ESPN College Football

Welcome to National Depth Chart Day. No day on the college football calendar inspires more curiosity about depth charts than the Monday before the season, when most teams release their Week 1 two-deeps.

(And then there's Purdue, which didn't include a depth chart in its game notes for Notre Dame. Ugh.)

I've had the chance to review depth charts from those programs that released them today -- two-deeps from Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota are coming soon -- and I checked in on several coaches' news conferences.

Here's what stood out:

INDIANA

• Even though Indiana will shift to a 3-4 defensive alignment this year, the depth chart lists a 4-3 with Darius Johnson and Fred Jones as the starting ends and Chad Sherer and Tyler Replogle flanking junior college transfer Jeff Thomas at linebacker.
• Interesting to see several veteran offensive linemen like Justin Pagan and Cody Faulkner listed as backups rather than starters. Junior Andrew McDonald steps into some big shoes at left tackle as Rodger Saffold departs to the NFL.
• The backup quarterback job remains open, as Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker are both listed as No. 2 behind Ben Chappell.
• Indiana expects big things from redshirt freshman Duwyce Wilson, listed as a starter at wide receiver, kick returner and punt returner.

IOWA

• Sophomores Micah Hyde and Greg Castillo are listed as the starting cornerbacks. Shaun Prater doesn't appear on the depth chart after dealing with a leg injury in camp. Prater hasn't been officially ruled out for the Eastern Illinois game, but I wouldn't expect to see much of him on Saturday.
• James Ferentz is listed as the starting center, a spot where Iowa might be a little thin following Josh Koeppel's motorcycle accident Monday morning.
• Starting defensive end Broderick Binns is suspended for the opener, so Christian Ballard is listed as a possible starter at both end and tackle. Mike Daniels and Lebron Daniel are the next options behind Ballard.

MICHIGAN

• Sophomores Denard Robinson and Tate Forcier and freshman Devin Gardner are listed as co-starters at quarterback. Head coach Rich Rodriguez reiterated Monday that Gardner won't redshirt this fall.
• Vincent Smith and Michael Shaw are listed as co-starters at running back, with Michael Cox behind them.
• True freshman Carvin Johnson is listed as the starter at the spur position (safety/linebacker). Pretty big surprise here, and a testament to Johnson's work in camp.
• Senior James Rogers steps into Troy Woolfolk's starting cornerback spot opposite J.T. Floyd.
• Receivers Martavious Odoms and Kelvin Grady clearly showed enough in camp to be listed as starters or possible starters against Connecticut.

NORTHWESTERN

• Sophomore running back Arby Fields returned to practice Monday and wore a no-contact jersey after being sidelined with a shoulder problem. He's listed as a co-starter at running back with Jacob Schmidt and Stephen Simmons. Northwestern wanted a clear No. 1 running back to emerge in camp, but Fields' injury changed the plan.
• Junior Bryce McNaul is listed as the third top linebacker alongside returning starters Quentin Davie and Nate Williams. McNaul won the job in camp.
• Venric Mark is the only true freshman listed on the depth chart, both as a backup wide receiver and a co-starter at punt returner. I'll go out on a huge limb (sarcasm) and predict Mark will be the man on returns for the Wildcats very shortly.

OHIO STATE

• Junior defensive end Nathan Williams, a projected starter, will miss the Marshall game with a knee injury. He should be back shortly thereafter. Solomon Thomas will start in Williams' spot Thursday night.
• Starting cornerback Chimdi Chekwa (hamstring) is questionable for the Marshall game, but corner Devon Torrence (hamstring) should be fine.
• Sophomore C.J. Barnett's strong performance in camp lifted him ahead of Orhian Johnson on the Week 1 depth chart. Johnson missed a chunk of camp with an injury.
• Start salivating, Buckeyes fans, because running backs Jordan Hall and Jaamal Berry likely will handle kickoff returns against Marshall.

PENN STATE

• Sophomores Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin and freshman Robert Bolden are listed as co-starters at quarterback for the Youngstown State game.
• Sophomore Devon Smith's strong camp landed him a starting spot at both receiver and kick returner, and a backup role on punt returns.
• Redshirt freshman Garry Gilliam is listed as the starting tight end, as Andrew Szczerba likely will miss the opener with a back injury. Penn State obviously is thin here after losing Andrew Quarless and Mickey Shuler.
• Veterans Nate Stupar, Chris Colasanti and Bani Gbadyu are listed as the starting linebackers, with promising younger players like Michael Mauti and Gerald Hodges right behind them.

WISCONSIN

• After a very impressive camp, freshman running back James White appears at No. 3 on the depth chart behind both John Clay and Montee Ball. White also is the No. 2 punt returner behind David Gilreath. His emergence likely will result in veteran Zach Brown redshirting the season.
• Senior Blake Sorensen likely will start at outside linebacker, as Mike Taylor continues to rehab after undergoing a second procedure on his knee in camp. Culmer St. Jean and Chris Borland are listed as the other starting linebackers.
• The starting cornerback spots remain open, as Niles Brinkley, Antonio Fenelus and Devin Smith will compete in practice this week.

I won't be making it out to many preseason practices this year. Fortunately, the Big Ten Network is giving all of us a peek at every Big Ten squad during its Football Preview Tour. My pal Dave Revsine and analysts Gerry DiNardo and Howard Griffith are more than halfway through the tour, but the first two episodes aired earlier this week: Indiana and Ohio State.

I'll be watching all 11 preview shows and posting my thoughts right here.

Up first, Indiana and Ohio State.

INDIANA

• The Hoosiers practiced in shoulder pads and shorts, and head coach Bill Lynch is intentionally reducing the amount of hitting in this preseason (to keep his team fresher for the season), so the workout wasn't as revealing as most of the others should be.
• Wide receiver Damarlo Belcher is a huge target and made several routine catches in space. Indiana also seemed to be swinging the ball a lot to the running backs, including Trea Burgess and Zach Davis-Walker. "Against the nonconference opponents, they can win those games with this pass game," DiNardo said. Starting quarterback Ben Chappell was a bit shaky on some throws, but I'm not worried about him.
• The running backs didn't seem to have much room on the inside throughout the practice. A few backs did a nice job of bouncing to the outside. Freshman Matt Perez had a very nice run in team drills.
• Defensive tackle Tony Carter did a nice job of crowding the middle on one play, and linebacker Tyler Replogle had a nice hit against Darius Willis.
• I liked what I saw from Indiana's three junior college transfers on defense: linebacker Jeff Thomas and cornerbacks Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles. Kates has extremely fast feet, and Thomas brings good size to the table.
• Despite the losses of left tackle Rodger Saffold and veteran guard Pete Saxon, Griffith said Indiana's offensive line looked the best it has in years.
• Quarterback Edward Wright-Baker reportedly has fallen behind Dusty Kiel on the depth chart, but he looked good passing the ball in this practice.

OHIO STATE

• DiNardo brought up a good point about the need for Ohio State to have a dominant running back again, and how it will keep defenses guessing against quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
• Pryor definitely seemed different to me, both in his interview with the BTN crew and in the practice. He showed patience and footwork under pressure and fired a good pass to Dane Sanzenbacher in team drills. I also liked the way he yanked defensive lineman Garrett Goebel off the pile to help running back Dan Herron get out. Pryor seemed to be running hard during conditioning and talked about his new attitude toward meetings as he hopes to increase his leadership.
• Pryor had one big mistake, though, as safety Jermale Hines stepped in front of a pass to Jake Stoneburner and made the interception. Just a perfect read by Hines.
• Cameron Heyward just looks bigger than everyone else on the field (probably because he is). I particularly enjoyed watching Heyward go against All-Big Ten guard Justin Boren. Two All-America candidates right there. Everyone keeps calling Heyward a defensive end, but I saw him lining up inside several times during the practice. I'll keep going with the very vague "defensive lineman."
• The running backs and linebackers went against each other during a goal-line drill, and both sides had their moments. Herron absolutely trucked Dan Bain on one play, living up to his "Boom" nickname. Jaamal Berry scooted by his man, while Scott McVey made a nice stop against Carlos Hyde, who boasts good size and had mixed results in the drill.
• Running back Jordan Hall had some nice moments, including a burst up the middle in team drills.
• Some of the reserve wide receivers stood out. Sophomore James Jackson made a nice catch along the sideline, and senior Grant Schwartz showed the ability to create vertical separation.
• Defensive end Nathan Williams, currently sidelined with a knee injury, was in a stand-up position on one play, while the other three first-team linemen -- Heyward, John Simon and Dexter Larimore -- were down in a stance. You figure Ohio State will use Williams like it did Thaddeus Gibson in 2009.
• Berry had a good blitz pickup on one play, nearly leading to a big completion from Joe Bauserman to Taurian Washington.
• Linebackers Andrew Sweat and Dorian Bell showed good hitting and tackling skills.

Up next: Penn State

Schedule: Coach Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers open practice today at 4 p.m. ET.

What's new: The defense has a new look in terms of both personnel and alignment. Indiana is switching to the 3-4 set this year as it tries to spark a unit that has struggled for most of the last decade. The Hoosiers lose seven starters on defense, including linebacker Matt Mayberry, defensive end Jammie Kirlew and safety Austin Thomas. Mo Moriarity returns to Indiana as offensive line coach after a successful run in the state's high school circuit.

Sidelined: Indiana enters camp very healthy, although linebacker linebacker Ryan Phillis is out with a foot injury. Safety Mitchell Evans returns after missing spring ball with a hip injury, and wideout Damarlo Belcher is fine after battling a hamstring issue this spring.

Key battle: The Hoosiers lose a lot at linebacker and defensive back, and besides senior Tyler Replogle, there are few guarantees at those spots. Evans and converted receiver Matt Ernest are projected to start at strong safety and cornerback, but expect plenty of competition. Thomas and Leon Beckum will compete for time at inside linebacker. Indiana also must replace left tackle Rodger Saffold, a second-round draft pick in April. Andrew McDonald is the projected starter, with Josh Hager behind him.

New on the scene: The Hoosiers hope three junior college transfers can help their long-suffering defense. Cornerback Lenyatta Kiles and linebacker Jeff Thomas went through spring ball and should contribute right away at their positions. The most heralded of the three arrivals, Andre Kates, a one-time Florida commit, gets on the practice field today.

Time to shine: Running back Darius Willis has shown he can be a difference maker for Indiana, but he has got to stay healthy. After dealing with various injuries his first three seasons, Willis looks to spark the Hoosiers' rushing attack and add balance to what should be an excellent passing game.

Quotable: "What we've talked to our guys about is learning how to finish. When you go back and look at it, I really mean that. We were about 12 plays away from playing in a really good bowl game." -- head coach Bill Lynch

Eighth in a series examining key players departing, staying and arriving at Big Ten schools.

Going ...

Arrelious Benn, WR: He never reached the heights many thought he would after winning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 2007, but Benn still led Illinois in receiving yards for three consecutive seasons. Illinois' inconsistent offense hurt Benn last season, but his obvious talent and presence on the perimeter will be missed as the Illini transition to a new system under coordinator Paul Petrino this fall.

Jon Asamoah, OG: Like Indiana's Rodger Saffold, Asamoah was one of the Big Ten's more underrated linemen, in large part because his team struggled. But Asamoah provided a veteran presence up front and had the combination of superior skill and intelligence. The NFL clearly liked what it saw in Asamoah, a third-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in April.

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Staying ...

Martez Wilson, LB: Wilson's 2009 season never got on track as he missed all but one game with a herniated disk in his neck. He seemed to be settling in well as the team's middle linebacker last summer and has a chance in 2010 to have the breakout season many have been waiting for. Wilson has the size and the skills to be special, but he's got to get it done on the field.

Clay Nurse, DE: Nurse was a presence on the defensive line down the stretch last season, leading Illinois in sacks (5.5), tackles for loss (10.5) and quarterback hurries (3). He's got the personality and attitude to be a valuable leader along the front four this fall, as Illinois tries to improve a group that ranked last in the Big Ten in sacks (19) in 2009.

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Coming ...

Chandler Whitmer, QB: Jacob Charest's post-spring departure puts Whitmer, a true freshman, in the backup role behind Nathan Scheelhaase. Good thing that Whitmer enrolled early and went through spring practice with Petrino and the other quarterbacks. He drew praise from the coaches and displays good maturity both on and off the field.

Earnest Thomas, S: The one-time UCLA commit could be a factor right away in a secondary that has some competition but few lock-down certainties. The 6-1, 195-pound Thomas was highly recruited coming out of Michigan and will help Illinois at a position (safety) that hasn't be secure since Justin Harrison and Kevin Mitchell departed following the 2008 Rose Bowl.

More revolving door ...

• Indiana
• Michigan State
• Wisconsin
• Penn State
• Purdue
• Ohio State
• Minnesota

Third in a series examining key players departing, staying and arriving at Big Ten schools.

Going ...

Rodger Saffold, LT: He didn't get a ton of pub during his college career, but Saffold showed everyone what they missed during predraft workouts. The second-team All-Big Ten selection soared up the draft boards and was the second Big Ten offensive lineman to hear his name called, as St. Louis selected him with the first pick of the second round. Saffold protected Ben Chappell's blind side as Indiana ranked second in the league in fewest sacks allowed (16).

Matt Mayberry, LB: Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton had value as well, but Mayberry was the heart and soul of Indiana's defense the last two years. He led the team with 108 tackles and ranked second on the squad in tackles for loss (11), sacks (5.5) and interceptions (3). Mayberry started the final 24 games of his career and finished with 251 tackles.

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Staying ...

Tandon Doss, WR: If you're in a college football fantasy league and want to beat your buddies, pick Doss if he's available. He quietly earned first-team All-Big Ten honors after recording 77 receptions for 962 yards and five touchdowns, ranking second in the league in receiving yards. This guy has legit NFL potential, and he could produce some big numbers this fall.

Ben Chappell, QB: Chappell finished third in the league in passing average last fall (245.1 ypg), and if he can cut down on his interceptions, he should have a monster senior season. He's no stranger to the spotlight and will have one of the Big Ten's best group of wide receivers and tight ends at his disposal this fall.

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Coming ...

Jeff Thomas, LB: The junior college transfer should play a significant role this fall as Indiana transitions to the 3-4 defensive alignment. Thomas was on campus this spring and likely will back up Tyler Replogle this season. He boasts good size at 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, and he earned first-team All-American honors for Foothill Junior College last fall. Thomas recorded four tackles in the spring game.

Andre Kates, CB: After some wavering before signing day, Kates pledged to Indiana and provided a major jolt for the Hoosiers' recruiting class. The junior college transfer not only fills a glaring need in the secondary, but he brings a strong skill set to the defensive backfield. A one-time Florida commit who had to get his grades right at ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y., Kates should make an immediate impact this fall.

More revolving door ...

• Michigan State
• Wisconsin
• Penn State

Indiana

2009 overall record: 4-8

2009 conference record: 1-7 (T-10th)

Returning starters

Offense: 8, defense: 4, kicker/punter: 2

Top returners

QB Ben Chappell, WR Tandon Doss, WR Damarlo Belcher, RT James Brewer, RB Darius Willis, LB Tyler Replogle, DT Larry Black Jr.

Key losses

LT Rodger Saffold, DE Jammie Kirlew, LB Matt Mayberry, DE Greg Middleton, CB Ray Fisher, SS Austin Thomas, FS Nick Polk, LB Will Patterson

2009 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Darius Willis* (607 yards)

Passing: Ben Chappell* (2,941 yards)

Receiving: Tandon Doss* (962 yards)

Tackles: Matt Mayberry (108)

Sacks: Jammie Kirlew (6.5)

Interceptions: Austin Thomas (4)

Spring answers

1. End game: Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton formed one of the Big Ten's most productive defensive end tandems during the last three seasons, and their departures raise a red flag about the defensive end position. So why isn't co-defensive coordinator Joe Palcic concerned? He has tons of faith in Darius Johnson and Kevin Bush, the favorites to start at the two end spots. Bush, a 24-year-old redshirt sophomore, spent three plus seasons in the military before joining the Hoosiers. "I'm telling you, they're both going to end up being better than Jammie Kirlew," Palcic said.

2. Hoosiers switch to 3-4: Despite losing two veteran linebackers, Indiana employed more of the 3-4 alignment on defense this spring in an effort to capitalize on its athleticism. The switch allows the Hoosiers to rotate more players up front. Among the players to be featured in the 3-4 are Johnson, Bush, Damon Sims, Fred Jones and Adam Replogle, a big, athletic defender who moved from tackle to end this spring.

3. Receiving orders: Indiana entered the spring loaded at wide receiver, and the Hoosiers added more depth on the perimeter. First-team All-Big Ten selection Tandon Doss turned in a stellar spring, and redshirt freshman Duwyce Wilson worked his way into a rotation that also includes Damarlo Belcher and Terrance Turner. Junior Dre Muhammad also stepped up, as he and Wilson combined for 10 catches in the spring game.

Fall questions

1. The secondary: There were some bright spots this spring, like the play of redshirt freshman cornerback Lawrence Barnett, but the secondary is far from settled heading into the summer. Indiana loses two multi-year starters at safety as well as Ray Fisher, its top cover corner. Junior college transfer Lenyatta Kiles went through spring ball, and another juco corner, Andre Kates, arrives for preseason camp. It will be interesting to see where those two fit in and whether Jerimy Finch finally blossoms at safety.

2. Run game: The pistol formation was supposed to ignite Indiana's rushing attack, but it hasn't happened yet. And while there's little doubt the Hoosiers can light up defenses through the air, their running game is a major question mark. Darius Willis shows flashes but struggles to stay on the field because of ankle problems. Indiana needs a strong camp from Willis and continued production from other backs like Antonio Banks, who had a nice spring.

3. Offensive line: Indiana must replace arguably the Big Ten's most underrated player in left tackle Rodger Saffold, who nearly worked his way into the first round of April's NFL draft (he was the first pick of the second round). Junior Andrew McDonald is Saffold's projected successor, but other players are in the mix, including starting guard Justin Pagan. The Hoosiers also must replace veteran guard Pete Saxon, so building chemistry will be key in preseason camp.

Six spring games on tap Saturday, and then another college football Sahara begins. Ugh.

• Not sure I believe this, but Notre Dame isn't in the Big Ten's expansion mix, Mark Blaudschun writes in The Boston Globe.
• All eyes will be on the quarterbacks, but Penn State has a few other things to sort out in the Blue-White Game, Bob Flounders writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News. Things would have been different in Happy Valley had QB Pat Devlin stayed a Nittany Lion, Keith Pompey writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
• Tight end Jake Stoneburner has been Ohio State's breakout star on offense this spring, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Bryce McNaul and the other Northwestern linebackers want to carry on the school's tradition started by head coach Pat Fitzgerald, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Michigan State's depth at running back should spark the rushing attack this fall, David Goricki writes in The Detroit News. The Spartans' spring game player draft offered clues on who is stepping up this spring, Shannon Shelton writes in the Detroit Free Press.
• Indiana tackle Rodger Saffold is still waiting for the call from the NFL (should come tonight), Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required).
• Minnesota AD Joel Maturi says the football team must improve its off-field conduct, Sid Hartman writes in the Star Tribune.
• The (Champaign) News-Gazette's Bob Asmussen lists three reasons to be happy and three reasons to worry about Illinois heading into Saturday's spring game. Illinois' new coordinators are emphasizing accountability this spring, Shannon Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune.

Most mock drafts had Michigan's Brandon Graham, Iowa's Bryan Bulaga and Penn State's Jared Odrick being selected in the first round. So there were no major shockers as the first round played out.

The only mini surprise from Thursday night's NFL draft was the order of Big Ten picks.

Graham, the outstanding Michigan defensive end who will play outside linebacker in the pros, was the first Big Ten player drafted, going at No. 13 to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles landed the Big Ten's most dominant player of 2009, but Graham was surprised Philadelphia wanted him, telling annarbor.com, "The Eagles never showed any interest at all."

Bulaga had been pegged as high as No. 5 on some draft boards, and most prognosticators listed him as the first Big Ten player to be selected. But the Iowa left tackle, who won Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honors last fall, had to wait until No. 23, when the Green Bay Packers picked him. Bulaga's stock certainly dropped in the days before the first round, but SI.com's Don Banks writes that he had a "soft landing" and should fit in perfectly with Green Bay.

Should Bulaga have stayed another year at Iowa? He could have helped himself a little, but I can't fault him for leaving, especially after his health scare early in the season.

There were too many teams at the bottom of the first round that loved Odrick, and Miami pulled the trigger at No. 28. Here's some reaction from Odrick and analysis from around the media. I'd be stunned if Odrick isn't an excellent pro, and he should be able to help the Dolphins right way in their interior defensive line.

Check out ESPN's analysis of the first round here, here and here.

Indiana left tackle Rodger Saffold and Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn were the Big Ten's other first-round possibilities. Their wait should be over early tonight as Round 2 begins.

All the talk about potential Big Ten expansion and the final week of spring football in the league has prevented me from weighing in on a little event called the NFL draft.

It's sort of a big deal. Especially around here.

As everyone knows, the draft is moving to prime time, and the first round takes place tonight (ESPN, 7:30 p.m. ET).

What's in it for Big Ten football fans?

Well, you'll almost certainly see three Big Ten players drafted, and possibly more. ESPN experts Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. each have four Big Ten players going in the first round of their mock drafts.

Here's how I see the Big Ten's first-round hopefuls:

Locks: Iowa LT Bryan Bulaga, Michigan DE Brandon Graham, Penn State DT Jared Odrick

Near lock: Indiana LT Rodger Saffold

Possibility: Illinois WR Arrelious Benn

Long shots: Penn State LB Sean Lee, Ohio State LB/DE Thaddeus Gibson

Barring a major surprise, Bulaga will be the first Big Ten player selected, followed by Graham. There are too many teams at the bottom of the first round who love Odrick, and one will pull the trigger. Saffold has really improved his stock during the pre-draft session and is a projected first-rounder, according to many outlets. I still think Benn will be an outstanding pro, but he might not have done enough at the college level to warrant a first-round selection. Lee and Gibson also should do well at the next level, but I'd be surprised if they go in the first round. If Gibson isn't picked tonight, it will mark just the fifth time in the last 20 years that Ohio State hasn't produced a first-round selection.

Enjoy draft night, everyone.

In preparation for the start of spring practice Tuesday, Indiana has issued an updated depth chart (Page 4).

There aren't many surprises on offense, as eight starters return from 2009. Junior Andrew McDonald appears as the starting left tackle, as Indiana must replace standout Rodger Saffold. Veteran Cody Faulkner is listed as the starting right guard ahead of freshman Aaron Price.

The defensive depth chart reveals a few more clues:

• Junior Darius Johnson and fifth-year senior Deonte Mack are listed as the first-team defensive ends. Several others will be in the mix, including Fred Jones, Eric Thomas and Terrance Thomas, who will miss spring ball with a shoulder injury. Mack boasts a good deal of experience at both line positions.
• Senior Tyler Replogle shifts to middle linebacker as IU must replace Matt Mayberry. Junior college transfer Jeff Thomas is listed as the backup there.
• Junior Leon Beckum and sophomore Chad Sherer are listed as the starters at the outside linebacker spots. Replogle started nine games at strongside linebacker in 2009.
• Adrian Burks and Matt Ernest will compete for a starting cornerback spot opposite Donnell Jones. Ernest will be limited this spring as he's pitching for Indiana's baseball team.
• Junior Chris Adkins is listed as the starter at free safety, while converted wide receiver Mitchell Evans is the starting strong safety ahead of Jerimy Finch. Evans will miss spring ball following hip surgery, so it will be interesting to see if Finch, a heralded transfer from Florida, can finally answer the bell.
• All-Big Ten wideout Tandon Doss will get a shot to fill Ray Fisher's spots on returns. Doss is listed as the starter for both punt and kickoff returns.
• Head coach Bill Lynch said today that Edward Wright-Baker and Dusty Kiel will compete for time as the team's Wildcat quarterback, a role Evans filled well in 2009.

The NFL combine has wrapped up in Indianapolis, and as expected, the former Big Ten standouts drew mixed reviews. Check out the combine's top performers, and you'll see plenty of Big Ten alums.

Here are some final notes and nuggets, first from the Scouts Inc. staff:

• Steve Muench: "At 6-0 and 180 pounds, Purdue's David Pender is lean but has room on his frame to bulk up without losing too much speed. Pender officially ran the 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, posted a 39-inch vertical and has 32-inch arms. Don't be surprised to see him move up some draft boards based on his potential."
• Steve Muench: "Ohio State's Thaddeus Gibson looked smooth and comfortable dropping into coverage, which came as little surprise given how often he dropped into coverage in college. However, his footwork was a little sloppy during lateral bag work. Gibson is so explosive that his momentum often carried him past the bag and forced him to gather himself before redirecting. We've seen this on film as well, and Gibson needs to play more under control.
• Steve Muench: "Lisfranc injuries can be difficult to overcome, and Minnesota WR Eric Decker is now scheduled for a second surgery on his left foot. The March 15 operation does not indicate a setback, however. Its purpose is to remove the plate and screws inserted after the initial injury to the foot, but it will leave him unable to run unrestricted until June. Decker is a big, athletic receiver who built a lot of momentum early in the college season and was one of our fastest-rising prospects before the first injury ended his season. He likely will slide down some draft boards because he has been unable to work out fully for months and other receivers turned in strong performances at the combine, but Decker remains a third-round prospect in our eyes.
• Steve Muench: "Michigan's Brandon Graham is ranked ahead of Texas' Sergio Kindle and Ohio State's Thaddeus Gibson because he's the better player on film in our opinion. However, the combine is the perfect venue for Kindle and Gibson to showcase their talents because they are better athletes than Graham."
• Todd McShay: "Penn State's Daryll Clark and Appalachian State's Armanti Edwards could also be headed for position changes. Clark notched 21 reps on the bench press, which is good if he's moving to running back. The problem is he's too bulked up and it affects his overall accuracy as a passer."
• Todd McShay: "[Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn] turned in an unofficial 4.48 in the 40 and a 37-inch vertical, and he showed good strength with 20 reps on the bench press. Benn is a bit tightly wound but he has great quickness for his size and he eats up everything thrown his way. Benn should be high on the priority list for teams in search of wide receiver help in the bottom half of the first round, including the Bengals (No. 21), Ravens (No. 25) and Jets (No. 29)."
• Bruce Feldman on Brandon Graham: "The former Michigan star isn't tall, but so what? Neither is Dwight Freeney or Elvis Dumervil. Graham has superb first-step quickness and burst. He's also a powerhouse in the weight room, having set the Michigan record in the bench press, hang clean and power clean."

And now for some linkage:

• Penn State's Jared Odrick might have moved into the top 20 after the combine, Clifton Brown writes in The Sporting News.
• Indiana's Rodger Saffold improved his stock at the combine, while Iowa's Dace Richardson struggled, Russ Lande writes in The Sporting News. Odrick, Gibson and Iowa's Pat Angerer are among Lande's top defensive performers.
• NFL.com's Pat Kirwan has Iowa's Bryan Bulaga going at No. 5 in his post-combine mock draft.
• An abdominal strain kept Ohio State defensive back Kurt Coleman from running the 40 in Indy, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Bulaga draws some combine praise from SI.com's Don Banks.
• Michigan cornerback Donovan Warren struggled on Day 6 of the combine, SI.com's Tony Pauline writes.
• Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka reflects on his combine experience in the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Big Ten coaching carousel has finally come to a stop -- I think -- as Indiana on Monday named Myron "Mo" Moriarity as its new offensive line coach.

Moriarity replaces Bobby Johnson, who left last month to become assistant offensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills. A 33-year coaching veteran, Moriarity will begin his second stint with the Hoosiers after coaching IU's tight ends from 2002-04.

He has spent most of his career coaching high school football in Indiana, most recently at Carmel High just north of Indianapolis. Moriarity won three Indiana state high school championships and coached three Indiana Mr. Football winners, including NFL quarterback Rex Grossman.

“I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to work with Bill Lynch and be a part of what I feel is a program heading in the right direction,” Moriarity said in a statement. “Coach Lynch and I have been friends for a long time and after talking with him about IU Football, I really can’t wait to get back down to Bloomington.”

Moriarity obviously will be a familiar name to Hoosiers fans, and as a longtime head coach, he'll know how to command respect from his players. His lack of college coaching experience raises some concerns, but he clearly knows the state and could be a valuable asset in local recruiting. He takes over a Hoosiers line that loses standout tackle Rodger Saffold (doing very well at the NFL combine this week) but returns three starters from 2009.

After watching Michigan State and Purdue slug it out on the basketball court Sunday, I was tempted to make the short drive down I-65 to Indianapolis for the final few days of the NFL combine.

The combine continues today and Tuesday, but many of the key evaluations have already taken place.

Let's take a look at the Big Ten's top performers in the events through Sunday:

40-Yard Dash

• Tony Moeaki, Iowa, tied for fourth among tight ends (4.69 seconds)
• Andrew Quarless, Penn State, tied for fourth among tight ends (4.69 seconds)

Bench Press

• Daryll Clark, Penn State, first among quarterbacks (21 reps)
• Arrelious Benn, Illinois, tied for first among wide receivers (20 reps)
• Blair White, Michigan State, sixth among wide receivers (18 reps)
• Michael Hoomanawanui, Illinois, third among tight ends (25 reps)
• Andrew Quarless, Penn State, tied for fifth among tight ends (23 reps)
• Garrett Graham, Wisconsin, tied for eighth among tight ends (20 reps)
• Thaddeus Gibson, Ohio State, tied for sixth among defensive linemen (32 reps)
• Brandon Graham, Michigan, tied for 10th among defensive linemen (31 reps)
• Mike Neal, Purdue, tied for 10th among defensive linemen (31 reps)

Vertical Jump

• Mike Kafka, Northwestern, tied for seventh among quarterbacks (32 inches)
• Arrelious Benn, Illinois, tied for eighth among wide receivers (37 inches)
• Garrett Graham, Wisconsin, sixth among tight ends (34.5 inches)
• Tony Moeaki, Iowa, tied for seventh among tight ends (34 inches)
• Rodger Saffold, Indiana, tied for ninth among offensive linemen (29.5 inches)

Broad Jump

• Mike Kafka, Northwestern, tied for fifth among quarterbacks (9 feet, 2 inches)
• Tony Moeaki, Iowa, tied for fifth among tight ends (9 feet, 5 inches)
• Rodger Saffold, Indiana, tied for second among offensive linemen (9 feet, 5 inches)

3-Cone Drill

• Mike Kafka, Northwestern, third among quarterbacks (6.96 seconds)
• Blair White, Michigan State, third among wide receivers (6.69 seconds)
• Rodger Saffold, Indiana, third among offensive linemen (7.42 seconds)

20-Yard Shuttle

• Blair White, Michigan State, first among wide receivers (4.03 seconds)
• Garrett Graham, Wisconsin, fourth among tight ends (4.35 seconds)
• Rodger Saffold, Indiana, eighth among offensive linemen (4.67 seconds)

60-Yard Shuttle

• Mike Kafka, Northwestern, second among quarterbacks (11.79 seconds)
• Blair White, Michigan State, second among wide receivers (11.07 seconds)
• Tony Moeaki, Iowa, third among tight ends (11.86 seconds)

So it's been a good combine for players like Moeaki, Saffold, White, Kafka and Quarless. I'll provide more updates on top performers as the results are posted.

Indiana offensive line coach Bobby Johnson is leaving to take a position with the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson's hiring in Buffalo won't be official until early next week, but he's expected to sign a contract to become an assistant offensive line coach for new Buffalo head man Chan Gailey.

Johnson spent five seasons at Indiana and was one of five former Miami (Ohio) assistants to join Terry Hoeppner when Hoeppner became Hoosiers head coach. Indiana's offensive line improved significantly this fall after an injury-plagued 2008 season, and left tackle Rodger Saffold blossomed into a good NFL prospect.

Head coach Bill Lynch hasn't had to make many hires since taking the top job, as he tried to maintain staff continuity. Indiana returns three starters on the offensive line for the 2010 season.

The official list of invitees to the NFL scouting combine is out, and the Big Ten will send 41 former players to Indianapolis later this month. The combine takes place Feb. 24-March 2, and all 11 Big Ten schools will be represented. Iowa leads the way with seven invitees, followed Penn State with six invitees and four teams (Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State) each with four invitees.

You've already seen an early list, which didn't include underclassmen and some seniors who were named later.

Here's the full roster of Big Ten participants, sorted by team:

ILLINOIS: G Jon Asamoah, WR Arrelious Benn, TE Michael Hoomanawanui

INDIANA: DE Jammie Kirlew, DE Greg Middleton, S Nick Polk, OT Rodger Saffold

IOWA: LB Pat Angerer, OT Bryan Bulaga, OT Kyle Calloway, LB A.J. Edds, TE Tony Moeaki, G Dace Richardson, CB Amari Spievey

MICHIGAN: DE Brandon Graham, P Zoltan Mesko, RB Brandon Minor, CB Donovan Warren

MICHIGAN STATE: K Brett Swenson, WR Blair White

MINNESOTA: LB Lee Campbell, WR Eric Decker, LB Simoni Lawrence, LB Nate Triplett

NORTHWESTERN: QB Mike Kafka, CB Sherrick McManis, DE Corey Wootton

OHIO STATE: S Kurt Coleman, DE Thaddeus Gibson, K Aaron Pettrey, DT Doug Worthington

PENN STATE: LB Navorro Bowman, QB Daryll Clark, LB Josh Hull, LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, TE Andrew Quarless

PURDUE: DT Mike Neal, CB David Pender

WISCONSIN: TE Garrett Graham, LB O'Brien Schofield (injured)