Big Ten: Ra\'Shede Hageman
Gophers' Hageman arrested after altercation
May, 10, 2012
May 10
11:45
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Minnesota junior defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman was arrested early Thursday morning for misdemeanor disorderly conduct following an incident at a bar near campus.
Hageman was arrested at 2:39 a.m. and booked into the Hennepin County Jail. He was released after posting $50 bond.
A Minnesota spokesman told ESPN.com that Hageman, 21, was trying to break up a fight at Sally's Bar, when police arrived and began making arrests. No other Gophers players are believed to be involved in the incident. The team is continuing to investigate what happened, but Hageman's status hasn't changed, and any potential discipline will be handled internally, the spokesman said.
Hageman appeared in all 12 games for Minnesota last season, recording 13 tackles, including two sacks, and had a forced fumble. He has a court date May 24.
This doesn't sound like a big deal, and I won't expect Hageman to face major repercussions.
Hageman was arrested at 2:39 a.m. and booked into the Hennepin County Jail. He was released after posting $50 bond.
A Minnesota spokesman told ESPN.com that Hageman, 21, was trying to break up a fight at Sally's Bar, when police arrived and began making arrests. No other Gophers players are believed to be involved in the incident. The team is continuing to investigate what happened, but Hageman's status hasn't changed, and any potential discipline will be handled internally, the spokesman said.
Hageman appeared in all 12 games for Minnesota last season, recording 13 tackles, including two sacks, and had a forced fumble. He has a court date May 24.
This doesn't sound like a big deal, and I won't expect Hageman to face major repercussions.
Big Ten lunchtime links
April, 4, 2012
Apr 4
12:00
PM ET
By
Brian Bennett and
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Actual, meaningful, on-American-soil baseball returns tonight, featuring the defending world champs. Huzzah!
- Michigan State RB Le'Veon Bell responds to the message sent by the coaches. Despite recent wrist surgery, Spartans TE Dion Sims is poised for a big year.
- Michigan CB Blake Countess hopes to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump, while RB Fitzgerald Toussaint is working hard to keep moving forward.
- Penn State's tight ends are speaking a different language in Bill O'Brien's offense. Even without major improvement at quarterback, Penn State has ways in which its offense can get a lot better.
- Landon Feichter's Purdue career has been all about toughness, so it's tough for him to sit out this spring.
- Most Nebraska players are excited about the alternate unis. Colleague Mitch Sherman writes about two Nebraska legacy recruits who took different paths to Lincoln.
- Greg Davis isn't Ken O'Keefe, so that alone means change for the Iowa offense. The Hawkeyes' Torrey Campbell is doing double duty (football and track) this spring.
- One Ohio State fan bought this picture at a Tuesday fundraiser (that's Earle Bruce, John Cooper, Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer spelling O-H-I-O.
- A closer look at Northwestern's offensive line heading into 2012.
- Former Minnesota quarterback Tony Dungy addressed the team at Tuesday's practice. Minnesota DE Ra'Shede Hageman hopes to lead by example.
- Illinois starting CB Terry Hawthorne also will see some time at wide receiver this spring.
- Indiana assistant Kevin Johns is all about the details (subscription required).
Husker Country today, Hawkeye Country tomorrow. Wonder if I'll get stopped at customs.
Nate from Easley, S.C., writes: I really like the idea of a spring scrimmage but, other than injuries, I have one major concern. The current system is slanted towards benefitting those with a good pre-season ranking, so, if voters took the results of a glorified scrimmage into account, wouldn't it further skew the pre-season rankings? (Granted, voters pre-season ranking are already perception-based and not entirely accurate.) Said another way, do you think a scrimmage "Win" would take on more value than player development? Would two highly perceived teams want to to scrimmage if it hurt their stock going into the season?
Adam Rittenberg: Nate, this is a good question. Let me first say I despise preseason rankings. As much fun as is it to see where teams that haven't played games for nine months are subjectively rated in August, it really hurts a sport where there's such limited access to the national title game. My solution is to release the first polls about Oct. 15, but I don't know if it'll ever happen. That said, my hope is that spring scrimmages wouldn't have an overly significant impact on perception. Most teams aren't going to scrimmage their top players for very long, or risk injury to their starting quarterbacks. You can glean a few things about depth, potential breakout players, etc., but how a team performs in these scrimmages wouldn't be a great indicator of how good they'd be in the fall. So my hope is that the perception factor wouldn't be there, and it wouldn't affect whether teams scrimmage or how the polls turn out.
A.J. from Madison, Wis., writes: I agree that Wisconsin needs someone to step up on the defensive line, as well as more speed in general on defense, but I'm not sure I understand the criticism of the lack of receivers. Last year, did the Badgers have anybody we knew about other than Nick Toon? The fact is they almost never run formations with more than two receivers, and I don't think it will be hard to find one player to fill that role between Jeff Duckworth, Kenzel Doe, A.J. Jordan, or anybody else that could potentially step up.
Adam Rittenberg: A.J., I agree that Toon was the big name entering 2011, but Jared Abbrederis also had shown promise after recording 20 receptions in 2010. Wisconsin felt pretty good about Abby, and while some might not have expected him to match Toon's production, he and Toon looked like a solid 1-2 punch. You're right that Wisconsin rarely uses more than three wideouts at once, and with tight end Jacob Pedersen back, along with Abbrederis, the Badgers should be OK. But if either guy gets hurt, I'd be very concerned. Duckworth made a great catch in the Big Ten title game, and he could be that next man in. Yet he and the others have a lot to prove. Mannaseh Garner is another intriguing player. Ideally, Wisconsin wants to be able to go four or five deep at receiver, so it'll have insurance if there are injuries.
Ryan from Lincoln, Neb., writes: In every practice update I read the players talk about the attitude or "swag" this team is carrying with them this spring. Is that something you can sense with them? Also, how big do you think the strides Taylor Martinez has taken actually are? Thanks Adam!
Adam Rittenberg: Definitely, Ryan. I felt Nebraska was a confident team last spring, particularly on defense, but the Huskers' swagger seems to be reaching another level this year. They feel they have greater chemistry and camaraderie now, and it can't hurt that Bo Pelini and his staff have recruited everyone in the program. They also feel they'll be able to execute their schemes a lot better on both sides of the ball. Nebraska talked a lot last season about how different its two-gap defense is from what we see in the Big Ten. But for various reasons, including the first go-round through a new league, the advantages within the scheme didn't surface as often as most folks thought. There's a much greater comfort level on offense, as Nebraska is not only in Year 2 as a Big Ten member, but Year 2 of coordinator Tim Beck's scheme. Spring is always a time to be hopeful and optimistic, and you should want your team to have high expectations. Will Nebraska be projected as a national title contender outside Lincoln? No. But the players and coaches are shooting for that goal, and if a few things fall right, you never know.
Jon from Murfreesboro, Tenn., writes: I'm not an Iowa fan, but if I was, I would be expecting more from the program. With the amount of money Ferentz is getting paid and the minimal success he has had there, I just don't get it. Is there a coach in the Big Ten who is getting paid so handsomely for doing less than Ferentz? In 13 years in Iowa City he's had 4 ten win seasons and 2 conference titles, not exactly killing it. Outsider looking in, it sure seems like Iowa is just throwing cash at him and accept his mediocrity in the hopes that he stays and doesn't bolt for one of NFL jobs his name gets rumored about every year.
Adam Rittenberg: Jon, this is one of the topics I want to address when I'm in Iowa City this week. The thing that jumps out to everyone nationally about Iowa is Ferentz's salary. People acknowledge the wins totals, which are pretty respectable, but wonder why Iowa can't get more despite paying its coach top-10 money. With Iowa, you have to look at the bigger picture. There are some inherent disadvantages there, namely location for recruiting, that will always make it tough to be consistently elite. Iowa has some tradition, but it doesn't have the national allure of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. What Ferentz can sell is the ability to get players to the NFL. The pro personnel evaluators love Iowa, and if you're a good recruit with the potential to get a lot better in college, Iowa isn't a bad place to go. But it's certainly fair to expect more from Ferentz, especially at a time when Wisconsin, a comparable program, has reached back-to-back Rose Bowls. As for the constant NFL buzz, it has worked in Ferentz's favor with the school. But Iowa also doesn't want to become a North Carolina or a Washington State, programs that backslide after losing successful coaches (Mack Brown, Mike Price).
Andrew from Harrisonville, Mo., writes: I love the blog Adam, especially your coverage of the Huskers. And when I was watching your video with Ben Cotton, I noticed how much bigger he was then you. Do you feel small when your in a room full of football players?
Adam Rittenberg: No doubt, Andrew. Clearly bad genetics. It's especially tough with offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and wide receivers. It's why I'll miss guys like Edwin Baker and Jay Valai -- I was at eye-level with them. If your team has a lineman or a tight end who looks about my height on the videos, you might want to get worried.
Chris from Chicago writes: Given the relative depth/speed at linebacker and the trouble developing a consistent pass-rush with the D-line, did you get any indication during your visits to Evanston that Northwestern might be shifting to a 3-4? Seems like it might be well employed there....
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, it's interesting. When Pat Fitzgerald first became head coach, he mentioned several times on record that the 3-4 was the team's future on defense. But the plans have changed, and I don't see the 3-4 on the horizon in Evanston. Although the coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism at the linebacker spot, there aren't many proven players aside from the three returning starters (David Nwabuisi, Damien Proby and Collin Ellis). Although the defensive line has some major question marks after recording a league-low 17 sacks in 2011, I get the sense the coaches like their depth there and expect better things this fall. The fact is Northwestern's linebacker play has dropped off a bit after a nice run in the first part of the last decade. I don't know if this is the time to make a switch to the 3-4.
Goldy Gopher from the Frozen Four writes: Do you see Optimus Prime (Rasheed Hageman) having a breakout season making the Gopher run defense respectable?
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ra'Shede Hageman. How long have we been hearing he's on the verge of stardom? I remember former Minnesota coach Tim Brewster raving about Hageman a few years ago. Perhaps this is the year he turns the corner, and Minnesota could really use a dominant pass-rusher to emerge. He's a specimen at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, and he delivered a big hit at a recent practice, but he has only 18 career tackles in 20 career games. So he's still very much unproven in my eyes. But he's only a redshirt junior, so he has time to make strides, and should be better off in the second year under coordinator Tracy Claeys. Minnesota should be OK at linebacker, but it needs several players to make big strides up front and in the secondary. Hageman could be a building block for the Gophers.
Zac from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Adam, when will ESPN choose the B1G night games?
Adam Rittenberg: It varies each season, Zac, but the primetime schedule usually comes out in late April or early May. Last year, it came out on May 19, a little later than usual. But there's a larger demand for night games now, and the Big Ten is dealing with ABC/ESPN and the Big Ten Network making picks. I'll bug my pal Mark Rudner in the Big Ten office and see if I can get him moving. So many great choices this year!
Bryan from Michigan writes: Adam,What are the odds of Michigan beating Alabama the first game on the year and then going undefeated for the next 11 games and then wining the big ten championship game and then playing for the national title.
Adam Rittenberg: The Alabama game provides an excellent barometer for Michigan. Are the Wolverines on the cusp of being elite again, or were they a good team with a great record in 2011? We should find out a lot at JerryWorld. People can talk all day about the players Alabama has lost, but any time you beat the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, it's a signature win in my book. I regard Saban as by far the best coach in the nation, and the Alabama program as a notch above the rest. Looking for an elite program in a competitive environment? Look at the Tide. So if Michigan can beat Alabama, the sky's the limit, although the Wolverines' road doesn't get easier with trips to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. It'll be tough to go undefeated with this schedule.
Nate from Easley, S.C., writes: I really like the idea of a spring scrimmage but, other than injuries, I have one major concern. The current system is slanted towards benefitting those with a good pre-season ranking, so, if voters took the results of a glorified scrimmage into account, wouldn't it further skew the pre-season rankings? (Granted, voters pre-season ranking are already perception-based and not entirely accurate.) Said another way, do you think a scrimmage "Win" would take on more value than player development? Would two highly perceived teams want to to scrimmage if it hurt their stock going into the season?
Adam Rittenberg: Nate, this is a good question. Let me first say I despise preseason rankings. As much fun as is it to see where teams that haven't played games for nine months are subjectively rated in August, it really hurts a sport where there's such limited access to the national title game. My solution is to release the first polls about Oct. 15, but I don't know if it'll ever happen. That said, my hope is that spring scrimmages wouldn't have an overly significant impact on perception. Most teams aren't going to scrimmage their top players for very long, or risk injury to their starting quarterbacks. You can glean a few things about depth, potential breakout players, etc., but how a team performs in these scrimmages wouldn't be a great indicator of how good they'd be in the fall. So my hope is that the perception factor wouldn't be there, and it wouldn't affect whether teams scrimmage or how the polls turn out.
A.J. from Madison, Wis., writes: I agree that Wisconsin needs someone to step up on the defensive line, as well as more speed in general on defense, but I'm not sure I understand the criticism of the lack of receivers. Last year, did the Badgers have anybody we knew about other than Nick Toon? The fact is they almost never run formations with more than two receivers, and I don't think it will be hard to find one player to fill that role between Jeff Duckworth, Kenzel Doe, A.J. Jordan, or anybody else that could potentially step up.
Adam Rittenberg: A.J., I agree that Toon was the big name entering 2011, but Jared Abbrederis also had shown promise after recording 20 receptions in 2010. Wisconsin felt pretty good about Abby, and while some might not have expected him to match Toon's production, he and Toon looked like a solid 1-2 punch. You're right that Wisconsin rarely uses more than three wideouts at once, and with tight end Jacob Pedersen back, along with Abbrederis, the Badgers should be OK. But if either guy gets hurt, I'd be very concerned. Duckworth made a great catch in the Big Ten title game, and he could be that next man in. Yet he and the others have a lot to prove. Mannaseh Garner is another intriguing player. Ideally, Wisconsin wants to be able to go four or five deep at receiver, so it'll have insurance if there are injuries.
Ryan from Lincoln, Neb., writes: In every practice update I read the players talk about the attitude or "swag" this team is carrying with them this spring. Is that something you can sense with them? Also, how big do you think the strides Taylor Martinez has taken actually are? Thanks Adam!
Adam Rittenberg: Definitely, Ryan. I felt Nebraska was a confident team last spring, particularly on defense, but the Huskers' swagger seems to be reaching another level this year. They feel they have greater chemistry and camaraderie now, and it can't hurt that Bo Pelini and his staff have recruited everyone in the program. They also feel they'll be able to execute their schemes a lot better on both sides of the ball. Nebraska talked a lot last season about how different its two-gap defense is from what we see in the Big Ten. But for various reasons, including the first go-round through a new league, the advantages within the scheme didn't surface as often as most folks thought. There's a much greater comfort level on offense, as Nebraska is not only in Year 2 as a Big Ten member, but Year 2 of coordinator Tim Beck's scheme. Spring is always a time to be hopeful and optimistic, and you should want your team to have high expectations. Will Nebraska be projected as a national title contender outside Lincoln? No. But the players and coaches are shooting for that goal, and if a few things fall right, you never know.
Jon from Murfreesboro, Tenn., writes: I'm not an Iowa fan, but if I was, I would be expecting more from the program. With the amount of money Ferentz is getting paid and the minimal success he has had there, I just don't get it. Is there a coach in the Big Ten who is getting paid so handsomely for doing less than Ferentz? In 13 years in Iowa City he's had 4 ten win seasons and 2 conference titles, not exactly killing it. Outsider looking in, it sure seems like Iowa is just throwing cash at him and accept his mediocrity in the hopes that he stays and doesn't bolt for one of NFL jobs his name gets rumored about every year.
Adam Rittenberg: Jon, this is one of the topics I want to address when I'm in Iowa City this week. The thing that jumps out to everyone nationally about Iowa is Ferentz's salary. People acknowledge the wins totals, which are pretty respectable, but wonder why Iowa can't get more despite paying its coach top-10 money. With Iowa, you have to look at the bigger picture. There are some inherent disadvantages there, namely location for recruiting, that will always make it tough to be consistently elite. Iowa has some tradition, but it doesn't have the national allure of Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska. What Ferentz can sell is the ability to get players to the NFL. The pro personnel evaluators love Iowa, and if you're a good recruit with the potential to get a lot better in college, Iowa isn't a bad place to go. But it's certainly fair to expect more from Ferentz, especially at a time when Wisconsin, a comparable program, has reached back-to-back Rose Bowls. As for the constant NFL buzz, it has worked in Ferentz's favor with the school. But Iowa also doesn't want to become a North Carolina or a Washington State, programs that backslide after losing successful coaches (Mack Brown, Mike Price).
Andrew from Harrisonville, Mo., writes: I love the blog Adam, especially your coverage of the Huskers. And when I was watching your video with Ben Cotton, I noticed how much bigger he was then you. Do you feel small when your in a room full of football players?
Adam Rittenberg: No doubt, Andrew. Clearly bad genetics. It's especially tough with offensive linemen, defensive linemen, tight ends and wide receivers. It's why I'll miss guys like Edwin Baker and Jay Valai -- I was at eye-level with them. If your team has a lineman or a tight end who looks about my height on the videos, you might want to get worried.
Chris from Chicago writes: Given the relative depth/speed at linebacker and the trouble developing a consistent pass-rush with the D-line, did you get any indication during your visits to Evanston that Northwestern might be shifting to a 3-4? Seems like it might be well employed there....
Adam Rittenberg: Chris, it's interesting. When Pat Fitzgerald first became head coach, he mentioned several times on record that the 3-4 was the team's future on defense. But the plans have changed, and I don't see the 3-4 on the horizon in Evanston. Although the coaches feel they've upgraded the athleticism at the linebacker spot, there aren't many proven players aside from the three returning starters (David Nwabuisi, Damien Proby and Collin Ellis). Although the defensive line has some major question marks after recording a league-low 17 sacks in 2011, I get the sense the coaches like their depth there and expect better things this fall. The fact is Northwestern's linebacker play has dropped off a bit after a nice run in the first part of the last decade. I don't know if this is the time to make a switch to the 3-4.
Goldy Gopher from the Frozen Four writes: Do you see Optimus Prime (Rasheed Hageman) having a breakout season making the Gopher run defense respectable?
Adam Rittenberg: Ah, Ra'Shede Hageman. How long have we been hearing he's on the verge of stardom? I remember former Minnesota coach Tim Brewster raving about Hageman a few years ago. Perhaps this is the year he turns the corner, and Minnesota could really use a dominant pass-rusher to emerge. He's a specimen at 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, and he delivered a big hit at a recent practice, but he has only 18 career tackles in 20 career games. So he's still very much unproven in my eyes. But he's only a redshirt junior, so he has time to make strides, and should be better off in the second year under coordinator Tracy Claeys. Minnesota should be OK at linebacker, but it needs several players to make big strides up front and in the secondary. Hageman could be a building block for the Gophers.
Zac from Ann Arbor, Mich., writes: Adam, when will ESPN choose the B1G night games?
Adam Rittenberg: It varies each season, Zac, but the primetime schedule usually comes out in late April or early May. Last year, it came out on May 19, a little later than usual. But there's a larger demand for night games now, and the Big Ten is dealing with ABC/ESPN and the Big Ten Network making picks. I'll bug my pal Mark Rudner in the Big Ten office and see if I can get him moving. So many great choices this year!
Bryan from Michigan writes: Adam,What are the odds of Michigan beating Alabama the first game on the year and then going undefeated for the next 11 games and then wining the big ten championship game and then playing for the national title.
Adam Rittenberg: The Alabama game provides an excellent barometer for Michigan. Are the Wolverines on the cusp of being elite again, or were they a good team with a great record in 2011? We should find out a lot at JerryWorld. People can talk all day about the players Alabama has lost, but any time you beat the Crimson Tide under Nick Saban, it's a signature win in my book. I regard Saban as by far the best coach in the nation, and the Alabama program as a notch above the rest. Looking for an elite program in a competitive environment? Look at the Tide. So if Michigan can beat Alabama, the sky's the limit, although the Wolverines' road doesn't get easier with trips to Notre Dame, Nebraska and Ohio State. It'll be tough to go undefeated with this schedule.
Thank God for game week.
- A few storylines for the Illinois-Arkansas State game. Five questions facing the Illini this season.
- Damarlo Belcher has his sights set on breaking Indiana's all-time receiving records. Will Kevin Wilson be the one who saves Hoosier football?
- Riley Reiff is getting a lot of preseason love, but the Iowa tackle says he only cares about winning games. The Hawkeyes got a second recruit in this class from a Detroit high school. Iowa could do some damage in the Big Ten after a tough offseason.
- Brady Hoke has a one-year plan for turning Michigan back into a power, but is it realistic? A sense of cohesion should help the Wolverines' offensive line.
- Michigan State could be improved this year, but it might not show up in the team's record. Kirk Cousins' drive and leadership skills are traits that developed long ago.
- Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman was once one of the nation's top prep tight ends. Now he's battling for playing time on the Gophers' defense.
- Nebraska could be seriously young on the offensive line this year. It should be fun to get to know new Huskers offensive coordinator Tim Beck and his creative process. Linebacker Sean Fisher tries to keep his 6-foot-6 body under control, like he does most other facets of his life.
- In the big picture, Northwestern is in great shape. But what about this season for the Wildcats?
- Ohio State doesn't have a lot of starters back in the secondary, but it has some young defensive backs who played under pressure last year. History suggests an 8-4 type season for the Buckeyes, but take it with a grain of salt. Ohio State's offense will look the same, just without the familiar face leading it. You shouldn't count the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten race.
- Penn State fans should lower their expectations, Bob Flounders writes. New Nittany Lions middle linebacker Glenn Carson relishes the big hits. Speaking of linebackers, Michael Mauti should be the next star at Linebacker U.
- Caleb TerBush was officially named Purdue's starting quarterback. Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers should help the Boilers produce more in the running game.
- Wisconsin's toughest opponent this year might be complacency. Russell Wilson can run but is always looking to pass first.
- The Detroit Free Press unveils its preseason All-Big Ten team.
- Coaches dish on their Big Ten rivals to Athlon.
You're saying LOL. You're verbal texting.
- In case you missed them, the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer's Big Ten media poll results here and here and here.
- The Big Ten's equitable financial setup allowed competitive balance to be the deciding factor in divisional alignment, Scott Dochterman writes in The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette.
- Linebacker recruit Kellen Jones is no longer with Michigan, although receiver Darryl Stonum appears on the updated roster, Angelique Chengelis writes in The Detroit News. The Wolverines add a fullback to their 2012 class.
- Mark Dantonio's former players say it's unfair to compare the Michigan State coach to his mentor, Jim Tressel. Michigan State is free of any infractions, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal. MSU athletic director Mark Hollis is open to playing Michigan in primetime -- as long as it's in East Lansing.
- More on the Time Warner Cable-Big Ten Network agreement in Nebraska. Huskers football players excel in the classroom, Steven M. Sipple writes in the Lincoln Journal Star.
- Terrelle Pryor's status for the NFL seems to be in limbo.
- The outlook for Minnesota in 2011 doesn't look too optimistic, Phil Miller writes in the Star Tribune. Good news for the Gophers as defenders Ra'Shede Hageman and Michael Carter will be academically eligible this fall, Sid Hartman writes in the Star Tribune.
- The (Champaign) News-Gazette's Loren Tate writes you shouldn't judge Illinois' 2012 recruiting just yet.
- Wisconsin's starting offensive backfield from 2010 finally finds NFL homes. Former Badgers receiver Kraig Appleton is in stable condition after being shot several times during the weekend.
- Iowa picked up two 2012 recruits in recent days.
- More on Purdue's schedule shuffle from The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier's Mike Carmin.
- Some updates on Indiana players signing with NFL teams from The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
- Two Northwestern defenders sign free-agent deals.
Minnesota
2010 overall record: 3-9
2010 conference record: 2-6 (T-9th)
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB MarQueis Gray, WR Da'Jon McKnight, RB DeLeon Eskridge, RB Duane Bennett, LB Gary Tinsley, LB Mike Rallis, S Kim Royston, DL Anthony Jacobs
Key losses
QB Adam Weber, C D.J. Burris, FB Jon Hoese, S Kyle Theret, S Ryan Collado, DE Jewhan Edwards
2010 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: DeLeon Eskridge* (698 yards)
Passing: Adam Weber (2,679 yards)
Receiving: Da'Jon McKnight* (750 yards)
Tackles: Gary Tinsley* (90)
Sacks: Jewhan Edwards (3)
Interceptions: Mike Rallis* (3)
Spring answers
1. Shades of Gray: MarQueis Gray took the right approach in his return to the quarterback position and acclimated well to the new staff and the new offensive system. Gray's film study during the winter months paid off as he grasped Jerry Kill's offense and helped others catch on as well. Minnesota coaches didn't want to simply hand Gray the starting job. The junior had to earn it, and he answered the bell this spring.
2. Linebackers ready to lead: If the spring is any indication, Minnesota will be a linebacker-driven defense this season. The staff liked what it saw from Mike Rallis and particularly Keanon Cooper this spring. Gary Tinsley was limited by a hamstring injury but boasts experience and production. Minnesota has a nice starting point with those three and some others who will add depth.
3. Troy's time: Troy Stoudermire has had endured ups and downs and a near departure from the program during his career, but he looks to be settling in at the cornerback spot. The senior delivered several big hits during practices and scrimmages, solidifying himself in a secondary that could be solid this fall. Stoudermire seems to be a fan of physical play, and Minnesota's defense needs more of it this season.
Fall questions
1. Defensive line: Minnesota had the nation's weakest pass rush in 2010, generating only nine sacks all season. New coordinator Tracy Claeys plans to change things by employing a more aggressive scheme, especially for the down linemen. Anthony Jacobs and Brandon Kirksey both did some good things this spring, but the Gophers must develop more depth up front. They would really benefit from a guy like Ra'Shede Hageman blossoming during the summer.
2. Starting running back: The spring brought good competition at running back, as veterans Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge worked alongside redshirt freshmen Donnell Kirkwood and Lamonte Edwards. Kill and his staff will use multiple backs a lot this fall, but it will be interesting to see who emerges as the starter. Both Bennett and Eskridge boast a lot of game experience, while Kirkwood showed some flashes in the spring game.
3. Wide receiver depth: Minnesota brings back an All-Big Ten candidate in receiver Da'Jon McKnight and a talented tight end in Eric Lair, but it needs more options in the passing game for Gray. Injuries hit the Gophers hard at receiver this spring, and while freshman Marcus Jones emerged as a potential contributor, the team will be looking for more bodies when fall camp kicks off.
2010 overall record: 3-9
2010 conference record: 2-6 (T-9th)
Returning starters
Offense: 6; defense: 8; kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB MarQueis Gray, WR Da'Jon McKnight, RB DeLeon Eskridge, RB Duane Bennett, LB Gary Tinsley, LB Mike Rallis, S Kim Royston, DL Anthony Jacobs
Key losses
QB Adam Weber, C D.J. Burris, FB Jon Hoese, S Kyle Theret, S Ryan Collado, DE Jewhan Edwards
2010 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: DeLeon Eskridge* (698 yards)
Passing: Adam Weber (2,679 yards)
Receiving: Da'Jon McKnight* (750 yards)
Tackles: Gary Tinsley* (90)
Sacks: Jewhan Edwards (3)
Interceptions: Mike Rallis* (3)
Spring answers
1. Shades of Gray: MarQueis Gray took the right approach in his return to the quarterback position and acclimated well to the new staff and the new offensive system. Gray's film study during the winter months paid off as he grasped Jerry Kill's offense and helped others catch on as well. Minnesota coaches didn't want to simply hand Gray the starting job. The junior had to earn it, and he answered the bell this spring.
2. Linebackers ready to lead: If the spring is any indication, Minnesota will be a linebacker-driven defense this season. The staff liked what it saw from Mike Rallis and particularly Keanon Cooper this spring. Gary Tinsley was limited by a hamstring injury but boasts experience and production. Minnesota has a nice starting point with those three and some others who will add depth.
3. Troy's time: Troy Stoudermire has had endured ups and downs and a near departure from the program during his career, but he looks to be settling in at the cornerback spot. The senior delivered several big hits during practices and scrimmages, solidifying himself in a secondary that could be solid this fall. Stoudermire seems to be a fan of physical play, and Minnesota's defense needs more of it this season.
Fall questions
1. Defensive line: Minnesota had the nation's weakest pass rush in 2010, generating only nine sacks all season. New coordinator Tracy Claeys plans to change things by employing a more aggressive scheme, especially for the down linemen. Anthony Jacobs and Brandon Kirksey both did some good things this spring, but the Gophers must develop more depth up front. They would really benefit from a guy like Ra'Shede Hageman blossoming during the summer.
2. Starting running back: The spring brought good competition at running back, as veterans Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge worked alongside redshirt freshmen Donnell Kirkwood and Lamonte Edwards. Kill and his staff will use multiple backs a lot this fall, but it will be interesting to see who emerges as the starter. Both Bennett and Eskridge boast a lot of game experience, while Kirkwood showed some flashes in the spring game.
3. Wide receiver depth: Minnesota brings back an All-Big Ten candidate in receiver Da'Jon McKnight and a talented tight end in Eric Lair, but it needs more options in the passing game for Gray. Injuries hit the Gophers hard at receiver this spring, and while freshman Marcus Jones emerged as a potential contributor, the team will be looking for more bodies when fall camp kicks off.
The Big Ten featured only one spring game this weekend, but plenty of teams took to the field for scrimmages. I've compiled some scrimmage highlights from around the league based on reports from official team websites and other media sources. Several teams didn't provide specifics about their scrimmages, but I included what I could find.
ILLINOIS
The Illini scrimmaged for about 90 minutes Saturday, and all players were involved in contact aside from starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase.
Notes
The Hoosiers held their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. Check out coach Kevin Wilson's thoughts as well as some highlights.
Notes
IOWA
No official information from Iowa's scrimmage Saturday, but here's a photo gallery and some recent player interviews from the team's website.
MICHIGAN
No official information from Michigan's scrimmage Saturday, but here are video interviews with defensive tackle Mike Martin and offensive lineman Patrick Omameh. Running backs Vincent Smith, Michael Cox and Stephen Hopkins had some nice runs in the video highlights.
MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans held their first jersey scrimmage Friday and the defense prevailed 55-45 in a modified scoring system. The defense had 18 ways to score points, while the offense had 11 ways to score, including touchdowns and field goals.
Notes
The Gophers scrimmaged Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium and ran about 120 plays.
Notes
The Huskers ran about 150 plays in a scrimmage Saturday in Lincoln. Quarterbacks Brion Carnes, Cody Green and Kody Spano took most of the reps and drew praise from coach Bo Pelini.
The Wildcats scrimmaged Saturday in Evanston in preparation for this week's spring game.
Notes
The Buckeyes held a special-teams scrimmage followed by a full jersey scrimmage Saturday in Ohio Stadium. The team went through about 20 possessions and the offense prevailed 56-45.
PENN STATE
The Lions scrimmaged Saturday, but there's not much info out there aside from this (must pay for content).
WISCONSIN
The Badgers held a scrimmage Saturday, running more than 120 snaps, and coach Bret Bielema shares his thoughts here.
ILLINOIS
The Illini scrimmaged for about 90 minutes Saturday, and all players were involved in contact aside from starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase.
Notes
- The offense prevailed in the scrimmage and gashed the defense for several big runs. Troy Pollard took most of the reps at running back as Jason Ford sat out with a sore knee, and Pollard helped his cause with 110 rush yards on 19 carries. Scheelhaase completed 7 of 12 passes for 53 yards and added 58 yards on the ground, while backup Miles Osei had a 63-yards pass to Fred Sykes and finished the day with 165 yards through the air.
- Coach Ron Zook singled out linebacker Houston Bates for his play in the scrimmage. Bates had a sack and a quarterback hurry. He saw increased playing time after Jonathan Brown was kicked out of the scrimmage after throwing a punch and drawing a personal foul penalty.
The Hoosiers held their second scrimmage of the spring Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium. Check out coach Kevin Wilson's thoughts as well as some highlights.
Notes
- The offense got the best of the defense Saturday after the D shined in Indiana's previous scrimmage. Receivers Duwyce Wilson and Kofi Hughes stood out in the highlights Indiana showed on its website, as Hughes had a long touchdown reception and Wilson was forced out just shy of the goal line. Both players have been impressive this spring and should complement top wideout Damarlo Belcher in the fall.
IOWA
No official information from Iowa's scrimmage Saturday, but here's a photo gallery and some recent player interviews from the team's website.
MICHIGAN
No official information from Michigan's scrimmage Saturday, but here are video interviews with defensive tackle Mike Martin and offensive lineman Patrick Omameh. Running backs Vincent Smith, Michael Cox and Stephen Hopkins had some nice runs in the video highlights.
MICHIGAN STATE
The Spartans held their first jersey scrimmage Friday and the defense prevailed 55-45 in a modified scoring system. The defense had 18 ways to score points, while the offense had 11 ways to score, including touchdowns and field goals.
Notes
- The defense dominated the scrimmage, holding the offense without a first down on the first five possessions and without points for the first 13 possessions. Michigan State's D recorded three sacks and two interceptions during the stifling stanza. The only two touchdowns scored came during the goal line and red zone portions of the scrimmage.
- Defensive ends William Gholston and Tyler Hoover combined for nine tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack and a pass breakup. Sophomore linebacker TyQuan Hammock recorded an interception. "The defense played well -- tackled effectively, pressured the quarterback and came away with some turnovers," coach Mark Dantonio said in a news release.
- Starting quarterback Kirk Cousins had a rough day (6-for-16 passing, 41 yards, INT), although he didn't get much help from his receivers, who dropped three passes. Backup Andrew Maxwell completed 15 of 26 passes for 116 yards with an interception.
- The touchdowns came from Edwin Baker (22-yard run) and Le'Veon Bell (6-yard run). Receiver Keith Mumphery caught a 43-yard pass from Maxwell.
The Gophers scrimmaged Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium and ran about 120 plays.
Notes
- Minnesota's defense held the upper hand as the offense struggled to gain a first down early in the scrimmage. The defensive line had a very good day as tackles Brandon Jacobs and Brandon Kirksey both stood out. Jacobs sacked No. 1 quarterback MarQueis Gray and Kirksey recorded a blocked field goal attempt. Ends D.L. Wilhite and Ra'Shede Hageman also made some plays. "The defensive line got up the field a lot more than we have been. [It was] a lot more aggressive," coach Jerry Kill told reporters. "And we need that. We need more push. We had nine sacks last year, and that can't happen."
- Gray and top receiver Da'Jon McKnight hooked up on receptions of 45 and 20 yards. McKnight also recorded a punt block in the scrimmage.
- Reserve quarterback Tom Parish threw two interceptions and fumbled a snap. Moses Alipate ran a few series at quarterback and led a scoring drive.
The Huskers ran about 150 plays in a scrimmage Saturday in Lincoln. Quarterbacks Brion Carnes, Cody Green and Kody Spano took most of the reps and drew praise from coach Bo Pelini.
- The coaches limited reps for quarterback Taylor Martinez after the sophomore hurt his toe in a recent workout. Running back Rex Burkhead participated in the scrimmage and "looked great," according to Pelini, although Burkhead's reps were limited as well.
- Nebraska had two false-start penalties and one fumble during the scrimmage. "That's not bad," Pelini said. "Most of it is with the young guys. It shows me the emphasis is working and there's progress, but one's too many as far I'm concerned."
The Wildcats scrimmaged Saturday in Evanston in preparation for this week's spring game.
Notes
- Top running back Mike Trumpy had runs of 33 and 25 yards, while Tyris Jones added a scoring run. Jones has had a really nice spring for the Wildcats, who are looking for more options in the backfield.
- Trevor Siemian and Evan Watkins took the reps at quarterback as Kain Colter was held out of the scrimmage. Siemian completed 8 of 12 passes for 86 yards with an interception, while Watkins, victimized by dropped passes, completed 8 of 21 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown strike to Charles Brown.
- Defensive end Tyler Scott picked off Siemian on the second play of the scrimmage. Siemian later responded with a 36-yard pass to Rashad Lawrence. Demetrius Fields led the receivers with five receptions, while walk-on Torin Dupper had three catches for 46 yards.
The Buckeyes held a special-teams scrimmage followed by a full jersey scrimmage Saturday in Ohio Stadium. The team went through about 20 possessions and the offense prevailed 56-45.
- Receiver DeVier Posey recorded two touchdown receptions, a 33-yarder from Joe Bauserman and an 8-yarder from Taylor Graham. Freshman quarterback Braxton Miller had the only other touchdown of the scrimmage on an 11-yard run.
- Bauserman completed passes of 33 and 16 yards and also threw an interception on a pass tipped by defensive lineman John Simon. Graham completed 10 of 20 passes for 80 yards, while Miller hit on 4 of 6 passes for 43 yards and looked impressive on the touchdown run. Kenny Guiton struggled at quarterback, leading the offense to only one score (field goal) in six possessions.
- Posey recorded five receptions for 83 yards and two scores, while the other scholarship wideouts combined for only five receptions. Think Ohio State will miss No. 8 in the first five games?
- Senior running back Dan Herron didn't get much work Saturday, and Jaamal Berry and Rod Smith stood out among the backs with several nice gains.
- Defensive linemen Adam Bellamy and Melvin Fellows both recorded sacks, while other defensive standouts included cornerback Travis Howard and linebacker Etienne Sabino.
PENN STATE
The Lions scrimmaged Saturday, but there's not much info out there aside from this (must pay for content).
WISCONSIN
The Badgers held a scrimmage Saturday, running more than 120 snaps, and coach Bret Bielema shares his thoughts here.
- Sophomore linebacker Conor O'Neill had a big day with interceptions on back-to-back plays, picking off Joe Brennan and Joel Stave. Wisconsin auditioned O'Neill at safety last year, and his experience defending the pass is paying off.
- Bielema said center Peter Konz will miss the rest of the spring because of ankle and knee injuries. Konz will undergo minor knee surgery and should be fine for fall camp. Versatile sophomore Ryan Groy is seeing time at center and can play all three interior line spots.
- Remember Zach Brown? The running back is still around in Madison and hopes to enter a crowded backfield this fall. Brown had a 17-yard touchdown reception and an 8-yard scoring run Saturday. "Zach is an angry running back," Bielema told reporters. "Everybody wants to talk about those other guys. People forget he ran for 200 yards [in a game] as a freshman, and he has won some games for us."
The spring superlatives series, which examines the strongest and weakest position groups throughout the Big Ten, continues with Minnesota.
Strongest position: Linebackers
Strongest position: Linebackers
- Top returnees: Gary Tinsley (90 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble in 2010); Keanon Cooper (68 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1 pass breakup); Mike Rallis (37 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions); Spencer Reeves (23 tackles, 2 tackles for loss)
- Key losses: None
- The skinny: Some might scratch their head at this selection, but Minnesota's struggles on defense last fall had more to do with a nonexistent pass rush than linebacker play. The Gophers return everyone at the linebacker spot and adds Brendan Beal, a transfer from Florida who sat out last season. Tinsley was the team's best defender last fall and could contend for All-Big Ten honors with a strong season in 2011. Rallis can be a difference maker if he stays healthy, as he showed with a team-leading three interceptions last season. Cooper also is healthier after playing last season with a bad back. Minnesota doesn't have a ton of options at a lot of positions, but linebacker is one of them.
- Top returnees: D.L. Wilhite (14 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack in 2010); Matt Garin (13 tackles (13 tackles, 1 tackle for loss)
- Key losses: Jewhan Edwards played DT but was Minnesota's top pass-rushing "threat," leading the team in both sacks (3) and tackles for loss (11) in 2010.
- The skinny: If Minnesota plans to surprise people this fall, it must improve the nation's worst pass rush. The Gophers should be OK on the interior line, but the defensive ends really need to upgrade their play after falling well short of expectations this past season. Wilhite displayed potential as a freshman but took a step back last year, and the high hopes for players like Ra'Shede Hageman never panned out. New defensive coordinator Tracy Claeys wants to be more aggressive and turn the defensive ends loose, which could be good news for the group. While Minnesota could have some issues on offense at receiver and along the line, the pass rush is a glaring weakness right now.
Big Ten personnel roundup: Part II
October, 26, 2010
10/26/10
4:00
PM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
Here's the second half of the personnel roundup on a busy news day in the Big Ten.
WISCONSIN
Coach Bret Bielema confirmed that reserve offensive tackle Josh Oglesby will miss the remainder of the season and undergo knee surgery Nov. 2. Oglesby aggravated the knee last week in practice. It's a tough situation for a blue-chip recruit who hasn't quite reached his potential with Wisconsin.
Bielema also provided an update on linebacker Chris Borland, who recently underwent left shoulder surgery after being ruled out for the season on Sept. 21. Borland also needs surgery on his right shoulder, Bielema said, and will have the procedure in 4-6 weeks. There's an outside chance Borland can return for spring practice, but it probably won't be until preseason camp.
The good news for Wisconsin is all of its other injured players, including running back James White and tight end Lance Kendricks, should be back after the bye week for the trip to Purdue, Bielema said.
OHIO STATE
Nickel safety Christian Bryant remains hospitalized in Columbus following foot surgery last week. Coach Jim Tressel said Bryant likely will miss the rest of the regular season. Bryant's father tells The Cleveland Plain Dealer that they're targeting a return for Ohio State's bowl game.
The secondary suffered another blow as reserve cornerback Corey Brown will undergo season-ending knee surgery after suffering an injury last week against Purdue. Brown won't return until after spring practice, Tressel said.
Buckeyes senior linebacker Ross Homan (foot) is improving but will miss the Minnesota game, Tressel said.
MICHIGAN
Coach Rich Rodriguez said quarterback Denard Robinson underwent an MRI last week on his shoulder that showed no structural damage. Robinson had been dealing with a sore shoulder before the Iowa game and aggravated it against the Hawkeyes. He'll start Saturday at Penn State, Rodriguez said.
INDIANA
Tight end Max Dedmond (knee) will miss Saturday's game against Northwestern, but his injury isn't season-ending, coach Bill Lynch said.
MINNESOTA
Freshman defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman has been reinstated after a suspension last week for violating team rules.
"He'll practice, be in the mix this week," Gophers interim coach Jeff Horton said. "Did everything he needed to do last week. Onward and upward."
WISCONSIN
Coach Bret Bielema confirmed that reserve offensive tackle Josh Oglesby will miss the remainder of the season and undergo knee surgery Nov. 2. Oglesby aggravated the knee last week in practice. It's a tough situation for a blue-chip recruit who hasn't quite reached his potential with Wisconsin.
Bielema also provided an update on linebacker Chris Borland, who recently underwent left shoulder surgery after being ruled out for the season on Sept. 21. Borland also needs surgery on his right shoulder, Bielema said, and will have the procedure in 4-6 weeks. There's an outside chance Borland can return for spring practice, but it probably won't be until preseason camp.
The good news for Wisconsin is all of its other injured players, including running back James White and tight end Lance Kendricks, should be back after the bye week for the trip to Purdue, Bielema said.
OHIO STATE
Nickel safety Christian Bryant remains hospitalized in Columbus following foot surgery last week. Coach Jim Tressel said Bryant likely will miss the rest of the regular season. Bryant's father tells The Cleveland Plain Dealer that they're targeting a return for Ohio State's bowl game.
The secondary suffered another blow as reserve cornerback Corey Brown will undergo season-ending knee surgery after suffering an injury last week against Purdue. Brown won't return until after spring practice, Tressel said.
Buckeyes senior linebacker Ross Homan (foot) is improving but will miss the Minnesota game, Tressel said.
MICHIGAN
Coach Rich Rodriguez said quarterback Denard Robinson underwent an MRI last week on his shoulder that showed no structural damage. Robinson had been dealing with a sore shoulder before the Iowa game and aggravated it against the Hawkeyes. He'll start Saturday at Penn State, Rodriguez said.
INDIANA
Tight end Max Dedmond (knee) will miss Saturday's game against Northwestern, but his injury isn't season-ending, coach Bill Lynch said.
MINNESOTA
Freshman defensive lineman Ra'Shede Hageman has been reinstated after a suspension last week for violating team rules.
"He'll practice, be in the mix this week," Gophers interim coach Jeff Horton said. "Did everything he needed to do last week. Onward and upward."
I've reviewed the Big Ten Network's preview of Minnesota. The crew of Dave Revsine, Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith attended a Gophers scrimmage at TCF Bank Stadium.
Here are some notes and observations:
Here are some notes and observations:
- Minnesota looked a lot more physical on both sides of the ball. The offense certainly is keeping it simple, but the line generated good push and the backs consistently had nice gains. A new-look defense definitely has further to go, but there were several nice hits in the scrimmage from defensive back Kyle Henderson and others. The BTN crew seemed to like the arrival of offensive coordinator Jeff Horton, who will really emphasize the power run game this fall. "For the first time, the schemes fit each other," DiNardo said.
- Head coach Tim Brewster wanted to upgrade the schedule at Minnesota, and he has gotten his wish this year. "It’s the toughest schedule in the conference," DiNardo said. Games against Middle Tennessee, Northern Illinois and USC will challenge a young team early, but it also could help in the long run. "No one's going to give them a chance in a lot of these games," Griffith said. "This is an opportunity for the team to come together and rally."
- Junior running back Duane Bennett had a very good day. He made several good cutbacks and bounced outside for a nice gain in the scrimmage. He capped a long drive by the first-team offense when he bounced off defensive back Shady Salamon and into the end zone. Although Minnesota will use several ball carriers, "Bennett’s the better back right now," DiNardo said.
- DeLeon Eskridge also had some nice runs, although he also lost the ball following a jarring hit from safety Kyle Theret, who lays the wood and will be missed in Thursday night's opener. I also was impressed with true freshman Donnell Kirkwood, who spun off tackles well in the scrimmage. Fullback Jon Hoese had a big gain on fourth-and-short. Minnesota is certainly keeping things simple with the run game. "They have an inside zone, outside zone and they have a gap scheme." DiNardo said. "And that’s their run game."
- It was tough to tell how much Minnesota's run game has improved, given all the new faces in the defensive front seven. DiNardo likes the first-team offensive line, especially guards Matt Carufel and Chris Bunders, and he thinks Ed Olson will be a future All-Big Ten player and possibly a future All-American.
- Senior quarterback Adam Weber threw the ball well and looked comfortable in the offense. He made a perfect throw to Da'Jon McKnight on a deep route for a touchdown, putting the ball just beyond the defensive back's hands. He also threaded the ball to Troy Stoudermire for a first down in the scrimmage. Weber told the BTN crew how his injury issues last year changed his approach to getting treatment and preparing himself for the physical toll.
- MarQueis Gray had a good scrimmage as the backup quarterback and as a starting wide receiver. He had a big gain on an end-around play, where he cut back before lowering his shoulder into a defender and gaining a few more yards. Great quote from Weber on Gray: "Very impressed with MarQueis this year. It's never easy when you’re a quarterback. He's a true quarterback. ... MarQueis is all about giving it up for his teammates. You could put him at left guard and he'd have a great time doing it." Brewster added that he'll get the ball in Gray's hands a lot this fall.
- Henderson stood out on defense with several nice hits, and Ryan Grant and Kenny Watkins also showed some good physical play. The BTN crew identified defensive backs Christyn Lewis and James Manuel as newcomers to watch, and Griffith, echoing Brewster, sang the praises of defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman, a converted tight end.
- It was interesting to hear Brewster tell BTN crew about "building a program from the foundation up." He talked about overhauling the roster after he arrived and taking time to put his plan in place. His coaching changes definitely have served as evidence, but it wasn't as if the cupboard was totally empty when he arrived. "We've had a lot of staff turnover at Minnesota," DiNardo said, "but the good news is I believe this is the best staff Tim Brewster's had since he's been here."
Schedule: The Gophers hit the field Friday for their first practice.
What's new: Another offensive coordinator, the Gophers' third in as many seasons. Jeff Horton isn't bringing dramatic changes like his predecessor Jedd Fish, and he'll try to simplify things for senior quarterback Adam Weber, who retained his starting job after spring ball. There are also a ton of new faces on defense as Minnesota loses nine starters, including productive linebackers Lee Campbell, Nate Triplett and Simoni Lawrence. The Gophers also have a new wide receivers coach in former NFL player Steve Watson, who must identify some playmakers after the loss of standout Eric Decker.
Sidelined: We thought Kim Royston would be in this category, but the senior safety has healed extremely well from a broken leg this spring. Royston won't be 100 percent for the start of camp, but barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the start of the season. As one of only two returning starters on defense, Royston provides a strong presence in the secondary. Linebacker Sam Maresh, a possible starter, isn't with the team as he improves his grades at a junior college.
Key battle: Name a spot on defense and there's probably some competition there, as Minnesota must find answers at linebacker, defensive end and cornerback. The linebacker group should be particularly interesting. Mike Rallis locked up a starting job this spring, but the other spots are open as Keanon Cooper, Gary Tinsley and others are in the mix. Cornerback also is a spot to watch as Michael Carter and Christyn Lewis try to lock up starting spots.
New on the scene: Head coach Tim Brewster and his staff have recruited well, and it's time they start to see the rewards. Lewis and tight end Tiree Eure both are junior-college transfers who should contribute right away. Minnesota really likes redshirt freshmen offensive linemen Ed Olson and Brooks Michel, and incoming freshman tackle Jimmy Gjere is a name to watch. It also will be interesting to see if freshmen running backs Lamonte Edwards and Donnell Kirkwood can work their way into the mix.
Breaking out: Brewster sings the praises of defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman, and Minnesota could really use a boost in the pass rush from the redshirt freshman. MarQueis Gray didn't win the starting quarterback spot, but he's a guy who needs the ball in his hands one way or another. Replacing Decker will be tough, but Minnesota has high hopes for Da'Jon McKnight, who averaged 18.3 yards on 17 receptions last year.
Time to step up: Without a doubt, Minnesota's offensive line is the group that needs to elevate its play in camp. The line boasts both experience and some exciting young talent, and the players are used to coach Tim Davis and his demands. Minnesota simply can't rank last in the league in rushing year after year. It's time for the line to get tougher, come together and build off of a strong spring.
Quotable: "We're bigger. We're stronger. We're faster. We're more athletic than we've been. And rightfully so. We need to be. We know that we're going to play one of the most challenging schedules in America this season. And our players are going to have to be prepared." -- head coach Tim Brewster
What's new: Another offensive coordinator, the Gophers' third in as many seasons. Jeff Horton isn't bringing dramatic changes like his predecessor Jedd Fish, and he'll try to simplify things for senior quarterback Adam Weber, who retained his starting job after spring ball. There are also a ton of new faces on defense as Minnesota loses nine starters, including productive linebackers Lee Campbell, Nate Triplett and Simoni Lawrence. The Gophers also have a new wide receivers coach in former NFL player Steve Watson, who must identify some playmakers after the loss of standout Eric Decker.
Sidelined: We thought Kim Royston would be in this category, but the senior safety has healed extremely well from a broken leg this spring. Royston won't be 100 percent for the start of camp, but barring any setbacks, he should be ready for the start of the season. As one of only two returning starters on defense, Royston provides a strong presence in the secondary. Linebacker Sam Maresh, a possible starter, isn't with the team as he improves his grades at a junior college.
Key battle: Name a spot on defense and there's probably some competition there, as Minnesota must find answers at linebacker, defensive end and cornerback. The linebacker group should be particularly interesting. Mike Rallis locked up a starting job this spring, but the other spots are open as Keanon Cooper, Gary Tinsley and others are in the mix. Cornerback also is a spot to watch as Michael Carter and Christyn Lewis try to lock up starting spots.
New on the scene: Head coach Tim Brewster and his staff have recruited well, and it's time they start to see the rewards. Lewis and tight end Tiree Eure both are junior-college transfers who should contribute right away. Minnesota really likes redshirt freshmen offensive linemen Ed Olson and Brooks Michel, and incoming freshman tackle Jimmy Gjere is a name to watch. It also will be interesting to see if freshmen running backs Lamonte Edwards and Donnell Kirkwood can work their way into the mix.
Breaking out: Brewster sings the praises of defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman, and Minnesota could really use a boost in the pass rush from the redshirt freshman. MarQueis Gray didn't win the starting quarterback spot, but he's a guy who needs the ball in his hands one way or another. Replacing Decker will be tough, but Minnesota has high hopes for Da'Jon McKnight, who averaged 18.3 yards on 17 receptions last year.
Time to step up: Without a doubt, Minnesota's offensive line is the group that needs to elevate its play in camp. The line boasts both experience and some exciting young talent, and the players are used to coach Tim Davis and his demands. Minnesota simply can't rank last in the league in rushing year after year. It's time for the line to get tougher, come together and build off of a strong spring.
Quotable: "We're bigger. We're stronger. We're faster. We're more athletic than we've been. And rightfully so. We need to be. We know that we're going to play one of the most challenging schedules in America this season. And our players are going to have to be prepared." -- head coach Tim Brewster
2009 overall record: 6-7
2009 conference record: 3-5 (8th)
Returning starters
Offense: 9, defense: 2, kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Adam Weber, RB Duane Bennett, RB DeLeon Eskridge, C D.J. Burris, S Kyle Theret, S Kim Royston, P Eric Ellestad
Key losses
WR Eric Decker, TE Nick Tow-Arnett, LB Lee Campbell, LB Nate Triplett, LB Simoni Lawrence, CB Traye Simmons, DT Garrett Brown, DT Eric Small
2009 statistical leaders (*-returners)
Rushing: Duane Bennett* (376 yards)
Passing: Adam Weber* (2,582 yards)
Receiving: Eric Decker (758 yards)
Tackles: Lee Campbell (119)
Sacks: Eric Small (3)
Interceptions: Kyle Theret (3)
Spring answers
1. Weber still man to beat: Adam Weber knew his job was on the line this spring, and he stepped up like a senior should. After backsliding last season, Weber embraced a pared-down playbook and created some early separation with MarQueis Gray and Moses Alipate. He must continue to make progress this summer, but he had the type of response the coaches wanted to see this spring.
2. Defensive line reloads: Minnesota loses all four starters up front but could have a more talented and explosive defensive line this fall. The coaches really like they size they have at defensive tackle with Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey. No defensive end recorded more than two sacks last year, a total that must improve this fall. Head coach Tim Brewster raves about Ra'Shede Hageman, and Matt Garin also should contribute a lot there.
3. Simple is better on offense: The arrival of new offensive coordinator Jeff Horton and a simplified scheme definitely paid off for the Gophers this spring. Players really welcomed Horton's system after going through information overload under Jedd Fisch last fall. Minnesota's offense could struggle in 2010, but players will have a lot more confidence in what they're being asked to do.
Fall questions
1. Secondary shaky: Minnesota's first priority is the cornerback spot, where it loses both starters. Is Michael Carter ready to break out? Carter and Ryan Collado look like the top two options, but depth certainly could be an issue against opponents who like to pass the ball. Safety looked like the Gophers' biggest strength after last season, but Kim Royston's broken leg and Kyle Theret's suspension thinned things out this spring. Royston will be a big loss if he can't return.
2. Linebackers in limbo: The Gophers lose three productive linebackers from last year and not only need starters to emerge, but some depth along with it. Mike Rallis, a converted safety, had a very nice spring and should be a key contributor along with Sam Maresh. But Minnesota needs others to emerge in the defensive midsection. The Gophers could use Gary Tinsley, but whether he'll be available remains to be seen.
3. Offensive line: The Gophers have lost their offensive identity a bit the last few years, and they need to build more toughness along the line. All five starters return, but young players like Ed Olson and Brooks Michel are pushing the returnees and increasing the competition. It's far from a finished product yet, but Minnesota's linemen are embracing a simplified scheme and taking pride in run-blocking. They've got to keep it going through the summer.
2009 conference record: 3-5 (8th)
Returning starters
Offense: 9, defense: 2, kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Adam Weber, RB Duane Bennett, RB DeLeon Eskridge, C D.J. Burris, S Kyle Theret, S Kim Royston, P Eric Ellestad
Key losses
WR Eric Decker, TE Nick Tow-Arnett, LB Lee Campbell, LB Nate Triplett, LB Simoni Lawrence, CB Traye Simmons, DT Garrett Brown, DT Eric Small
2009 statistical leaders (*-returners)
Rushing: Duane Bennett* (376 yards)
Passing: Adam Weber* (2,582 yards)
Receiving: Eric Decker (758 yards)
Tackles: Lee Campbell (119)
Sacks: Eric Small (3)
Interceptions: Kyle Theret (3)
Spring answers
1. Weber still man to beat: Adam Weber knew his job was on the line this spring, and he stepped up like a senior should. After backsliding last season, Weber embraced a pared-down playbook and created some early separation with MarQueis Gray and Moses Alipate. He must continue to make progress this summer, but he had the type of response the coaches wanted to see this spring.
2. Defensive line reloads: Minnesota loses all four starters up front but could have a more talented and explosive defensive line this fall. The coaches really like they size they have at defensive tackle with Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey. No defensive end recorded more than two sacks last year, a total that must improve this fall. Head coach Tim Brewster raves about Ra'Shede Hageman, and Matt Garin also should contribute a lot there.
3. Simple is better on offense: The arrival of new offensive coordinator Jeff Horton and a simplified scheme definitely paid off for the Gophers this spring. Players really welcomed Horton's system after going through information overload under Jedd Fisch last fall. Minnesota's offense could struggle in 2010, but players will have a lot more confidence in what they're being asked to do.
Fall questions
1. Secondary shaky: Minnesota's first priority is the cornerback spot, where it loses both starters. Is Michael Carter ready to break out? Carter and Ryan Collado look like the top two options, but depth certainly could be an issue against opponents who like to pass the ball. Safety looked like the Gophers' biggest strength after last season, but Kim Royston's broken leg and Kyle Theret's suspension thinned things out this spring. Royston will be a big loss if he can't return.
2. Linebackers in limbo: The Gophers lose three productive linebackers from last year and not only need starters to emerge, but some depth along with it. Mike Rallis, a converted safety, had a very nice spring and should be a key contributor along with Sam Maresh. But Minnesota needs others to emerge in the defensive midsection. The Gophers could use Gary Tinsley, but whether he'll be available remains to be seen.
3. Offensive line: The Gophers have lost their offensive identity a bit the last few years, and they need to build more toughness along the line. All five starters return, but young players like Ed Olson and Brooks Michel are pushing the returnees and increasing the competition. It's far from a finished product yet, but Minnesota's linemen are embracing a simplified scheme and taking pride in run-blocking. They've got to keep it going through the summer.
Here's the second half of my interview with Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster, whose team kicks off spring practice today. For Part I, click here.
You can't expect another Eric Decker to emerge, but wide receiver will be a key position in 2010. Who do you lean on among the wideout group?
Tim Brewster: The guy who I think has a chance to be really good is Da'Jon McKnight. Again, [the wide receivers will] benefit from a guy like Steve Watson, who played 10 years in the NFL and coached wide receivers and was a wide receiver. He's going to do a great job with those guys. Da'Jon, he's 6-foot-3, he's 210 pounds, big, strong, physical guy that can run and catch. I'm expecting big things out of Da'Jon. Then you look at Troy [Stoudermire] and Brandon Green, and I really think Bryant Allen's got a chance to take the next step. Hayo Carpenter, last year he didn't do much, he got in here late and he's really showing some things. So we've got some talent there to work with.
On defense, as far as leadership, do you really lean on the two safeties, [Kim] Royston and [Kyle] Theret?
TB: Yeah. They're two guys that are really experienced, tough guys. And then Christyn Lewis has come in, the JC corner, and really done a nice job. And Michael Carter, I think is really going to take the next step at a cornerback position. Ryan Collado really did some good things for us last year, particularly down the stretch. But I'm really excited about our linebackers. We've got some linebackers that all can run, very physical type guys, and it's going to be good. Ra'Shede Hageman's got a chance to be a special player. He's 6-foot-6, he's weighing 292 pounds, runs like a deer. He's got a chance, along with Brandon Kirksey, Jewhan Edwards and D.L. Wilhite, to really have a pretty good group up front.
People always talk about up-the-middle defense. You have some good safeties, but middle linebacker and D-tackle have to be positions you're going to watch.
TB: When you look at middle linebacker, we've got competition there between Gary Tinsley and Sam Maresh. It's going to be fun to see Sam out there, competing this spring. They're two big, physical guys. And when you look at Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey, and Anthony Jacobs is also going to play inside, I think we've got the makings of a strong group down the middle and a group that is athletic and can run. That's the area where we've most improved, athletically.
You mentioned wanting to have the quarterback spot settled by the end of the spring. There are a lot of these other competitions. So how much of the depth chart would you like to know by the end of the spring?
TB: What we want to do is have a good feel for who we can count on from this group, excluding the incoming freshmen. I think we'll be able to come out of spring practice with a good feeling of who we're going to be able to count on when we go to Middle Tennessee [Sept. 2].
You've talked so much about recruiting and how it's a big emphasis. Is there a different feeling now that you recruited most of the guys on this team?
TB: I feel like we've done a good job recruiting, but that's got to translate to the field. We, as coaches, have got to do a great job of developing the young talent. That's the challenge for us. We've got some talented kids. We've got to do our job as a staff, and I feel good about our coaches. We'll get after it and develop these kids. And I think the competition is really going to push our players to take that next step.
You can't expect another Eric Decker to emerge, but wide receiver will be a key position in 2010. Who do you lean on among the wideout group?
Tim Brewster: The guy who I think has a chance to be really good is Da'Jon McKnight. Again, [the wide receivers will] benefit from a guy like Steve Watson, who played 10 years in the NFL and coached wide receivers and was a wide receiver. He's going to do a great job with those guys. Da'Jon, he's 6-foot-3, he's 210 pounds, big, strong, physical guy that can run and catch. I'm expecting big things out of Da'Jon. Then you look at Troy [Stoudermire] and Brandon Green, and I really think Bryant Allen's got a chance to take the next step. Hayo Carpenter, last year he didn't do much, he got in here late and he's really showing some things. So we've got some talent there to work with.
On defense, as far as leadership, do you really lean on the two safeties, [Kim] Royston and [Kyle] Theret?
TB: Yeah. They're two guys that are really experienced, tough guys. And then Christyn Lewis has come in, the JC corner, and really done a nice job. And Michael Carter, I think is really going to take the next step at a cornerback position. Ryan Collado really did some good things for us last year, particularly down the stretch. But I'm really excited about our linebackers. We've got some linebackers that all can run, very physical type guys, and it's going to be good. Ra'Shede Hageman's got a chance to be a special player. He's 6-foot-6, he's weighing 292 pounds, runs like a deer. He's got a chance, along with Brandon Kirksey, Jewhan Edwards and D.L. Wilhite, to really have a pretty good group up front.
People always talk about up-the-middle defense. You have some good safeties, but middle linebacker and D-tackle have to be positions you're going to watch.
TB: When you look at middle linebacker, we've got competition there between Gary Tinsley and Sam Maresh. It's going to be fun to see Sam out there, competing this spring. They're two big, physical guys. And when you look at Jewhan Edwards and Brandon Kirksey, and Anthony Jacobs is also going to play inside, I think we've got the makings of a strong group down the middle and a group that is athletic and can run. That's the area where we've most improved, athletically.
You mentioned wanting to have the quarterback spot settled by the end of the spring. There are a lot of these other competitions. So how much of the depth chart would you like to know by the end of the spring?
TB: What we want to do is have a good feel for who we can count on from this group, excluding the incoming freshmen. I think we'll be able to come out of spring practice with a good feeling of who we're going to be able to count on when we go to Middle Tennessee [Sept. 2].
You've talked so much about recruiting and how it's a big emphasis. Is there a different feeling now that you recruited most of the guys on this team?
TB: I feel like we've done a good job recruiting, but that's got to translate to the field. We, as coaches, have got to do a great job of developing the young talent. That's the challenge for us. We've got some talented kids. We've got to do our job as a staff, and I feel good about our coaches. We'll get after it and develop these kids. And I think the competition is really going to push our players to take that next step.
Will Gophers bowl make or break season?
December, 24, 2009
12/24/09
10:45
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
From a distance, Minnesota's upcoming appearance in the Insight Bowl looks like a swing game for an inconsistent team.
At 6-6, the Golden Gophers can secure a winning season and their first bowl victory since 2004 by knocking off Iowa State on Dec. 31 in Tempe, Ariz. (NFL Network, 6 p.m. ET). A victory almost certainly would mean some kind of contract extension for head coach Tim Brewster, who has two years remaining on his current deal.
A Minnesota loss to the Cyclones would bring a very different sentiment. The Gophers would drop to 6-7, certainly well short of preseason expectations. They lose a large group of seniors, including all three starting linebackers, both starting defensive tackles and, of course, star wideout Eric Decker (injured for the bowl). And Brewster's future could be murky.
Though the coach remains confident a contract extension will happen, Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi has been somewhat non-committal about Brewster and the future. Earlier this month, Maturi said he wouldn't stop Brewster from pursuing other jobs, and he will evaluate everything after the bowl game. Keep in mind that Minnesota isn't afraid to dump a coach after a bowl, as it fired Glen Mason after the team collapsed in the 2006 Insight Bowl against Texas Tech.
Brewster is 14-23 in three years at the U and just 6-18 in Big Ten play.
So is the Insight Bowl a make-or-break game for Minnesota and Brewster?
"Winning football games is what we're all paid to do and what we're all here for, and this game's no different than that," Brewster told me Wednesday. "Our expectation level is to win. I feel real good about the progress of our program, where we're at from Year 1 to Year 2 and Year 2 to Year 3. I don't think one game is going to determine the course of where we're going.
"The course is set."
Whether Maturi sees things the same way remains to be seen. Brewster has recruited well to Minnesota, and he's excited about the potential of young players like tight end Ra'Shede Hageman, linebacker Brent Singleton and defensive ends Matt Garin and Kendall Gregory-McGhee.
But he came to Minneapolis talking about Big Ten championships, and at least in wins and losses, the Gophers aren't closer than they were under Mason.
"If you study it, there's very few coaches that have taken a team they inherited and gone to two bowl games in their first three years, very few," he said. "Obviously, recruiting's a huge part of it and we've really got some outstanding young players in the program. It's just exciting to see the youth and the athleticism and the speed.
"Those are the guys who are going to help lead us to where want to go."
Guys like Hageman, Singleton, Garin and Gregory-McGhee will be in larger roles next fall, and Brewster deserves another shot to coach them. But the bar will be set higher than 6-6, and a win Dec. 31 would get the program headed in the right direction.
"You're just developing a program, and it's working," Brewster said. "We want to build a championship-caliber program, a team that has a chance to compete for a championship. And as we all know, that takes some time. But I'm really pleased with the progress that we're making, and this will be another opportunity, New Year' Eve, to continue to establish the course in which we want to go."
Chris Gardner/Getty ImagesMinnesota coach Tim Brewster's Gophers need a victory in the Insight Bowl for a winning season.
At 6-6, the Golden Gophers can secure a winning season and their first bowl victory since 2004 by knocking off Iowa State on Dec. 31 in Tempe, Ariz. (NFL Network, 6 p.m. ET). A victory almost certainly would mean some kind of contract extension for head coach Tim Brewster, who has two years remaining on his current deal.
A Minnesota loss to the Cyclones would bring a very different sentiment. The Gophers would drop to 6-7, certainly well short of preseason expectations. They lose a large group of seniors, including all three starting linebackers, both starting defensive tackles and, of course, star wideout Eric Decker (injured for the bowl). And Brewster's future could be murky.
Though the coach remains confident a contract extension will happen, Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi has been somewhat non-committal about Brewster and the future. Earlier this month, Maturi said he wouldn't stop Brewster from pursuing other jobs, and he will evaluate everything after the bowl game. Keep in mind that Minnesota isn't afraid to dump a coach after a bowl, as it fired Glen Mason after the team collapsed in the 2006 Insight Bowl against Texas Tech.
Brewster is 14-23 in three years at the U and just 6-18 in Big Ten play.
So is the Insight Bowl a make-or-break game for Minnesota and Brewster?
"Winning football games is what we're all paid to do and what we're all here for, and this game's no different than that," Brewster told me Wednesday. "Our expectation level is to win. I feel real good about the progress of our program, where we're at from Year 1 to Year 2 and Year 2 to Year 3. I don't think one game is going to determine the course of where we're going.
"The course is set."
Whether Maturi sees things the same way remains to be seen. Brewster has recruited well to Minnesota, and he's excited about the potential of young players like tight end Ra'Shede Hageman, linebacker Brent Singleton and defensive ends Matt Garin and Kendall Gregory-McGhee.
But he came to Minneapolis talking about Big Ten championships, and at least in wins and losses, the Gophers aren't closer than they were under Mason.
"If you study it, there's very few coaches that have taken a team they inherited and gone to two bowl games in their first three years, very few," he said. "Obviously, recruiting's a huge part of it and we've really got some outstanding young players in the program. It's just exciting to see the youth and the athleticism and the speed.
"Those are the guys who are going to help lead us to where want to go."
Guys like Hageman, Singleton, Garin and Gregory-McGhee will be in larger roles next fall, and Brewster deserves another shot to coach them. But the bar will be set higher than 6-6, and a win Dec. 31 would get the program headed in the right direction.
"You're just developing a program, and it's working," Brewster said. "We want to build a championship-caliber program, a team that has a chance to compete for a championship. And as we all know, that takes some time. But I'm really pleased with the progress that we're making, and this will be another opportunity, New Year' Eve, to continue to establish the course in which we want to go."
Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Sick of the preseason yet? Me, too.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is a known commodity at Ohio State, but who are the Buckeyes' unknowns? Buckeyes starting defensive end Cam Heyward is wearing a walking boot but shouldn't be out too long, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
A neck injury nearly ended Donsay Hardeman's career, but the Illinois safety is back and can't wait to hit somebody, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. Illini senior quarterback Juice Williams wants to go out a winner, Herb Gould writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Defensive end Nickcaro Golding is among Purdue's top training camp performers, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
Notes on Wisconsin's quarterback competition, injury updates and the coaching staff lighting up a few players during practice, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus.
Minnesota freshman Ra'Shede Hageman could be a 60-minute man this fall, Marcus Fuller writes in the Pioneer Press.
Michigan needs everyone in the same boat to turn things around this fall, Bob Wojnowski writes in The Detroit News.
Freshman quarterback Edward Wright-Baker has moved up to the second-string offense, Chris Korman writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
The Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode breaks down the candidates still alive for starting spots at Michigan State.
Sick of the preseason yet? Me, too.
Quarterback Terrelle Pryor is a known commodity at Ohio State, but who are the Buckeyes' unknowns? Buckeyes starting defensive end Cam Heyward is wearing a walking boot but shouldn't be out too long, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer.
A neck injury nearly ended Donsay Hardeman's career, but the Illinois safety is back and can't wait to hit somebody, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. Illini senior quarterback Juice Williams wants to go out a winner, Herb Gould writes in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Defensive end Nickcaro Golding is among Purdue's top training camp performers, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
Notes on Wisconsin's quarterback competition, injury updates and the coaching staff lighting up a few players during practice, courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jeff Potrykus.
Minnesota freshman Ra'Shede Hageman could be a 60-minute man this fall, Marcus Fuller writes in the Pioneer Press.
Michigan needs everyone in the same boat to turn things around this fall, Bob Wojnowski writes in The Detroit News.
Freshman quarterback Edward Wright-Baker has moved up to the second-string offense, Chris Korman writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
The Lansing State Journal's Joe Rexrode breaks down the candidates still alive for starting spots at Michigan State.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
Brian Bennett
Bennett joined ESPN.com in August 2008 after nine years at The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., where he covered college sports and the University of Louisville beat. He lives in Louisville.
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