. That was tremendous. You don't win many games, but you beat up freshman and shave eyebrows. Absolutely unbelievable."

Oh, wait, there's more.

"It's called a team, not some silly nonsense. That was five years ago, let's go beat up freshmen. Let's get our brains kicked in against our rival, but let's go beat up a freshman."

Zook issued the following statement Friday night in response to Meyer's comments.

"I was surprised to see that, once again, five years later, we're blamed for
something else at Florida. But by now I guess I shouldn't be. This one was
most disappointing because it implies we didn't look out for our players.
From someone who wasn't there at the time. I can assure you I've never, ever
been accused of that. I thought I was too much of a players' coach.

"The implication is incorrect -- there is no place for hazing in college
football and we've put a stop to that if we've ever seen it. I applaud
Florida for fostering what they say is a wonderful family atmosphere. I
would invite anyone to talk to any of our players here at Illinois and,
although we don't look for media opportunities to brag about it, it is a
wonderful family atmosphere."

Wow. Reading this exchange, I know what my colleague Chris Low goes through on a daily basis.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Best case/worst case is the fabulous brainchild of Pac-10 blogger Ted Miller, and I'm swiping the idea for the Big Ten. Here's the first in a series exploring the best and worst outcomes, within reason, for each Big Ten squad.

Illinois is a suitable place to start because the Fighting Illini always seem to be a team of extremes.

BEST CASE

The team jells and makes Jell-O out of opposing defenses.

Juice Williams performs like the Big Ten's most experienced quarterbacks and continues to break stadium records without the mistakes that plagued him late last fall. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn adds touchdown catches to his already impressive résumé and headlines one of the nation's best receiving corps with Florida transfer Jarred Fayson and Jeff Cumberland, who breaks an opposing cornerback's jaw with a stiff arm. The running game resurfaces. A focused Martez Wilson finally fulfills his potential and earns first-team All-Big Ten honors as the team's middle linebacker, and the defense works out its issues against the run and finds the next Vontae Davis in cornerback Tavon Wilson.

Illinois starts things off by finally beating Missouri. Williams breaks his own total offense record in the Edward Jones Dome and makes pulp out of Tigers linebacker Sean Weatherspoon. The Illini hang 50 on Mizzou and enter Big Ten play riding high. Can't see the Illini winning in Columbus again, but Benn and Fayson exploit a young Penn State secondary in Week 4.

The upset of Penn State sparks a winning streak, as Illinois' offense overwhelms Michigan State and steamrolls Indiana and Purdue. The Illini enter the top 20 as they welcome nemesis Michigan to Memorial Stadium on Halloween. Tez Wilson destroys Michigan's young quarterbacks and Williams picks apart the secondary for a big win. Illini fans hold an orange-out in the stadium and pack the place.

Illinois stumbles once more before the finish, most likely against Cincinnati the day after Thanksgiving, but the team rebounds to beat Fresno State and finish 10-2. Head coach Ron Zook answers his critics by maximizing his talent, and the team sees a major drop in off-field incidents. Zook gets more revenge in the Capital One Bowl when Illinois beats a Florida team that falls way short of expectations. Illinois finishes No. 12 in the final polls. Despite winning the Biletnikoff Award, Benn decides he loves Champaign too much and shocks everyone by staying for his senior season.

WORST CASE

The inconsistency that has plagued the program throughout its history surfaces again, and the team fragments.

Williams puts up big numbers but throws more interceptions than touchdowns. Opposing defenses constantly double-team Benn and keep him out of the end zone, allowing their front four to shut down Jason Ford and the rushing attack. Wilson too often gets out of position at middle linebacker, and an iffy defensive line generates no pass rush and struggles against the run for the second straight season. Special teams continue to hurt Illinois and opponents constantly capitalize on favorable field position.

Missouri beats the Illini in yet another St. Louis shootout, setting the tone for a shaky season. Weatherspoon twice intercepts Williams and then downs a carton of orange juice on the field after the game. Illinois then begins Big Ten play with three consecutive losses against upper-tier teams, dropping the team to 1-4 and turning up the heat on Zook. After handling the Indiana schools on the road, Illinois falls to Michigan for the ninth consecutive time at Memorial Stadium.

Needing a strong finish to reach the postseason, Illinois fails to win consecutive games, something it did just once last season. A 2-2 split down the stretch leaves the Illini at 5-7 for the second consecutive season. Rival Iowa wins the Big Ten. Zook energizes his critics who say he's simply a recruiter, and he enters 2010 on the hot seat. Benn goes bye bye.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Your weekend wrap-up. 

• Linebacker U. is down one promising 'backer as reserve Michael Mauti suffered a knee injury in a scrimmage, Dan DiBacco writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
  
• Minnesota needs a No. 2 wide receiver behind Eric Decker and has plenty of options, Kent Youngblood writes in the Star Tribune. 
• Freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper are ready to contend for Michigan State's top running back job, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. 
• Jewel Hampton and Bryan Bulaga sat out Iowa's scrimmage Saturday, but head coach Kirk Ferentz says not to worry, Don Doxsie writes in the Quad-City Times. Hampton's absence might stir some anxiety in Hawkeye nation, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
  
• Ohio State knows Terrelle Pryor can run, but protecting the quarterback must be the Buckeyes' top option this fall, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.   
• Check out which Big Ten team wins "The Eliminator."
  
• Freshman Tate Forcier has stood out so far in Michigan's quarterback competition, Mark Synder writes in the Detroit Free Press.
  
• Jeff Cumberland shines in Illinois' scrimmage, while quarterback Juice Williams wants to get rid of his "red dress," Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette. Linebacker Martez Wilson relishes his second chance in life, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.
  
• Jaycen Taylor still needs to prove himself in contact drills, but he's definitely in the mix for Purdue's starting running back job, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

RANTOUL, Ill. -- We saw a little bit of everything during Illinois' practice Tuesday afternoon.

There was sunshine, and there was rain with drops the size of quarters (not joking). There was an appearance by Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo. And I saw Juice Williams' little daughter, LaChez, steering a golf cart with the help of her mother. Very cute and slightly scary.

Oh, yeah, and there were a ton of long passes thrown.

Before I head back to Chicago, a few observations from Illinois' practice:

• As I expected, this wide receiving corps is absolutely stacked. I don't see another group in the Big Ten that comes close in terms of talent and especially depth. Arrelious Benn made his share of plays and so did Jarred Fayson, but I was most impressed by the number of guys making tough catches. Big man Jeff Cumberland caught several downfield bombs, and Chris James, Cordale Scott, Terry Hawthorne and Chris Duvalt all made nice grabs.
  
• It wasn't all good for the passing attack, as the defensive backs made their presence known. Safety Bo Flowers picked off Williams and safety Garrett Edwards squeezed an Eddie McGee pass. Cornerback Miami Thomas, who doesn't lack confidence, had two picks, bringing his camp total to five. Thomas told me he expects to have 10 picks by the end of camp.
  
• Illinois is lining up with two tight ends a lot more this summer than last year. Senior Michael Hoomanawanui is the starter, but Hubie Graham and Zach Becker are both on the field for a lot of snaps.
  
• Sophomore running back Jason Ford took most of the reps with the first-team offense, though senior Daniel Dufrene and sophomore Mikel LeShoure are both in the mix for the top job. Ford picked up a huge gain on a screen pass from McGee, thanks to a nice block from Fayson. He also was dropped for a loss by safety Supo Sanni.
  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The preseason position rankings march on with the wide receivers and tight ends.

The Big Ten wasn't known for its air show last year, as only Illinois ranked among the top 25 nationally in pass offense. But most would agree the league boasts two of the nation's elite wide receivers in Illinois' Arrelious Benn and Minnesota's Eric Decker, as well as a good crop of tight ends led by Wisconsin's Garrett Graham. The overall landscape at wideout/tight end should improve this fall.

1. Illinois -- An easy choice for the top spot as Illinois boasts by far the league's best crop of wide receivers. Benn aims for a second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season and hopes to increase his touchdowns total. Florida transfer Jarred Fayson enters the mix and should make a major impact along with Jeff Cumberland. Senior tight end Michael Hoomanawanui is one of the league's more underrated players.

2. Minnesota -- Decker certainly headlines the group and will finish his career as arguably the most decorated wide receiver in team history. But he's not alone. Junior college stud Hayo Carpenter arrives and will play alongside Brandon Green, Ben Kuznia, Da'Jon McKnight and Troy Stoudermire, who should play a much bigger role in the passing game after working more at receiver this spring.

3. Michigan State -- The Spartans return virtually everyone from a receiving corps that had some decent moments last fall. Blair White and Mark Dell both have All-Big Ten potential, and the team will look for more production from Keshawn Martin and B.J. Cunningham. The real story here is the depth at tight end. No Big Ten team boasts more as Charlie Gantt and Clemson transfer Brian Linthicum lead the way.

4. Wisconsin -- Much like Michigan State, Wisconsin brings back the core from a group that endured ups and downs in 2008. Graham enters the fall as the Big Ten's premier tight end and has Lance Kendricks and Mickey Turner behind him. The improvement at wide receiver should be the biggest difference for Wisconsin. Nick Toon could be a star this fall, and Kyle Jefferson, Isaac Anderson and David Gilreath all return. 

5.  Ohio State -- The Brians (Robiskie and Hartline) are gone, but Ohio State could be more explosive at wide receiver this season. Though Ray Small's academic situation creates some uneasiness, DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher form a nice 1-2 punch. Ohio State should be better at the tight end position with the Jakes (Ballard and Stoneburner).

6. Michigan -- This group didn't have much of a chance to shine last fall, but things should be different in 2009. The big-play potential is there with Martavious Odoms, Greg Mathews and Darryl Stonum, and redshirt freshman Roy Roundtree had a solid spring. Tight end Kevin Koger could be a very effective weapon if Michigan throws to him more. 

7. Iowa -- There are some question marks here, namely Tony Moeaki's health and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos' practice performance, but it wouldn't surprise me if Iowa climbed the list. Moeaki could bring a huge spark at tight end after the loss of Brandon Myers. Johnson-Koulianos will be motivated after his depth-chart demotion, and converted quarterback Marvin McNutt has impressed the coaches.  

8. Penn State -- I'm sure I'll hear it from Nittany Nation (as I usually do), but the loss of three multiyear starters takes a pretty big toll. It wouldn't shock me one bit if Derek Moye, Graham Zug, Brett Brackett and Chaz Powell don't miss a beat, but I need to see them excel in more featured roles. Tight end Andrew Quarless has tons of talent but needs to put it all together this fall.

9. Purdue -- The Boilers usually find a way to succeed at wide receiver, but they lose a lot in Greg Orton, Desmond Tardy and running back Kory Sheets, an excellent pass-catcher. Keith Smith steps into the No. 1 spot after recording 49 receptions last fall, but he'll need help from Aaron Valentin, converted cornerback Royce Adams and junior college import Keith Carlos. Purdue should be much better at tight end as Kyle Adams returns. 

10. Northwestern -- The program needs to prove it can reload after losing three multiyear starters (Eric Peterman, Ross Lane, Rasheed Ward). Northwestern has had high hopes for converted quarterback Andrew Brewer, but he's struggled to stay healthy. The Wildcats will lean on Brewer, junior Sidney Stewart and sophomore Jeremy Ebert, who performed well last fall. The superback position might finally be featured as Drake Dunsmore returns from a knee injury.

11. Indiana -- Last year's leading receiver (Ray Fisher) likely will start at cornerback, while the man expected to be the No. 1 (Kellen Lewis) was dismissed after spring ball. There are some major questions here, but you've got to like Indiana's young wideouts Damarlo Belcher and Tandon Doss. Sophomore tight end Max Dedmond could be a player to watch this fall.  

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Three predictions for each Big Ten team in 2009, starting with Illinois.

1. Arrelious Benn will double his career touchdown receptions total and then bolt for the NFL -- Benn's lack of touchdown receptions mystifies even him, but the odd trend will change this season. Illinois boasts the Big Ten's best receiving corps, and opponents will be unable to double-team Benn as much as they'd like. Jarred Fayson, Jeff Cumberland and others will open up more opportunities for Benn in the red zone. He'll catch 10-12 touchdown passes and then surprise no one by entering the NFL draft.

2. The Illini will finally beat Missouri -- After dropping four straight in the series, Illinois breaks through this fall behind a superior offense. Missouri's offense has lost key pieces like Chase Daniel, Jeremy Maclin and Chase Coffman, while Illinois returns all of the key pieces around quarterback Juice Williams. Not surprisingly, the game will feature plenty of points, but the Illini prevail in the Edward Jones Dome.

3. Martez masters the middle, but the defense will take time to jell -- Martez Wilson's move to middle linebacker should be a catalyst to get consistent production out of the supremely talented junior. After a rough 2008 season both on and off the field, Wilson will show increased maturity and take a leadership role on defense. But without Brit Miller, Vontae Davis, Derek Walker, Will Davis and others, the unit will struggle early on, much like it did last season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

A few questions and answers before the weekend.

Donny from Decatur, Ill., writes: I've been hearing a lot of the hype surrounding this years Illinios receivers, everything from "Maybe the best in the country", "best in the Big Ten". Maybe it's because I am in Illinois. But I am excited to go see these guys in action this year. What are your thoughts on them this year? Do you think they will live up to the hype? WithBenn, Cumberland, Sykes, Jenkins, Duvalt, James, and TE Hoomanawanui and Newcomers/Red shirts etc. Fayson, Ramsey, Scottand Hawthorne the Illini look to have a very solid group for a few years to come. Also Juice has gotten better with every year he has played. What do you truly expect from these guys this year?

Adam Rittenberg: Well, since I've been writing some of those things myself, I'd say my opinion is pretty high of Illinois' group. As an Illini fan, you have the right to get very excited about these wideouts. Arrelious Benn will contend for All-America honors this fall, and Illinois could have a legit No. 2 receiver to complement Benn in Jarred Fayson. I never thought Jeff Cumberland could truly be a No. 2, and now he won't have to be. But all those weapons you list easily make Illinois the best receiving corps in the Big Ten. If Juice Williams gets time to throw, look out.

---

Brian from Dayton, Ohio, writes: Could you explain why OSU has only 16 scholarships available (I think) but they lost 33 players from last year?

Adam Rittenberg: Ohio State signed a fairly large class in February (25 recruits), which accounted for most of the graduation losses. The Buckeyes also boast a pretty sizable junior class, which includes true juniors like Brandon Saine, redshirt juniors like Thad Gibson and even transfers like Justin Boren (Michigan). You always have to factor in the number of redshirted players and the number of fifth-year seniors when calculating how big or small a recruiting class will be.

---

Derek from New Jersey writes: I saw you posted a lunch-link about Minnesota's new stadium. I also watched a video about it. I was just wondering, from somebody who has been there, what your thoughts on it were. Is it built up (ie: Beaver Stadium) or out (Michigan Stadium)? Do you know where the student section will be in the horshoe stadium, or how many seats will be blocked off for them? Any neat novelties worth mentioning? It's not often a college team gets an all new stadium. Thanks for any extra insight!

Adam Rittenberg: TCF Bank Stadium breaks the traditional mold of most Big Ten football facilities. For starters, it is located in a major metropolitan area, which will be a big part in the atmosphere surrounding the stadium. Fans in the upper deck and suites will get a great view of downtown Minneapolis. It definitely doesn't compare with any of the huge Big Ten facilities in terms of size, though it could expand to 80,000 seats if Minnesota chooses to add another deck. The student section will be in the east (non-open) end of the horseshoe, near the Gophers' tunnel. As far as novelties, the massive scoreboard in the open end will be pretty cool. Fans also will be able to see the field while walking along the main concourse. There isn't much excess space on the field footprint, so fans will be very close to the action. Overall, it should be a great venue, and I love the fact that Minnesota didn't build something too big to start off. For more, check out my tour of the facility back in November.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

There are some positions on the depth chart that make Big Ten coaches cringe. There are other spots that make them smile and nod their heads.

Let's take a look at several fully loaded positions in the Big Ten.

Ohio State's defensive line: There is talk the Buckeyes' front four could be the best since the 2002 national championship squad. Ohio State is stacked at defensive end with All-Big Ten candidate Thaddeus Gibson, Cameron Heyward and Lawrence Wilson, who can be effective if healthy. Tackle Doug Worthington brings a ton of experience to the interior line, and Dexter Larimore and Todd Denlinger add depth there.

Iowa's offensive line: This group is well on its way to restoring the tradition established during the early part of coach Kirk Ferentz's tenure. Iowa boasts the league's top tackles tandem in Bryan Bulaga and Kyle Calloway, and there are a host of experienced interior linemen. Julian Vandervelde developed nicely in 2008, and Andy Kuempel, Rafael Eubanks and Dan Doering all are solid options at guard. The emergence of oft-injured Dace Richardson this spring adds another body to the mix. Aside from the center spot, Iowa looks extremely solid up front.

Michigan State's secondary: Despite losing All-Big Ten safety Otis Wiley, Michigan State should be even stronger in the back half. Three starters return in the secondary, including corners Chris L. Rucker and Ross Weaver. Michigan State boasts depth with corners Jeremy Ware and Johnny Adams and safeties Kendell Davis-Clark and Marcus Hyde. And the breakout performance of the spring came from another safety, Trenton Robinson, who certainly will see playing time this season.

Penn State's linebackers: Linebacker U. is back in 2009. Penn State boasts one of the nation's top linebacker tandems in Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman, both of whom will contend for All-America honors. And it doesn't stop there, as sophomore Michael Mauti is poised for a big year on the outside. Penn State also boasts veteran depth with Josh Hull, Chris Colasanti and Bani Gbadyu.

Illinois' wide receivers: Juice Williams will have no shortage of options in the passing game this fall. All-America candidate Arrelious Benn leads the Big Ten's deepest receiving corps, which features Jeff Cumberland, Chris Duvalt, A.J. Jenkins, Cordale Scott and Jack Ramsey. Florida transfer Jarred Fayson worked his way into a starting spot this spring and will draw opposing defenders away from Benn.

Michigan's running backs: Whoever wins the starting quarterback job in Ann Arbor will have plenty of help in the backfield. Hopes are extremely high for senior Brandon Minor, who finished strong last season despite battling several injuries, including one to his right (ball-carrying) wrist. Backing up Minor will be Carlos Brown and Michael Shaw, both of whom will be more accustomed to Rich Rodriguez's offense. Bite-size back Vincent Smith emerged this spring to provide another option with breakaway speed.

Northwestern's secondary: One of the league's weakest units a few years ago has transformed into a major strength for the Wildcats. All four starters return from 2008, and safety Brad Phillips and cornerback Sherrick McManis are strong candidates for All-Big Ten honors. Safety Brendan Smith and cornerback Jordan Mabin both are natural playmakers, and Northwestern boasts depth in players like Brian Peters, Justan Vaughn and David Arnold.

Wisconsin's H-backs/tight ends: Travis Beckum's star-crossed senior season opened opportunities for other players in 2008, and the result is a multitude of options at tight end for 2009. Mackey Award candidate Garrett Graham leads the way at the H-back spot, and senior Mickey Turner and junior Lance Kendricks provide reliable options in the passing game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Illinois Fighting Illini 2008 overall record: 5-7 2008 conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 8; Defense: 6; Special teams: 2 Top returners QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn, TE Michael Hoomanawanui, WR Chris Duvalt, WR Jeff Cumberland, LB Martez Wilson, DT Cory Liuget, K Matt Eller Key losses LT Xavier Fulton, C Ryan McDonald, LB Brit Miller, DE Will Davis, DE Derek Walker, CB Vontae Davis, LB Rodney Pittman 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Juice Williams* (719 yds) Passing: Juice Williams* (3,173 yds) Receiving: Arrelious Benn* (1,055 yds) Tackles: Brit Miller (132) Sacks: Brit Miller and Derek Walker (6) Interceptions: Vontae Davis (2) 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Missouri (at St. Louis) Sept. 12 Illinois State Sept. 19 BYE Sept. 26 at Ohio State Oct. 3 Penn State Oct. 10 Michigan State Oct. 17 at Indiana Oct. 24 at Purdue Oct. 31 Michigan Nov. 7 at Minnesota Nov. 14 Northwestern Nov. 21 BYE Nov. 27 at Cincinnati Dec. 5 Fresno State Spring answers 1. Running men -- Illinois can feel optimistic about its ground game after the development of sophomore running backs Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure this spring. Both players markedly improved their physical conditioning and combined for 93 rush yards on 17 carries in the spring game. They should take the running load off of Juice Williams this season. 2. Man in the middle -- Martez Wilson moved to middle linebacker and could be on the brink of reaching the lofty expectations set for him when he arrived from Chicago's Simeon High School. Wilson adjusted well to the defense's premier position after an up-and-down sophomore season. He also has fully recovered after being stabbed outside a bar in December. 3. Receiver rotation -- The Illini could have the Big Ten's best receiving corps next fall -- by far. Everyone knows about first-team All-Big Ten performer Arrelious Benn, but Illinois boasts depth with Jeff Cumberland, Chris Duvalt and others. The team also adds a big piece in Florida transfer Jarred Fayson, who was practicing with the first-team offense this spring before sustaining a foot injury. Fall questions 1. Line limbo -- Illinois loses three starters from the defensive line and needs to identify a capable pass-rusher after losing its top four sacks leaders from 2008. The tackle spot should be solid with Corey Liuget, Josh Brent and Sirod Williams, who returns from a torn ACL, but there is some doubt at defensive end. Jerry Brown dominated in the spring game, but he must clear some academic hurdles before the fall. 2. Run stoppers -- The Illini really struggled against the run last season and lose top tackler Brit Miller, an All-Big Ten linebacker. They need more help from the back seven, particularly Wilson and safety Donsay Hardeman, who sat out spring drills because of a neck injury. 3. Cornerback -- NFL first-round draft pick Vontae Davis leaves a hole at cornerback, and Illinois will be looking for a top cover man in preseason camp. Tavon Wilson could very well step into Davis' spot, and the sophomore had a nice spring. Davis was not only a playmaker against the ball but a capable tackler, finishing second on the team with 78 stops last year.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Minutes after bulldozing cornerback Patrick Nixon-Youman for a first down during an Illinois practice this spring, Mikel LeShoure recited a line all young running backs should remember.

	AP Photo/Carlos Osorio
	Jason Ford led the Illini with eight rushing touchdowns a season ago.

"Sometimes you've got to dish the hits before you can take them," he said.

Last year, LeShoure and Fighting Illini teammate Jason Ford weren't fully equipped to absorb the punishment or make opposing defenders pay. Both backs played as true freshmen and enjoyed some success, as Ford led the team with eight rushing touchdowns and LeShoure added 126 rush yards and a touchdown in nine games.

But like many freshmen, both Ford and LeShoure didn't have Big Ten bodies. They were the right size -- Ford at 6-foot, 220 pounds; LeShoure at 6-foot, 240 pounds -- but the wrong shape.

"I came in out of shape," Ford said. "I really didn't lift weights in high school because we didn't really have a weight program, so everything was kind of new to me."

A winter in the weight room has paid off for both Ford and LeShoure, who, along with senior Daniel Dufrene and sophomore Troy Pollard, are in the mix for Illinois' starting running back spot in 2009.

Ford and LeShoure got most of the work in Illinois' spring game Saturday, combining for 93 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries (5.5 yards per carry).

Ford remains around the same weight as he played at last season -- he played this spring at 222 pounds, with the hope of getting down to 220 -- but he reduced his body fat from 8.9 percent last fall to 5.9 percent in the spring. Now sturdier than stockier, Ford's size comes in handy in the red zone, where he does most of his damage.

"I feel a lot stronger, a lot quicker, a lot faster," he said. "I'm in better shape than I was last year. Last year, I got kind of winded sometimes, but this year, I feel pretty good."

	University of Illinois/Getty Images
	Mikel LeShoure has lost 13 or 14 pounds and 3 to 4 percent of his body fat since last summer.

LeShoure has lost 13 or 14 pounds and 3 to 4 percent of his body fat since last summer. Part of the weight loss came after he sustained a broken jaw in early November after an altercation with a teammate, reported to be wide receiver Jeff Cumberland.

With his jaw wired shut for six weeks, LeShoure couldn't eat normally and dropped in weight. And even after his jaw healed, he worked to keep the weight off. LeShoure now checks in between 220 to 225 pounds.

"When I got back, I didn't want to just rush and add food and stuff," he said. "I just kept my body the way it was, and it paid off. I feel a lot quicker on my feet, knees feel a little higher."

LeShoure feels comfortable with his current size, while Ford is "pretty close" to his goal weight.

"The weight room doesn't just happen," Illinois head coach Ron Zook explained. "It takes time for your body to change."

Illinois slipped to fifth in the Big Ten in rushing offense last fall after leading the league in each of the past two seasons. Expectations have been boosted for the backs this fall, and LeShoure doesn't shy away from pressure.

For starters, he wears No. 5 for the Illini, the same jersey donned by former Illini star running back Rashard Mendenhall in 2007. LeShoure decided to keep his high school number despite Mendenhall's recent success.

"You can think of it like [pressure], but also it's a challenge, too," he said. "It pushes you to get better."

Both LeShoure and Ford accepted the challenge in the offseason.

"We feel like what we did last year was not our potential," LeShoure said. "We're going to set the bar higher."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Last season, Illinois fans got a taste of good Juice (total offense records in three stadiums, including the Big House) and bad Juice (nine interceptions in the last five games).

Those in attendance Wednesday at a blustery Memorial Stadium for Illinois' full-pads scrimmage saw both sides of Juice Williams but left with a slightly sour taste about the Illini senior quarterback.

Williams looked solid in 7-on-7 red zone drills, firing touchdowns to Jeff Cumberland and dynamic Florida transfer Jarred Fayson. But Williams threw at least four interceptions, two of which went to cornerback Travon Bellamy, who appeared to injure his neck after making a pick in the end zone. Walk-on cornerback Nattiel Perkins also picked off a Williams pass.

"We got the best of him out there," cornerback Tavon Wilson said with a smile. "We compete like that every day, though."

Illini fans shouldn't be too concerned about Williams, who has loads of experience and a ton of weapons at his disposal. But seeing that limiting turnovers was one of head coach Ron Zook's top two goals for spring ball -- limiting big plays on defense was the other -- Wednesday's mistakes shouldn't become a habit.

There were several bright spots at the practice, and here are my other observations.

• Illinois' rushing game will be much better in 2009, and Williams shouldn't have to carry such a large load as a runner. Sophomore backs Jason Ford and Mikel LeShoure both performed well in the scrimmage, delivering just as many hits as they took. The physical development of both players is obvious -- more on that in the coming days -- and as bigger backs, they can do some damage this fall. Ford broke free for a big gain late in the scrimmage, and LeShoure rocked Patrick Nixon-Youman after catching a screen pass.
• Ford and LeShoure rotated with both the first- and second-team offense because both Daniel Dufrene and Troy Pollard are banged up. Don't be surprised, though, if the two sophomores are Illinois' primary backs this fall.
• The Illini should have the Big Ten's top wide receiver corps this fall. Even without All-America candidate Arrelious Benn, who had class Wednesday and missed practice, the Illini receivers showed plenty of promise. The 6-5 Cumberland is a huge target, and Fayson already looks like one of Williams' favorite targets.
• Former NFL coaches Jim Haslett and Rick Venturi attended practice for the second straight day. Haslett, the former Saints and Rams coach, will coach the Orlando franchise in the newly formed United Football League. They were in town to see Zook, their former colleague from the New Orleans Saints, and the three spent a lot of time breaking down film.
• Several Illinois coaches raved about Tavon Wilson's progress when we talked earlier in the day, and he didn't disappoint. The sophomore defended a screen well during the red zone portion and rocked LeShoure on a run, eliciting cheers from his fellow defenders.
  
• After playing two years at outside linebacker, junior Martez Wilson worked mainly in the middle on Wednesday. It makes sense since he's by far the team's most experienced linebacker. Wilson, who has recovered from a stabbing incident in December, still looks huge at 6-4 and 240 pounds. He had some good and bad moments during practice but teamed with Rahkeem Smith to drop LeShoure for a loss.
• I was impressed with third-string quarterback Jacob Charest, who made several nice throws to Cordale Scott.
  
• Suspended defensive tackle Josh Brent was at practice, watching from the sideline and hanging out with several recent Illini players, including former defensive lineman David Lindquist. The feeling is that Brent is expected to rejoin the team at some point.
  
• The first-team offense: Williams at quarterback, LeShoure and Ford at running back, wide receiver Cumberland, wide receiver Chris Duvalt, wide receiver Fayson, tight end Hubie Graham, offensive lineman Corey Lewis, offensive lineman Jeff Allen, offensive lineman Eric Block, offensive lineman Jon Asamoah.
• The first-team defense: defensive lineman Rahkeem Smith, defensive lineman Antonio James, defensive lineman Clay Nurse, defensive lineman Corey Liuget, linebacker Martez Wilson, linebacker Russell Ellington, linebacker Ian Thomas, cornerback Tavon Wilson, cornerback Patrick Nixon-Youman, safety Bo Flowers, safety Garrett Edwards.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

It seems like more and more teams are holding offseason competitions to maintain the intensity level during college football's dead period. Illinois recently held its strength and conditioning championship, which took place during eight early morning workout sessions.

Eight teams of players went through eight strength and conditioning stations, including the tire pull and shuttle run. Players went head to head in each competition. Check out video here. Some good stuff.

The team led by co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch won the competition, beating out defensive line coach Keith Gilmore's squad in the final. Safety Nate Bussey and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui finished the competition 8-0, while tackle Jon Asamoah went 7-1.

Disch's team featured Asamoah, Bussey, Randall Hunt, Antonio James, Eddie Viliunas, Evan Frierson, Mikel Leshoure, Jeff Cumberland and Mark Burgess.