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Indiana has released its depth chart for Saturday's season opener against Ball State. Not surprisingly, the chart includes co-starters at quarterback in Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker. The sophomores have been competing for the job with true freshman Tre Roberson, who isn't listed on the two-deep.

Some other notes:

• Two likely starters, wide receiver Duwyce Wilson and tight end Ted Bolser, aren't listed on the depth chart. Both have been battling injuries during camp. Senior Dre Muhammad is listed as the starter in Wilson's spot ahead of freshman Shane Wynn, while senior Max Dedmond will start at tight end.
• Redshirt freshman Matt Perez, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL, is listed as the No. 1 running back ahead of Stephen Houston. Junior Darius Willis is suspended for the opener for conduct detrimental to the team.
• Redshirt freshman Ryan Phillis is listed as a starter at defensive end ahead of veteran Fred Jones. He'll play opposite Darius Johnson. Indiana seems to have some good depth at the defensive tackle position.
• Another redshirt freshman, Chase Hoobler, has secured a starting job for the opener at strong-side linebacker. He'll join senior linebackers Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum in the starting lineup.
• No major surprises in the starting secondary as sophomores Lawrence Barnett and Greg Heban are listed as the top corners and fifth-year seniors Chris Adkins and Jarrell Drane are listed as the No. 1 safeties.
• Wynn and Perez are listed as the top kick returners, as Indiana must replace the dynamic Tandon Doss on special teams.

Some interesting stuff here. Youth will be served this season in Bloomington as 14 true freshmen or redshirt freshmen appear on the depth chart.

Kofi Hughes doesn't hesitate when asked what element he brings to Indiana's receiving corps.

"My breakaway speed," the sophomore recently told ESPN.com. "When I get the ball, I'm not running for the first down or the extra yard. I'm running to score every time."

Hughes' speed could come in handy for the Hoosiers, who once again look well stocked at the receiver position but need more touchdowns from the group. Indiana lost top touchdown scorer Tandon Doss (7 TDs in 2010) to the NFL draft, and while No. 1 returnee Damarlo Belcher led the Big Ten with 78 receptions in 2010, only four went for touchdowns.

Belcher is expected to anchor IU's passing attack this year along with Duwyce Wilson, who started four games as a redshirt freshman last fall and recorded 32 receptions for 488 yards. Hughes, one of two true freshmen to play in 2010, provides another exciting option.

"My role’s just as important as Damarlo's or Duwyce's or anybody else who's out there on the field," said Hughes, who recorded seven catches last fall and blossomed during spring practice. "When it's my time to get the ball, I need to be a playmaker. I've always seen myself as a playmaker."

Hughes made plenty of plays as a quarterback for Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. As a senior in 2009, he accounted for 42 touchdowns -- 19 passing, 22 rushing, 1 receiving -- and was named Gatorade Player of the Year in the state.

While he loved calling signals, Hughes knew his future would be at receiver. He credits Doss for working with him on route running and other areas last year.

"I was his little project," Hughes said.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hughes thinks he still must improve the way he practices and polish his game at what is still a relatively new position. With an unproven quarterback moving into a starting role -- Dusty Kiel, Edward Wright-Baker and Tre Roberson continue to compete -- Indiana needs its receivers to once again be a strength.

The Hoosiers have produced first-team All-Big Ten wideouts in three of the past four seasons with Doss (2009, 2010) and James Hardy (2007).

"We get down to business," Hughes said. "The receivers at Indiana have spoken for themselves in the past five years or so. Being a receiver at IU, there's a lot that comes with that."

Hughes is ready to embrace it and continue the tradition this season.

The Hope and Concern series continues with the Indiana Hoosiers.

Biggest reason for hope: Wide receivers and tight ends

One group new IU coach Kevin Wilson doesn't have to worry about is wide receiver. Indiana once again will boast one of the Big Ten's deepest and most talented collections of wideouts. Despite losing NFL draft pick Tandon Doss as well as Terrance Turner, Indiana brings back Damarlo Belcher, the Big Ten leader in receptions last fall, along with sophomore Duwyce Wilson and sophomore Kofi Hughes, who took a step forward during spring practice. Tight end Ted Bolser also returns to the mix after a 27-catch performance as a freshman in 2010. Although Indiana still doesn't know its starting quarterback, whoever wins the job will have options at his disposal.

Biggest reason for concern: Depth on defense

While Indiana must figure out its starting offensive backfield, defense remains the No. 1 area of concern with this team until proven otherwise. The Hoosiers exited the spring feeling good about several individual defenders -- linebackers Jeff Thomas and Leon Beckum, defensive end Darius Johnson, defensive backs Greg Heban and Lawrence Barnett, to name a few -- but whether they have enough depth to get through the season remains to be seen. Injuries will crop up in Big Ten play, and Indiana hasn't shown the ability to survive them on defense in recent years. The summer will be essential as the Hoosiers try to find insurance throughout the unit.

More Hope and Concern

• Purdue

The 2011 NFL draft is in the books, and it's time to take a look back at how the Big Ten fared in the selections. In case you missed it, check out my breakdown of the six Big Ten players who heard their names called in the first round.

All in all, 29 Big Ten players were drafted this year. New Big Ten member Nebraska had seven selections.

Let's start off with a rundown of the picks. I'll have some quick thoughts after each round.

First round

• Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt, Houston, No. 11 overall
• Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan, Washington, No. 16 overall
• Illinois DT Corey Liuget, San Diego, No. 18 overall
• Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn, Tampa Bay, No. 20 overall
• Wisconsin LT Gabe Carimi, Chicago, No. 29 overall
• Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward, Pittsburgh, No. 31

Quick thoughts: The Big Ten had its largest first-round output since 2007, and several players look like good fits for their teams. Chicago had to be thrilled Carimi was still available, and San Diego felt the same about Liuget, projected by many as a top-15 pick. Kerrigan likely needs to contribute immediately for the Redskins, while Clayborn and Heyward enter situations where they can ease into the transition.

Second round

• Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks, St. Louis, No. 47 overall
• Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski, Oakland, No. 48 overall
• Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure, Detroit, No. 57 overall
• Michigan LB Jonas Mouton, San Diego, No. 61 overall

Quick thoughts: Mouton's selection was a surprise for many folks, but it's a testament to a good player who impressed the scouts despite playing for a lousy defense in 2010. Wisniewski enters a good fit in Oakland, where his uncle, Steve, is an assistant offensive line coach. I really like Leshoure in Detroit, where he'll enter a competitive situation at running back.

Third round

• Illinois LB Martez Wilson, New Orleans, No. 72 overall
• Wisconsin G John Moffitt, Seattle, No. 75 overall

Quick thoughts: Wilson, who entered the draft after his junior season, might have been a bit disappointed to fall to the third round. But he enters a good situation in New Orleans and should have some time to develop.

Fourth round

• Iowa DL Christian Ballard, Minnesota, No. 106 overall
• Ohio State CB Chimdi Chekwa, Oakland, No. 113 overall
• Indiana LT James Brewer, New York Giants, No. 117 overall
• Indiana WR Tandon Doss, Baltimore, No. 123 overall

Quick thoughts: Ballard reportedly tested positive for marijuana use and likely paid a price as he dropped down at least a round. Still, the Iowa standout should help the Vikings early in his career. I really like the Doss fit in Baltimore, which can use more playmakers at receiver. It'll be interesting to see how quickly Chekwa sees the field in Oakland.

Fifth round

• Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi, Kansas City, No. 135 overall
• Iowa DE Karl Klug, Tennessee, No. 142 overall
• Ohio State S Jermale Hines, St. Louis, No. 158 overall
• Iowa G Julian Vandervelde, Philadelphia, No. 161 overall

Quick thoughts: What a round for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Although Stanzi waited a little longer than expected, he joins a team in Kansas City that has a lot of connections to the New England Patriots, the squad many thought would draft the Iowa quarterback. Klug is a solid player who can play either line position. I'll be interested to see how he fares with the Titans.

Sixth round

• Penn State RB Evan Royster, Washington, No. 177 overall
• Michigan State LB Greg Jones, New York Giants, No. 185 overall
• Michigan State CB Chris L. Rucker, Indianapolis, No. 188 overall
• Ohio State LB Brian Rolle, Philadelphia, No. 193 overall
• Iowa S Tyler Sash, New York Giants, No. 198 overall
• Ohio State LB Ross Homan, Minnesota, No. 200 overall
• Michigan G Stephen Schilling, San Diego, No. 201 overall

Quick thoughts: This marked the Big Ten's biggest round as seven players heard their names called. Jones, the former Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, went a little later than expected, and Sash also dropped down a bit after entering the draft after his junior season. Homan, who missed some time last season with a foot injury, could end up being an excellent addition for the Vikings. Really like that pick.

Seventh round

• Illinois LB Nate Bussey, New Orleans, No. 243 overall
• Wisconsin G/C Bill Nagy, Dallas, No. 252 overall

Quick thoughts: While I was surprised several other Big Ten players didn't get drafted, both Bussey and Nagy are deserving. Both players played integral roles in their teams' success last fall, and both were overshadowed by other draftees (Liuget and Wilson for Bussey, Carimi and Moffitt for Nagy).

NEBRASKA'S DRAFTEES

Husker fans, I didn't forget you or your team. Nebraska actually had more draft picks (7) than any Big Ten team, and here they are.

• CB Prince Amukamara, New York Giants, No. 19 overall (first round)
• RB Roy Helu Jr., Washington, No. 104 overall (fourth round)
• K Alex Henery, Philadelphia, No. 120 overall (fourth round)
• DB Dejon Gomes, Washington, No. 146 overall (fifth round)
• WR Niles Paul, Washington, No. 155 overall (fifth round)
• OT Keith Williams, Pittsburgh, No. 196 overall (sixth round)
• DB Eric Hagg, Cleveland, No. 248 overall (seventh round)

Quick thoughts: Think there might be a few "Husker Power!" chants at Redskins games this season? The Mike Shanahan-Bo Pelini connection likely played a role in the three Nebraska players heading to the nation's capital. Henery soon will succeed David Akers in Philadelphia, and the Giants had to thrilled that Amukamara still was on the board at No. 19.

Big Ten picks by team

• Nebraska: 7 (players competed in the Big 12)
• Iowa: 6
• Ohio State: 5
• Wisconsin: 5 (four picks in first three rounds)
• Illinois: 4
• Michigan State: 2
• Indiana: 2
• Michigan: 2
• Penn State: 2
• Purdue: 1
• Northwestern: 0
• Minnesota: 0

By position (excluding Nebraska)

• DL: 7
• OL: 7
• LB: 6
• DB: 4
• RB: 2
• WR: 1
• TE: 1
• QB: 1

Nebraska had three defensive backs, a running back, an offensive lineman, a wide receiver and a kicker drafted.

Draft snubs

Quite a few Big Ten players didn't hear their names called during the weekend, and they'll enter the shaky world of free agency. I was absolutely stunned no one drafted Ohio State's Dane Sanzenbacher. He was the Big Ten's top receiver last fall and brings a combination of football IQ and toughness that should appeal to football people not overly obsessed with measurables.

Wisconsin running back John Clay was the Big Ten's only non-senior who entered the draft but didn't get selected. Clay struggles with weight and his ankle problems might have contributed to him slipping through the draft.

Other Big Ten draft snubs include: Wisconsin quarterback Scott Tolzien, Ohio State guard Justin Boren, Iowa tight end Allen Reisner and Purdue receiver Keith Smith. Nebraska's Pierre Allen and Ricky Henry also will go the free-agent route.

After the 2010 season wrapped up, Damarlo Belcher had Indiana's video staff compile cutups of all his catches and drops from the previous 12 games.

The catches far outnumbered the drops. Belcher had 78 receptions last fall, tops among Big Ten players. He ranked 19th nationally in receptions per game (6.5) and finished fourth in the league in receiving yards per game (69.3 rpg). The 6-foot-5, 214-pound Belcher emerged as the most consistent pass-catcher on the league's top passing offense.

Belcher reviewed every play, but he spent more time on the drops. Specifically, he watched The Drop.

Indiana fans don't need further explanation. Anyone who watched the end of the Hoosiers' Nov. 6 game against then-No. 15 Iowa understands.

After Iowa scored a late touchdown to take an 18-13 lead, Indiana responded with a drive to the Hawkeyes' 18-yard line. After three incompletions, quarterback Ben Chappell lofted a pass to the end zone on fourth-and-10. Belcher leaped above the defenders to grab it for the game-winner.

But the ball bounced off of his hands. Iowa ran out the clock, and another chance for Indiana to turn a corner had disappeared.

Belcher hasn't forgotten what happened that day.

“I can't," he said. "But it won't happen again, I'll tell you that. That’s the one I watch the most."

Belcher felt understandably sick after the drop, but his coaches and teammates rallied around him. Indiana's leadership council unanimously voted him a game captain the next week against Wisconsin.

Belcher finished the season with an eight-catch, 83-yard performance as Indiana knocked off Purdue in overtime to reclaim the Old Oaken Bucket. But Indiana fell a win shy of bowl eligibility, and the school fired coach Bill Lynch the day after the Bucket game.

The Drop has lingered in Belcher's mind throughout the winter and spring.

"I think about it every day," he said. "Whenever I'm in the weight room or out at practice, I think about it. It gives me an extra effort or motivation to just go hard."

Belcher will be Indiana's clear-cut No. 1 receiver this fall after teammate Tandon Doss declared early for the NFL draft. Belcher also considered bolting after the coaching change.

Indiana's hiring of offensive guru Kevin Wilson helped keep Belcher in Bloomington.

"That was a big part of the reason why I stayed," Belcher said. "Coming from where he came from, I couldn't do anything but stay."

Wilson has talked to Belcher about former Oklahoma star tight end Jermaine Gresham and other standout pass-catchers he coached in Norman. Belcher has responded well to the new staff this spring.

"He's the oldest guy in the group, the most experienced, and he's been great to work with," co-offensive coordinator/receivers coach Kevin Johns said. "For someone who led the Big Ten in receptions, who made All-Big Ten recognition, he's very hungry to learn. He comes into meetings with wide eyes, not a guy who feels, 'I already know everything.'"

Belcher's hunger stems in part from the drop against Iowa. He can't wait for the season and a chance for redemption.

"If it can be close, man, I want it, I want the ball in my hands," he said. "That's how much it affected me. Whenever it's crunch time, I'll be ready."

There's little doubt that the first Big Ten player drafted in April will be a defensive lineman.

(Not including Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara, who played his entire career in the Big 12.)

Who will hear his name called first? Wisconsin's J.J. Watt? Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan? Illinois' Corey Liuget? Iowa's Adrian Clayborn? Ohio State's Cameron Heyward?

I'll have more on the hopefuls as we get closer to draft night, but colleagues Todd McShay and Mel Kiper are always dissecting the draft and have come out with their latest three-round mock selections.

Here's McShay's mock draft and where the Big Ten players fall:

First round

• Illinois DT Corey Liuget, No. 14 overall to St. Louis
• Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan, No. 16 overall to Jacksonville
• Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt, No. 17 overall to New England
• Wisconsin T Gabe Carimi, No. 21 overall to Kansas City
• Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn, No. 24 overall to New Orleans
• Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward, No. 32 overall to Green Bay

Second round

• Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure, No. 45 overall to San Francisco
• Iowa DL Christian Ballard, No. 53 overall to Indianapolis
• Illinois LB Martez Wilson, No. 54 overall to Philadelphia

Third round

• Wisconsin TE Lance Kendricks, No. 68 overall to Buffalo
• Indiana WR Tandon Doss, No. 86 overall to Kansas City
• Wisconsin G John Moffitt, No. 87 overall to Indianapolis
• Indiana T James Brewer, No. 90 overall to Buffalo

Here's a look at Kiper's mock draft and where the Big Ten prospects fall:

First round

• Watt, No. 10 overall to Washington
• Liuget, No. 14 overall to St. Louis
• Kerrigan, No. 20 overall to Tampa Bay
• Carimi, No. 23 overall to Philadelphia
• Clayborn, No. 27 overall to Atlanta
• Heyward, No. 30 overall to New York Jets

Second round

• Wilson, No. 34 overall to Buffalo
• Leshoure, No. 53 overall to Indianapolis
• Doss, No. 64 overall to Green Bay

Third round

• Ballard, No. 67 overall to Denver
• Kendricks, No. 68 overall to Buffalo
• Moffitt, No. 77 overall to Tennessee
• Ohio State CB Chimdi Chekwa, No. 81 overall to Oakland
• Ohio State LB Ross Homan, No. 85 overall to Philadelphia
• Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski, No. 93 to Chicago

Some interesting stuff here. Both McShay and Kiper think the Colts' Big Ten pipeline will continue, and both also like Buffalo to draft Big Ten players. Kiper includes three players McShay leaves out -- Chekwa, Homan and Wisniewski -- while McShay includes one player (Brewer) who Kiper leaves out. It also stands out how teams like Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin have more high-level draft prospects this year than Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska.

Amukamara is the only Nebraska player included in both mock drafts. Both McShay and Kiper have Amukamara going 13th overall to Detroit, where he'll reunite with former Huskers' teammate Ndamukong Suh.

My Big Ten tour marches on Friday with a school from the Legends division. Any guesses on where I'll be?

• Several takes on the Big Ten 2013-14 schedules here and here and here and here and here and here and here and here.
• Iowa safety Tyler Sash is stylin' in The Mag. Hawkeyes defensive back Willie Lowe could remain with the team after all, Randy Peterson writes in the Des Moines Register.
• Minnesota legislators vote to allow limited alcohol sales at TCF Bank Stadium, Mike Kaszuba and Eric Roper write in the Star Tribune. A scary moment for a Gophers recruit during a trip to the Grand Canyon, Marcus Fuller writes in the (St. Paul) Pioneer Press.
• Nebraska receiver Kenny Bell is turning heads this spring, Brian Christopherson writes in the Lincoln Journal Star. The Huskers appear in The Sporting News' latest top 10 for 2011.
• Indiana receiver Tandon Doss had a pretty decent performance before NFL scouts Wednesday, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times.
• Illinois receiver Fred Sykes is making the most of increased opportunities this spring, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• Colleague Bruce Feldman breaks down the top quarterback recruiting battles in 2012 (ESPN Insider).
• The Wisconsin-Michigan series will resume in 2015, Adam Mertz writes.
• Penn State assistant Jay Paterno writes about the potential dangers of 7-on-7 teams and recruiting.

The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings (Top 25) are in the books. Wipe those tears away. A new rundown for 2011, which will include Nebraska players, isn't too far in the distance.

Let's begin to break down the rankings.

By team:

Ohio State: 6
Wisconsin: 5
Illinois: 3
Michigan State: 2
Iowa: 2
Indiana: 2
Michigan: 2
Penn State: 1
Northwestern: 1
Purdue: 1

Ohio State and Wisconsin dominated the rundown, and each team could have had more players (Brian Rolle, Montee Ball) on the list. Illinois had three players finish in the top eight, all juniors who declared for the NFL draft.

By position:

QB: 7
OL: 6
DL: 5
WR: 2
LB: 2
RB: 2
DB: 1

Some certainly will question the selections, but after several seasons where quarterback was a weakness in the Big Ten, the signal caller spot undoubtedly became a position of strength this season. Nearly every Big Ten team had a quarterback who improved -- in several cases, dramatically so -- upon his 2009 production. Even some of the quarterbacks who didn't make the rankings, like Illinois' Nathan Scheelhaase and Minnesota's Adam Weber, really helped their teams this past season.

Looking back at the preseason Big Ten rankings, 14 of the 25 players selected also made the postseason rundown.

Several players ended up more or less where they were projected: Wisconsin's John Moffitt (preseason No. 15, postseason No. 14); Indiana's Tandon Doss (preseason No. 14, postseason No. 19) and Iowa's Ricky Stanzi (preseason No. 18, postseason No. 17). Other players made major moves up the board, like Wisconsin's J.J. Watt (preseason No. 25, postseason No. 2) and Illinois' Mikel Leshoure (preseason No. 24, postseason No. 7). And some players came from off the radar to soar up the rankings, like Illinois' Corey Liuget (preseason unranked, postesason No. 5).

Despite doing these rankings for several years, I'm still struggling to find the formula that best resonates. My rankings are subjective and not designed to please everyone, but the best criteria (NFL potential, college production, impact) is still open for debate. I'll definitely reach out to you folks for help before putting together the 2011 preseason rankings.

Who just missed the cut for the Top 25? It's tough to narrow down the pool to 25 names, and these 10 players were strongly considered for the rundown.

• Ohio State LB Brian Rolle
• Iowa DT Karl Klug
• Michigan DT Mike Martin
• Iowa WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos
• Wisconsin RB Montee Ball
• Michigan State RB Edwin Baker
• Michigan State P Aaron Bates
• Northwestern WR Jeremy Ebert
• Wisconsin CB Antonio Fenelus
• Iowa CB Shaun Prater

A few final notes and a request:

• Not surprisingly, Terrelle Pryor's selection at No. 13 generated the most amount of feedback (mostly negative). It's interesting how many Ohio State fans came to Pryor's defense, arguing that the quarterback should have been rated higher. In hindsight, he could have been a few spots higher in the rankings, perhaps on par with Wisconsin's Scott Tolzien. But when it came to Ohio State's highest-rated player for these rankings, Dane Sanzenbacher was an easy choice. There's a reason why his teammates elected him as their MVP.
• There also was grumbling about the three Illinois players in the top 10. I'd argue that all three were the best players at their respective positions, two by substantial margins (Leshoure and Liuget). We can certainly debate my selections, but I'll staunchly defend Liuget at No. 5. He was just as dominant, if not more so, than Penn State defensive tackle Jared Odrick, the 2009 Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year and my No. 2 player from 2009. Liuget's rise up the NFL draft boards is no accident, and if you don't think he should be at No. 5, you weren't watching the games.
• For the second consecutive season, a defensive end on a losing team finished No. 1 in the rankings, as Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan followed Michigan's Brandon Graham in 2009. Both Kerrigan and Graham were ranked No. 10 in the preseason rundown.

Whether you liked my rankings or hated them, you have your own opinions. Send me your top 25 Big Ten players from 2010 and include a short rationale (150 words or less). I'll include the best ones in a post later this week.

The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

No. 12: Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State, Sr., 6-0, 190

2010 numbers: Led Ohio State in interceptions (3), pass breakups (9) and passes defended (12); recorded 42 tackles, including four for loss and a sack; tied for second in the Big Ten and 41st nationally in passes defended; earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors.

Preseason rank: Unranked in preseason Top 25 players

Why he's here: The Big Ten lacked a ton of truly elite defensive backs in 2010, but Chekwa certainly fit the description following an outstanding senior season. His ability to make plays and take away a side of the field proved invaluable for a Buckeyes secondary that endured several season-ending injuries but still ranked 15th nationally in pass defense (179.3 ypg) and tied for 12th in takeaways (30). Chekwa's 2010 honors included: consensus first-team All-Big Ten, first-team FWAA All-American and semifinalist for both the Thorpe Award (nation's top defensive back) and the Bednarik Award (Defensive Player of the Year). He was named National Defensive Player of the Week following a two-interception performance against Miami. Often overshadowed by other top cornerbacks, Chekwa gets his due in these rankings and should go on to have a strong NFL career.

• No. 12: Ohio State CB Chimdi Chekwa
• No. 13: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
• No. 14: Wisconsin G John Moffitt
• No. 15: Michigan C David Molk
• No. 16: Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward:
• No. 17: Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi
• No. 18: Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
• No. 19: Indiana WR Tandon Doss
• No. 21: Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski
• No. 22: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
• No. 23: Wisconsin RB James White
• No. 24: Ohio State LT Mike Adams
• No. 25: Indiana QB Ben Chappell

Happy Valenbirthuhhhversary!

• Nebraska fans should be patient with new offensive coordinator Tim Beck, Tom Shatel writes in the Omaha World-Herald. Steven M. Sipple dissects the recent comments from Beck and coach Bo Pelini.
• A good breakdown of Ohio State's recruiting during the Jim Tressel era from BuckeyeSports.com's Marcus Hartman. His draft stock might have taken a hit, but Cameron Heyward is glad he returned to Ohio State for his senior season, Ken Gordon writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
• Opinions differ on whether Thomas Hammock's departure will hurt Minnesota on the recruiting front. Minnesota's 2012 recruiting seems to be going just swell.
• No surprise, but former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr fully supports Brady Hoke and can help the transition process, Terry Foster writes in The Detroit News. Concussions have ended the career of former Michigan quarterback Steven Threet, colleague Bruce Feldman reports.
• Wisconsin's Gabe Carimi thinks he's the best offensive tackle available in the 2011 draft.
• What you need to know about the Iowa contingent at the NFL combine from The (Cedar Rapids) Gazette's Marc Morehouse. Iowa president Sally Mason talks a bit about the rhabdo case with The Daily Iowan.
• Derek Moye leads a talented group of Penn State receivers in 2011, Jared Shanker writes in The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News.
• The extended Big Ten schedule (post-Thanksgiving) means Illinois' Memorial Stadium can't be used every year for the state high school championship, Bob Asmussen writes in The (Champaign) News-Gazette.
• An injury will limit Indiana's Tandon Doss this week at the NFL combine, Dustin Dopirak writes in The (Bloomington) Herald-Times (subscription required). Indiana's 2011 opener against Ball State at Lucas Oil Stadium is now official.
• Still no word on a sixth year for Purdue receiver Keith Smith.

The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

No. 19: Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana, Jr., 6-3, 200

2010 numbers: 63 receptions for 706 receiving yards and seven touchdowns; 28 rushes for 163 yards and a touchdown; 41 kickoff returns for 1,016 yards; seven punt returns for 49 yards; earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the league's coaches and second-team honors from the media.

Preseason rank: No. 14 in the preseason Top 25 players

Why he's here: Doss impacted games in multiple ways throughout his three-year career at Indiana, making contributions as a receiver, a rusher and a return man. He led the Big Ten in all-purpose yards for the second consecutive season, ranking fifth nationally at 175.8 yards per game, well ahead of his 2009 average (138.8 ypg). Despite leaving a year early for the NFL draft, Doss ranks in the top 10 in team history in receptions (fourth; 154), kick return yards (fourth; 1,549), receiving yards (seventh; 1,854) and all-purpose yards (seventh; 3,786). A candidate for both the Biletnikoff and Hornung Awards, Doss eclipsed 250 all-purpose yards in two games and 150 yards in five contests, which included a 363-yard performance (second-highest total nationally) against Michigan. He finished second in the Big Ten in receptions (5.7 rpg) behind teammate Damarlo Belcher.

• No. 20: Ohio State C Mike Brewster
• No. 21: Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski
• No. 22: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
• No. 23: Wisconsin RB James White
• No. 24: Ohio State LT Mike Adams
• No. 25: Indiana QB Ben Chappell

A record 56 underclassmen declared for the 2011 NFL draft, and now that the list of departures is official, let's look at who the Big Ten will lose.

Only seven Big Ten underclassmen opted to forgo their senior seasons and enter the draft. For the first time since 2003, no Ohio State players are leaving early. Traditional powers Michigan and Penn State also aren't losing any underclassmen to the draft.

Here's the rundown:

ILLINOIS

• RB Mikel Leshoure
• DT Corey Liuget
• LB Martez Wilson

WISCONSIN

• RB John Clay
• DE J.J. Watt

INDIANA

• WR Tandon Doss

IOWA

• S Tyler Sash

Illinois is undoubtedly most affected by the departures, as it loses three first-team All-Big Ten selections. Colleague Bruce Feldman, in detailing the winners and losers of the early entry sweepstakes, writes of the Illini: "All will be very tough to replace for a program still trying to gain momentum and move up in the Big Ten power structure."

Aside from Illinois, the single-biggest loss is Watt from Wisconsin. The mammoth defensive end blossomed into the Big Ten's top playmaking defender this fall and would have anchored the Badgers' defensive line in 2011. Wisconsin will have a tough time replacing Watt's production up front.

Clay and Doss both will be missed, but Wisconsin and Indiana both boast depth at their respective positions.

Sash is a significant loss because Iowa now says goodbye to two multiyear starters at safety. The good news is the Hawkeyes should be very strong at the cornerback spot in 2011.

Indiana's most productive wide receiver in 2010 is returning for his senior season.

Some surely will ask: Didn't Tandon Doss enter the draft? Yes, he did.

But Doss trailed Damarlo Belcher in both receptions and receiving yards this season.

Indiana will have Belcher in the fold for 2011, as the junior made it official Monday and announced he will return for his senior season. Belcher led the Hoosiers with 78 receptions for 832 receiving yards and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He led the Big Ten in both receptions and receptions per game (6.5) this fall.

Aside from an infamous drop at the end of the Iowa game, Belcher had an outstanding year in IU's pass-happy offense.

“I believe it is my best interest to return to Indiana University for my senior season,” Belcher said in a statement. “One of my goals is to earn my degree and this gives me the opportunity to accomplish that. I am also excited about what we can achieve as a team. I look forward to playing for coach [Kevin] Wilson and getting back to work with the rest of my teammates."

Belcher has the size and skills to reach the NFL, but he'll benefit from another year as the Hoosiers' featured receiver. Although Doss will be missed, Belcher and promising young wideout Duwyce Wilson form a nice tandem for the team's new starting quarterback.

Belcher needs 28 receptions and 802 receiving yards to break James Hardy's team records in both categories.

Happy birthday, Trombone Shorty!

• It's highly doubtful Michigan lands Jim Harbaugh if it dumps Rich Rodriguez, Michael Rosenberg writes in the Detroit Free Press. Rodriguez will meet with athletic director Dave Brandon later Tuesday, annarbor.com's Pete Bigelow writes.
• Quarterback Rob Bolden will meet with Penn State's coaches to discuss his future. Bolden's likely departure could open the door for Paul Jones in the QB race, Mark Wogenrich writes in The Morning Call.
• Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst interviews for Texas' OC vacancy, Tom Mulhern writes in the Wisconsin State Journal.
• Terrelle Pryor gets a chance to win over Ohio State's divided fan base tonight, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. An Ohio State win cleanses the bad feelings, while a loss lingers, Rob Oller writes in The Columbus Dispatch. Pryor is the "unwitting whistle-blower" on the NCAA's charade, Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel writes.
• Nebraska will help the Big Ten get back on track soon, Rosenberg writes for SI.com.
• Indiana's Tandon Doss made the right call to jump to the NFL, Terry Hutchens writes in The Indianapolis Star. Several of IU's new assistants have ties to the program, LaMond Pope writes in The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette.
• Pat Fitzgerald is opening up all the jobs on Northwestern's embattled defense, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
• Michigan State's special season was driven by overachieving players, Joe Rexrode writes in the Lansing State Journal.
• Adam Robinson's departure from Iowa marked the end of his six-week slide, Andrew Logue writes in the Des Moines Register.
• New Minnesota coach Jerry Kill isn't intimidated about his move to the Big Ten, Phil Miller writes in the Star Tribune.

The good news: Indiana has hired an outstanding receivers coach in Kevin Johns, who moves to IU from Northwestern.

The not-so-good-but-not-shocking news: Johns won't get to coach Tandon Doss with the Hoosiers.

Doss is declaring for the NFL draft and will bypass his senior season with the Hoosiers.

After earning back-to-back first-team All-Big Ten honors, Doss received a strong evaluation from the draft advisory board and saw the move as an opportunity to help his family. He also had some concerns about playing in a new system at IU.

Doss' departure doesn't come as a major surprise. He led the Big Ten and ranked fourth nationally in all-purpose yards (175.8 ypg), while ranking second in the Big Ten in receptions. An outstanding return man and receiver, Doss has all the ingredients to do big things at the next level.

"While my experience at Indiana was great, my decision came down to the fact that I could not pass up the opportunity to start my professional career," Doss said in a prepared statement. "Entering the NFL Draft was the best decision for myself, and most importantly, my family. My experience at IU was great and helped lay the foundation for my future. I can assure you that I will work hard and represent Indiana University in a first-class manner. I would like to thank coach [Bill] Lynch, coach Billy Lynch, all my coaches, the training staff and the support staff. I also wish coach [Kevin] Wilson and his staff the best of luck. I know they will do a great job. Lastly, I want to thank all the Indiana fans for their support. I hope all of you will continue to follow me as I move on to the NFL.”

Northwestern has confirmed Johns' hiring by Indiana, which will be announced Tuesday.

Johns, who also will serve as Indiana's pass game coordinator alongside new offensive coordinator Brent Pease, did an outstanding job with the Wildcats' wideouts the last few years. He helped mold players like Zeke Markshausen and Jeremy Ebert into All-Big Ten receivers. He's ready to move into a bigger role and will get one at IU, which returns a good group of receivers led by Damarlo Belcher (as long as he stays for his senior year).

I've been impressed with Wilson's assistant hires so far. He's putting together a very solid staff with the Hoosiers.