ESPN College Football

The gap between the Big Ten and the SEC not only is widening on the field, but on the NFL draft boards.

While the SEC produced a record 63 picks in the 2013 NFL draft -- eight more than any conference in any draft in the modern era and 32 more than the next-best conference (ACC) in this year's draft -- the Big Ten endured a mostly forgettable three days at New York's Radio City Music Hall. Before going any further, this post isn't meant to knock the Big Ten players who heard their names called Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They worked years for this moment and deserve to celebrate their accomplishments. Congrats to all.

But for the Big Ten as a whole, this draft was a total dud. Was it the league's worst draft ever? If it isn't, it's certainly in the conversation.

The Big Ten produced only 22 draft picks, its lowest total since 1994, when it had 21 (and 11 teams, not 12). In 1994, the Big Ten had the No. 1 overall pick (Ohio State DT Dan Wilkinson), four first-round selections and eight selections in the first three rounds.

You have to wonder how much the Big Ten's damaged national reputation is impacting its draft hopefuls. The SEC's rise has made that conference the first place NFL general managers and player personnel directors look for talent. Although Big Ten players might be comparable to their SEC counterparts in many ways, their competition level might be looked at as a drawback in the final evaluations.

This year, the Big Ten tied with the Big 12 for fourth among leagues in producing picks, but the Big Ten produced fewer selections in the first three rounds (7) than any of the power conferences. Last year, the Big Ten finished with 41 draft picks, just one behind the SEC for the top spot.

Other items of note (tip of the cap to ESPN Stats & Information and the Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises for several of these):

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  Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesMichigan State's Le'Veon Bell was the second running back taken in the draft.
  Although the Big Ten's national reputation has been an issue for some time, it didn't dramatically impact the draft until this year. The Big Ten has produced at least 27 draft picks every year since the 21-player output in 1994.
• The Big Ten's four biggest brand-name programs -- Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska -- combined to produce just two picks in the first three rounds (Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins and Penn State DT Jordan Hill).
• Nebraska endured its longest drought without a selection since 1970, as running back Rex Burkhead waited until the sixth round to hear Cincinnati call his name with the 190th overall pick. The Huskers didn't have a selection in the first four rounds for the third time in the past six seasons. With just two draftees -- Burkhead and safety Daimion Stafford, who went in the seventh round -- Nebraska had its weakest output since 1969.
• Michigan went without a draftee in the first four rounds for the first time since 1968 and without one in the first three rounds for just the fifth time since 1970 (1976, 1989, 2006 and 2009 were the others). The Wolverines have had just five players drafted in the past two seasons.
• Ohio State had just three players -- Hankins, defensive lineman John Simon and offensive tackle Reid Fragel -- drafted from a team that went 12-0 in 2012. Fragel's selection in the seventh round helped Ohio State avoid its smallest draft class since 1968.
• An Illinois team that went 2-10 last season and 0-8 in Big Ten play led the league with four players drafted. It continues a mystifying trend for the Illini, who have had four players selected in each of the past four NFL drafts, even though the team has endured losing seasons in three of the past five years. Illinois has produced 10 players selected in the first three rounds since 2010, the most of any Big Ten team.
• As expected, three Big Ten teams -- Northwestern, Minnesota and Indiana -- had no players drafted. Northwestern went 10-3 last season.

Perhaps the best draft news for the Big Ten is that future member Rutgers had seven players selected, tied for the sixth highest total.

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Asked to identify the most heated game on the 2010 Big Ten slate, I was a bit stumped. Don't get me wrong, the Big Ten is loaded with long-standing rivalries as well as several great new ones. Ohio State-Michigan always will get the blood boiling on both sides. So will Wisconsin-Minnesota, Michigan-Michigan State, Purdue-Indiana, Penn State-Ohio State and, in recent years, Iowa-Penn State.

But we're looking for 2010 games that have a little something extra. Think Texas-Nebraska this fall at Memorial Stadium. There's bad blood there, especially after recent events. In Lincoln, they're already getting ready for the Longhorns.

Maybe the Big Ten is too damn civil these days, but the key figures in this league seem to like each other too much. We need a good coaching spat -- the Danny Hope-Rich Rodriguez exchange last season was entertaining, albeit not overly memorable -- or some trash talk between players. Could we get a coach running up the score on a rival, please? The SEC and Big 12 can't have all the fun.

One game this season certain to have some added fuel pairs Michigan and Michigan State on Oct. 9 at the Big(ger) House. The in-state rivalry always has some juice, but this year's matchup brings a little extra. Since Mike Hart's "little brother" comment after Michigan's 2007 win at Spartan Stadium, Michigan State has grown up a bit on the field.

The Spartans have won back-to-back games against Michigan for the first time since winning three straight from 1965-67. They claimed last year's contest in dramatic fashion, prevailing in overtime after squandering a 14-point, fourth-quarter lead in all too familiar fashion.

Suddenly, Michigan State is the team that has gone bowling in each of the last three seasons, while Michigan has spent back-to-back winters at home after making 33 consecutive bowl appearances. Spartans seniors like Greg Jones can finish their careers 3-1 against Michigan with a win this fall.

Like any in-state rivalry, Michigan-Michigan State impacts the local recruiting scene. By any measure, Michigan State has upgraded its in-state recruiting efforts under Mark Dantonio, landing prospects like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper, William Gholston and Lawrence Thomas (2011 verbal). There's a perception held by some that the Spartans have surpassed Michigan in local recruiting, although Michigan has focused much of its efforts on other areas while still bringing in elite local prospects like William Campbell, Devin Gardner and Brennen Beyer (2011 verbal).

But to be considered the state's elite program, Michigan can't keep losing to the Spartans. Rodriguez needs to win this fall to keep his job, and this is the type of game that can build some much-needed goodwill from the Michigan brass. He doesn't want to be the first coach to drop consecutive home games to Michigan State since Bump Elliott in 1965 and 1967. Michigan's small senior class doesn't want to finish with a losing record against the Spartans.

Bottom line: there's plenty at stake Oct. 9. Regardless of the temperature, things will be hot inside the Big House. This game doesn't need trash talk or billboards, although I wouldn't be opposed to either.

Paging Mike Hart ...

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- A public-service announcement to Big Ten fans: the area code around here hasn't changed to 335.

Those three numbers have dominated the discussion about Michigan ever since the Wolverines began using the alignment more during spring practice. In recent weeks just about everyone has weighed in on the 3-3-5: who will go where, who fits the scheme and whether it will help the Wolverines' defense rebound from two subpar seasons.

Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson has some advice about the 3-3-5: don't get too bogged down with it.

"It's not about the schematics," Robinson told me Thursday. "It's about fundamentals. The fundamentals have got to improve. To the average fan, they want to know the schematics because that's Madden football. But wait a minute. Anybody can say they play two-deep coverage or anybody can say they're running the zone dog. But the fundamental techniques and all those things -- how you tackle, how you defeat a blocker -- that's what it's about."

The truth is Michigan will run the 3-3-5 at times in the 2010 season. The Wolverines will also use four-man fronts and bring extra linebackers to the line of scrimmage. Hybrid players like Craig Roh will play integral roles this fall, just like they did last year.

An alignment won't fix Michigan's defense unless the players can execute a lot better.

"It's work," Robinson said. "There's work ahead of us. The best thing is if we can get these young people to understand that. Can we get there? Yeah, if we work really hard at it, we will get there. But don't think that it's just like a magic wand.

"It's hard work to get good."

A few quick takeaways from Robinson:

• The competition at middle linebacker is really heating up between Obi Ezeh and Kenny Demens, who has come on strong this spring. "This is a dogfight," Robinson said. "And I like it. It's amazing when you have competition, how much the improvement comes."
• Like everyone else, Robinson praised the play of safety Cameron Gordon (more on Gordon next week) and also singled out safeties Thomas Gordon and Teric Jones for their play this spring. He also likes the improvement cornerback J.T. Floyd has made from last fall. Robinson expected Vladimir Emilien to return to practice Thursday after suffering a knee injury early in spring ball.
• The defensive line has been dealing with injuries this spring, and Robinson said defensive tackle Renaldo Sagesse is the latest player to get banged up a bit. "We're hoping we can get him back [before the end of the spring]," Robinson said. "Because if we can really count on him as a guy that's in the constant flow, that's good."
• Robinson started talking about William Campbell, pointing out that the sophomore defensive tackle needed to keep growing and developing. Then he caught himself. "He doesn't have to keep growing," Robinson said. "He's got to keep developing." Campbell checks in at 6-5 and 324 pounds this spring. "That's a never-ending battle," Robinson said of Campbell's weight and conditioning, "and he's realizing that. He's maturing. God, he was a 12th grader here last year at this time. God forbid what I was like back then."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Believe it or not, there was a bit of actual football news today at Michigan. Head coach Rich Rodriguez released his depth chart (page 14) for Saturday's season opener against Western Michigan, and as expected, three quarterbacks were listed as possible starters. For what it's worth, freshman Tate Forcier comes first, and then junior Nick Sheridan and freshman Denard Robinson.

"I anticipate playing all three of them," Rodriguez said Monday.

Other notable items on the Wolverines' two-deep:

• True freshman Vincent Smith is listed as a co-backup at running back with Carlos Brown, behind starter Brandon Minor. Sophomore Michael Shaw, who logged a lot of playing time last year, is the fourth-stringer.
• Sophomore wide receiver Kelvin Grady, a former Michigan basketball player, is listed as a backup behind Martavious Odoms in the slot. Junior Hemingway and Greg Mathews are the other projected starters at receiver.
• Brandon Herron is listed as the starter at "quick" end (linebacker-defensive end hybrid), with true freshman Craig Roh as his backup.
• True freshman William Campbell is listed as the third string nose tackle behind Mike Martin and Renaldo Sagesse. I thought he'd be higher.
• Youth will be served in the secondary this fall. Though the starting four consists of junior Donovan Warren and sophomore Boubacar Cissoko at cornerback and junior Troy Woolfolk and sophomore Mike Williams at safety, several freshmen are in position to play, including corners J.T. Turner, J.T. Floyd and Teric Jones, and safety Vladimir Emilien.
• Rodriguez said senior Jason Olesnavage is the frontrunner at kicker, though Olesnavage is listed as a co-starter with both Brendan Gibbons and Bryan Wright.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Whenever William Campbell's name gets brought up, so does the word expectations.

It's not a term usually attached to a true freshman defensive tackle. Then again, Campbell looks nothing like a typical freshman and Michigan needs capable interior linemen after losing Terrance Taylor and Will Johnson.

Campbell, one of Michigan's top recruits in the 2009 class, enrolled in January and should be part of the rotation at tackle this fall. Wolverines head coach Rich Rodriguez said Sunday that Campbell is getting work as a nose tackle and at the 3-technique.

"There's been steady growth with him," defensive line coach Bruce Tall said. "As far as the young guys, everybody has such high expectations and tries to push the envelope faster than sometimes maybe it needs to be. You've got to teach before you can demand, and he's still in the teaching phase."

At least Campbell can spend camp learning his responsibilities, rather than worrying about his weight. He came to Michigan at 355 pounds but has since trimmed 37 pounds off of his 6-foot-5 frame.

"Right now, I'm in the best shape of my life," Campbell said. "After one play, I'm not tired at all anymore, and it just goes on. I'm moving faster."

Campbell knew he'd have to lose weight to keep pace in the Wolverines' defense. He worked closely with strength and conditioning director Mike Barwis, whose summer workouts were grueling but necessary.

"If you hate it, you won't get through it," Campbell said. "So you've got to get used to it."

Added Barwis: "He's worked really hard. He's got a great attitude. He changed his body pretty effectively, but he's still got a ways to go."

Now able to concentrate on the game, Campbell has been mentored by senior defensive end Brandon Graham, who serves as his big brother on the team. Michigan pairs upperclassmen with freshmen in position groups to help the newcomers learn the ropes.

The two regularly watch film of their upcoming opponents, and Graham tells Campbell how to spot clues from offensive linemen on what play might be coming.

"All he wants to do is learn," Graham said. "That's what we've been doing."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The final seven Big Ten teams open preseason camp, including defending co-champs Penn State and Ohio State.

Here are three questions for the remaining seven squads during the next four weeks. If you missed Part I, check it out.

MICHIGAN

Camp opens: Monday

1. Will true freshman Tate Forcier create some early separation in the quarterback competition?

Forcier enters camp as the frontrunner after a solid spring, and he could further cement himself as the Wolverines' top quarterback in the coming weeks. He'll face some real competition now as junior Nick Sheridan returns from a broken leg and athletic freshman Denard Robinson joins the mix.

2. Who will step up alongside Brandon Graham on the defensive line?

Michigan brings back a potential All-American in Graham, who has 18.5 sacks the past two seasons. He'll need help up front, though, and the Wolverines need strong camps from Mike Martin, Ryan Van Bergen and William Campbell.

3. How many true freshmen see the field this fall?

The Wolverines will be much more experienced at several positions, but head coach Rich Rodriguez brought in a strong recruiting class, and several freshmen should contribute immediately. Along with Forcier, Robinson and Campbell, running back Vincent Smith impressed this spring and hopes are high for safety Vladimir Emilien. Defensive end Craig Roh also could be one to watch.

MICHIGAN STATE

Camp opens: Monday

1. Will we see any separation at quarterback before Sept. 5?

Head coach Mark Dantonio isn't planning on it and fully intends to play both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol during non-league play. The two signal-callers paced one another throughout spring ball, but there's a chance one man might be ready to take the job.

2. Can true freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper emerge as the top running backs?

None of Michigan State's older players really took charge in the spring, though Caulton Ray's emergence is intriguing. Many expect Michigan State's heralded recruits to emerge as potential starters by the end of training camp.

3. How will the secondary look by the end of camp?

Dantonio has a very good problem in the secondary -- loads of experience. Eight returning players have starting experience, and that doesn't include safety Trenton Robinson, the story of the spring on defense. The competition in the back four should be fun to watch.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

They're baaaaack. Many of you who checked out colleague Heather Dinich's ACC position rankings asked when I'd be doing the same for the Big Ten. Well, Big Ten media days are done and we have a bit of a break before the first preseason practice begins Aug. 6 at Illinois. This seems like the perfect time to rank the positions heading into the season.

Defensive line is up first. There's only one elite group on paper, but no truly bad units, either. Really not much difference between Nos. 4-11.  

1. Ohio State -- The group has drawn comparisons to the 2002 line that helped Ohio State win a national title. Ohio State looks loaded at defensive end with Cameron Heyward, Thaddeus Gibson and Lawrence Wilson, a one-time starter who comes off of two major leg injuries. Gibson should have a big year after coming on strong late last fall. The tackles have been a bit iffy in recent years, but Doug Worthington boasts a ton of experience and should shore up the middle with Todd Denlinger, Dexter Larimore and Garrett Goebel.

2. Penn State -- Larry Johnson's body of work is simply too powerful to overlook, even though Penn State loses a lot from a group that led the Big Ten and ranked eighth nationally against the run (93.2 ypg). Jared Odrick is the Big Ten's most dominant interior defensive lineman, and he'll lead a group of promising young players. Hopes are extremely high for sophomore end Jack Crawford, and juniors Kevion Latham and Eric Latimore hold down the other end spot. Depth is a bit of a question, but Penn State should get a boost from a healthy Jerome Hayes. 

3. Iowa -- The Hawkeyes are another team dealing with major personnel losses as four-year starting tackles Mitch King and Matt Kroul depart. But what Iowa loses inside, it makes up for on the edges with ends Adrian Clayborn and Christian Ballard. Clayborn recorded eight tackles for loss last year and should contend for All-Big Ten honors. It'll be interesting to see how Karl Klug and Mike Daniels adjust to playing more on the inside.

4. Northwestern -- A lot depends on Corey Wootton's durability after the senior defensive end tore his ACL in December. Wootton is probably the Big Ten's most versatile lineman, applying pressure to quarterbacks and also clogging pass lanes with his 6-foot-7 frame. Sophomore Vince Browne is primed for a big season at the other end spot. Replacing standout tackle John Gill won't be easy, but the Wildcats have veterans in Corbin Bryant, Marshall Thomas and Adam Hahn.

5. Wisconsin -- I'm taking a bit of a chance here, seeing how the Badgers lose three multiyear starters up front. But the line dominated Wisconsin's offseason program and boasts several exciting pieces, including Central Michigan transfer J.J. Watt, who can play either end or tackle. O'Brien Schofield is a solid leader at defensive end, and young linemen Brendan Kelly and Louis Nzegwu should blossom.     

6. Illinois -- The Illini lose their top four sacks leaders from last year, but they should be much better against the run, an area that really hurt the defense in 2008. With Josh Brent back in the fold, Illinois boasts arguably more depth at defensive tackle than any Big Ten team. Corey Liguet showed a lot of potential as a true freshman, and senior Sirod Williams returns from a torn ACL.  There are some questions at end aside from Doug Pilcher.

7. Michigan -- Senior end Brandon Graham should be the Big Ten's most dominant pass-rusher this fall, and if he gets some help from his teammates, he'll be even better. Michigan is very young elsewhere on the line but boasts a good deal of talent. Sophomores Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin showed promising signs in the spring, and it'll be interesting to see how much true freshman William Campbell gets on the field. 

8. Michigan State -- This is the only area of Michigan State's defense that doesn't wow me, but senior end Trevor Anderson leads a decent group. Anderson should build off of a nice junior season (8 sacks, 10.5 TFLs), but the Spartans need a second pass-rusher to emerge. Brandon Long and Justin Kershaw will be missed, and it'll be up to Colin Neely, Oren Wilson and others to fill the void. 

9. Minnesota -- The Gophers tied for the league lead in sacks last fall (34) but lose standout end Willie VanDeSteeg, who accounted for 10.5 of those sacks. Minnesota's strength is inside with senior tackles Garrett Brown and Eric Small. If Cedric McKinley or someone else develops into a reliable pass-rusher, Minnesota should finish the year higher on the list.

10. Purdue -- It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Purdue finished the year much higher on the list, but there are quite a few questions entering the fall. The Boilers know what they have in end Ryan Kerrigan and tackle Mike Neal, but the other two spots are mysteries. There are high hopes for Kawann Short and Gerald Gooden, but I need to see more evidence in games before bumping up the Boilers.     

11. Indiana -- We all know the Hoosiers can rush the passer with standout ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton. But can Indiana stop the run? There are some major question marks at defensive tackle entering preseason camp, and Bill Lynch needs a bona fide run-stopper to emerge. Junior tackle Deonte Mack needs to step up after missing spring ball with a hip injury.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Big Ten media days bogged down the blog on Tuesday, so your mail comes a little later than usual. Lots of good questions this week. I can tell the season is getting closer. 

Ben from Los Angeles writes: In your posts "Big Ten bashing unites league's players, coaches" and "Minnesota craves the spotlight with strong schedule". I noticed that USC's name was mentioned 6 times and was listed as a keyword on both posts. Do you think that USC has become the ultimate litmus test for the Big 10 conferenceâ??s combined strength? Do you think that one Big 10 victory over USC will cure the conferenceâ??s credibility issues? Do you think that a team will dethrone USC this year (OSU or at the Rose Bowl)? Could credibility be restored without a win over USC?Thanks Adam!

Adam Rittenberg: You're absolutely spot on, Ben. USC has done more damage to the Big Ten than any team, or any league, for that matter. I hear the Big Ten-SEC debate all the time, but if the Big Ten simply beat USC once or twice this decade, the league would have a better national reputation. The Big Ten wouldn't have such a long losing streak in the Rose Bowl if other Pac-10 teams would qualify for the game more often. So yes, I would say beating USC is a critical step for the Big Ten to restore itself, but it's not the only step. A nonconference win against the Trojans on Sept. 12 will help a little, but it really comes down to whether the Big Ten wins at least one BCS bowl game in January.

---

Dave from Charlotte, N.C., writes: I saw that there is a new rule in the BCS selection process this year involving the Rose Bowl. From what I understand, it states that if the Rose Bowl loses either the Big 10 or Pac 10 champion to the Championship game, and if a non-BCS conference team qualifies for a BCS bowl, the Rose Bowl is then required to pick that non-BCS team.Questions:1. Does this mean that another bowl can not pick the qualifying non-BCS team, if they come before the Rose Bowl in the pick rotation?2. Are the non-BCS conferences still limited to only 1 qualifying team?3. Did the Big 10 and Pac 10 get screwed, ultimately? Have the 2 conferences just lost out on opprtunities for 2 teams in the BCS bowls?Please try to explain how this new ruling will, and can affect the Big Ten and Pac Ten conferences.Thank you.

Adam Rittenberg: Good questions here, Dave. The only time a non-BCS team can be selected by the Rose Bowl is when the Rose Bowl has the first at-large selection, by virtue of losing either the Big Ten champ or the Pac-10 champ to the national title game. This selection would be made before all the others. The Big Ten obviously didn't favor this move. I look at it more as the Rose Bowl needed to share in the non-BCS selections because the Sugar and Fiesta bowls have already done so. The Big Ten will always have a team in a BCS game, and the key thing to remember is that this new rule can only happen once during a four-year BCS cycle, so it's not as if the Big Ten will lose out on the Rose Bowl every year.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Keep an eye on these three newcomers for the Maize and Blue this fall.

OFFENSE -- Tate Forcier, QB, Fr.

Michigan's quarterback competition isn't over, but Forcier has the lead coming out of the spring. The early enrollee endured his share of growing pains but gradually picked up the system and impressed the coaches with his ability to improvise. He delighted Michigan fans in the spring game with four touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown. Fellow freshman Denard Robinson will be in the mix this summer, and Nick Sheridan returns from a leg injury, but Forcier appears to be the man to beat.

DEFENSE -- William Campbell, DT, Fr.

Defensive line is a position of need for Michigan, and Campbell should step right in this fall. An early enrollee, Campbell played with the first- and second-team defensive units during spring ball. At 6-foot-5 and 330 pounds, Campbell's size gives him the chance to play right away, though he needs to continue to manage his weight after slimming down a bit this spring. "He's going to be a guy that gets an opportunity to play right away because of need and his ability," head coach Rich Rodriguez said on signing day.

SPECIAL TEAMS -- Brendan Gibbons, K, Fr.

The Wolverines auditioned several kickers during the spring, but the general belief is Gibbons will take over the starting job in preseason camp. Gibbons has an excellent leg, connecting on seven field goals of longer than 40 yards as a high school senior and recording touchbacks on 93 percent of his kickoffs. Michigan finished ninth in the Big Ten in field goal percentage (66.7) and tied for last in field goals made (10), so the team needs its scholarship kicker to contribute right away.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Michigan Wolverines 2008 overall record: 3-9 2008 conference record: 2-6 Returning starters Offense: 10; Defense: 5; Special teams: 1 Top returners RB Brandon Minor, WR Martavious Odoms, WR Greg Mathews, WR Darryl Stonum, RT Stephen Schilling, LB Obi Ezeh, DE Brandon Graham, CB Donovan Warren, P Zoltan Mesko Key losses QB Steven Threet, DT Terrance Taylor, DE Tim Jamison, DT Will Johnson, S Brandon Harrison, CB Morgan Trent 2008 statistical leaders (* returners) Rushing: Brandon Minor* (533 yds) Passing: Steven Threet (1,105 yds) Receiving: Martavious Odoms* (443 yds) Tackles: Obi Ezeh* (98) Sacks: Brandon Graham* (10) Interceptions: Morgan Trent (3) 2009 Schedule Sept. 5 Western Michigan Sept. 12 Notre Dame Sept. 19 Eastern Michigan Sept. 26 Indiana Oct. 3 at Michigan State Oct. 10 at Iowa Oct. 17 Delaware State Oct. 24 Penn State Oct. 31 at Illinois Nov. 7 Purdue Nov. 14 at Wisconsin Nov. 21 Ohio State Spring answers 1. Forcier develops -- The quarterback competition resumes in August, but Michigan can feel a bit better about the most important position on the field after true freshman Tate Forcier made progress this spring. Forcier had some growing pains, but he also showed the ability to create on the move. The early enrollee impressed the crowd at the spring game, throwing for four touchdowns, including a 60-yarder to Roy Roundtree. 2. Smith emerges -- Running back could be Michigan's strongest position in 2009, and the Wolverines got an added bonus this spring with the emergence of Vincent Smith, an early enrollee. The bite-size Smith generated some buzz with his speed and elusiveness. He needs to add weight to be a significant contributor, but he could give defenses a different look. 3. Brown does it all -- Stevie Brown moved into a linebacker-safety hybrid role this spring and showed promise in new coordinator Greg Robinson's scheme. Brown will be a bigger factor in Michigan's run defense as well as covering slot receivers, fullbacks and tight ends in the middle of the field. Fall questions 1. Flipping quarters -- Michigan still needs a starting quarterback and just as important, it needs to build depth at the position. Junior Nick Sheridan appeared to be playing well this spring before breaking a bone in his leg. If Sheridan and incoming freshman Denard Robinson can push Forcier in the summer, the Wolverines will be a lot better off this season. 2. Defensive line -- The Wolverines know what they have in senior end Brandon Graham, but the other three line spots are open entering the summer. Promising defensive end Ryan Van Bergen should be fine following minor knee surgery, and early enrollee William Campbell will be a factor right away at defensive tackle. Heralded recruit Craig Roh joins the mix in August. 3. Offensive rhythm -- Ten starters return on offense, and Michigan should be improved at quarterback. Rich Rodriguez's scheme is no longer foreign to most of these players, but establishing a rhythm in preseason camp will be vital. Rodriguez will lean heavily on the running backs and the offensive line to establish a viable ground game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Scouts Inc. national recruiting director Tom Luginbill recently published his Top 10 classes of early enrollees. Not surprisingly, Michigan comes in at No. 2 behind Georgia, while Penn State ranks No. 8.

Check out the full list, but here's a tidbit from Luginbill on Michigan's class:

"The Wolverines' seven early arrivers will all have an impact. But we think QB Tate Forcier [No. 14] has a chance to make the quickest, biggest splash. At 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Forcier doesn't have ideal size. But with his speed and Jeff Garcia-like ability to improvise outside the pocket, Forcier's a good fit for Rich Rodriguez's spread offense. Look for defensive linemen Anthony LaLota [No. 13 at DE] and William Campbell [No. 21 at OT] to also compete for time right away."

And here are his thoughts on Penn State:

"Though we're not sold on Kevin Newsome at the [quarterback] position [we ranked Newsome as our No. 15 athlete], he no doubt helps out with depth. Right now, Newsome plays more like a street-ball winger than a polished college prospect. That's why we think he could be an even better linebacker or safety. Colleges looked at versatile Gerald Hodges as a safety, quarterback and return specialist. We like Hodges [our No. 17 safety] in the secondary -- he's a fantastic interceptor -- where he could push for playing time right away."

Michigan certainly needs its early arrivals to catch on quickly this spring, particularly Forcier, who gets a head start on Denard Robinson. Spring practice also should be very beneficial from Newsome, who can apprentice for Daryll Clark and start polishing his game for a backup role in 2009 and a possible starting job in 2010.

Not every Big Ten team has early enrollees, but I was a little surprised that Ohio State didn't make Luginbill's list. The Buckeyes boast four early enrollees, including heralded offensive lineman Jack Mewhort. Wisconsin also got a nice head start with four early arrivals, including quarterback Jon Budmayr and defensive tackle Jordan Kohout.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The seemingly interminable wait for college football gets a little easier about a month from now, when Michigan steps on the practice field for spring ball. The other 10 Big Ten squads will follow soon after as spring practice gets in full swing.

There are no shortage of spring story lines around the league, from Danny Hope's first workouts as Purdue head coach to six new coordinators to teams like Ohio State and Penn State trying to replace sizable senior classes. Six teams will feature some degree of competition at the quarterback spot, and position battles abound throughout the league.

Here's some can't-miss information about spring ball and a team-by-team look at what to watch:

Illinois Fighting Illini

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The defense needs leaders to emerge after a subpar year and with the graduation of first-team All-Big Ten linebacker Brit Miller. Martez Wilson is an obvious candidate to claim a greater role, but the immensely talented linebacker comes off surgery in December after being stabbed outside a bar. The defensive line loses three starters and top cover man Vontae Davis left early for the NFL draft, creating opportunities for young players to step up.
  
• For the second consecutive spring, the running back position will be in the spotlight. Illinois never truly got settled at running back last year, as Daniel Dufrene and Jason Ford split carries. Both players had their moments, as Dufrene averaged 5.7 yards a carry and Ford scored eight touchdowns, but it would be nice to see one man emerge as a featured back alongside quarterback Juice Williams.
  
• New offensive coordinator Mike Schultz steps in, and former outside receivers coach Kurt Beathard will work directly with Williams, who was extremely close with former coordinator Mike Locksley. It's vital for Williams and his teammates to jell with Schultz and the offensive nuances he'll bring to spring practice. Illinois remains one of the league's most talented offenses, but the players must get on the same page this spring.
  

Indiana Hoosiers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

Watch to watch:

• Healthy bodies, at least a few more than at the end of last season. Indiana's roster was wiped out by injuries during Big Ten play, and the Hoosiers should get a better gauge of their strengths and weaknesses this spring. Quarterback Kellen Lewis struggled with injuries for much of the season, and it will be interesting to see if he regains the form he showed in 2007, when he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. Lewis might need to reclaim the starting job after splitting time with Ben Chappell last fall. Safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk will miss spring ball with injuries, giving other players a chance to shine.
• The Hoosiers' defense must take a step forward this spring, especially with so much experience and talent returning in the front seven. Defensive ends Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton each have had breakout seasons, and Matt Mayberry at times looks like one of the league's best linebackers. With weak-side linebacker Will Patterson and others back in the fold, there's no reason Indiana can't be serviceable on defense in 2009.
• Lewis can't continue to be Indiana's primary rushing option, and with Marcus Thigpen gone, a capable back or two must emerge. The competition this spring will feature players like Bryan Payton and Darius Willis, a heralded recruit who redshirted last year. Demetrius McCray will be limited in spring practice.
  

Iowa Hawkeyes

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: TBA

What to watch:

• Everyone knows Shonn Greene is gone, but the more damaging departures likely will come at defensive tackle, where Iowa loses four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul. The spotlight will be on the interior defensive line as players like Karl Klug try to fill the void. Arguably no position competition matters more than the one at defensive tackle, especially since Iowa appears strong everywhere else on defense.
  
• Ricky Stanzi established himself as the starting quarterback, but Iowa would like the rising junior to take another step and become more consistent. Interceptions were a problem at times for Stanzi last fall, but he should benefit from a full spring as the starter and being able to work with the first-team wide receivers.
  
• Rising sophomore Jewel Hampton is the likely choice to succeed Greene after rushing for 478 yards and five touchdowns as his backup last year. But head coach Kirk Ferentz likely wants to see what he has with the other backs, namely Jeff Brinson, who redshirted in 2008. There should be some healthy competition for carries throughout the spring and into preseason camp.
  

Michigan Wolverines

Spring practice starts: March 14

Spring game: April 11

What to watch:

• Quarterbacks, quarterbacks, quarterbacks. Any improvement on this team must start with the quarterback spot, and the competition during spring ball will be crucial. Steven Threet's decision to transfer shifts the spotlight to true freshman Tate Forcier, who enrolled in January and will practice this spring. Nick Sheridan remains in the mix after starting four games last season, but Forcier seems better suited to run Rich Rodriguez's offense. A strong spring could make him the frontrunner when fellow freshman Denard Robinson arrives this summer.
  
• New defensive coordinator Greg Robinson starts working with a unit that finished 10th in the league in points allowed (28.9 ypg) last fall. Robinson seems less concerned about scheme changes and more focused on instilling a new attitude with the group. There could be an adjustment period on both sides, as players get to know a new coach and Robinson works as an assistant after overseeing an entire program the last four seasons at Syracuse.
  
• Robinson undoubtedly will devote much of his attention to the defensive line, which loses three starters, including both tackles. The spotlight will be on young players like Ryan Van Bergen, Mike Martin and even early enrollee William Campbell as Michigan looks for answers up front. The Wolverines also need increased leadership from All-Big Ten end Brandon Graham, their only returning starter on the line.
  

Michigan State Spartans

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Spartans feature arguably the Big Ten's most intriguing quarterback competition. Third-year sophomore Kirk Cousins performed well behind Brian Hoyer in 2008 and seems to have the intangibles to lead the offense. Keith Nichol is a dual-threat quarterback who has a year in the system after transferring from Oklahoma. A decision on a starter might not be made until preseason camp, but the two players will start competing this spring.
  
• Running back also is a mystery after the departure of Doak Walker Award finalist Javon Ringer. Michigan State didn't develop a second option behind Ringer, so players like Andre Anderson and Ashton Leggett will get a chance to prove themselves before true freshmen Edwin Baker and Larry Caper arrive this summer.
  
• Michigan State doesn't lose much on the defensive side, but co-captains Otis Wiley and Justin Kershaw both depart, leaving a void in leadership. The coaches will lean more on linebackers Greg Jones and Adam Decker this spring, and the secondary needs a new front man to replace Wiley, who led the team in interceptions (4) and ranked third in tackles (78). Danny Fortener came on strong last year, but the Spartans will look for another safety to emerge.
  

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The offense begins a new chapter under new coordinator Jedd Fisch and new line coach/run game coordinator Tim Davis. Minnesota wants to return to its roots as a running team and employ a pro-style offense. It will be interesting to see how players adjust in practice, and how Fisch and the influential Davis work together.
  
• New arrival Kevin Cosgrove and Ron Lee take over a defense that made major strides under Ted Roof but showed some cracks down the stretch. Cosgrove will be working with experienced players at linebacker and in the secondary, and their ability to grasp his scheme will be huge this spring.
  
• Starting quarterback Adam Weber will be held out of contact drills following shoulder surgery, giving the coaches a chance to evaluate heralded recruit MarQueis Gray. The multitalented Gray left the team last year because of questions about his ACT score. He has returned and will get a chance to learn Fisch's offense and establish himself as the team's No. 2 option.
  

Northwestern Wildcats

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• It has been at least four years -- and likely more -- since the running back position has been so wide open. Stephen Simmons will get a chance to establish himself as the top back this spring after filling in behind Tyrell Sutton late last season. Scott Concannon and Jacob Schmidt also will be in the mix before several freshmen arrive in the summer.
• Mike Kafka enters the spring as the starting quarterback after helping Northwestern to a season-turning win last year at Minnesota. But Kafka must develop as a passer to complement his excellent running ability. With a mostly unproven group of wide receivers, Kafka needs to establish a rhythm and become consistent on the short throws that make the spread offense move.
  
• Two starters are gone and star end Corey Wootton is nursing a surgically repaired knee, putting pressure on Northwestern to identify another playmaker on the defensive line. The defensive tackle spot will be in the spotlight as Northwestern looks for an elite run stopper to replace John Gill.
  

Ohio State Buckeyes

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• Ohio State needs a featured running back, and Dan Herron has a chance to be the guy. A strong spring from Herron would be beneficial before heralded recruits Jaamal Berry and Carlos Hyde arrive. The Buckeyes could go with a committee system this fall, but Herron showed promise at times last year and could claim the job.
  
• The offensive line was one of the team's bigger disappointments last year, and the group must come together this spring. Michigan transfer Justin Boren should step into a starting role right away, and sophomore tackles Mike Adams and J.B. Shugarts could join classmate Mike Brewster on the first team. This group has a ton of young talent, but it must be molded.
  
• Keep an eye on the linebacker and cornerback positions all the way until Sept. 5. Ohio State loses national award winners James Laurinaitis and Malcolm Jenkins, as well as All-Big Ten selection Marcus Freeman. Three and possibly four starting spots are open, so the competition should heat up.
  

Penn State Nittany Lions

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

• The Big Ten's best offensive line loses three all-conference starters, including Rimington Trophy winner A.Q. Shipley. Line coaches Dick Anderson and Bill Kenney have plenty of work to do this spring as they try to build around holdovers Stefen Wisniewski and Dennis Landolt. With a formidable run game in place, replenishing the line will be
  Penn State's top priority.
  
• Penn State's young wide receivers are gearing up for a wide-open competition as the team loses multiyear starters Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Can Brett Brackett and Graham Zug emerge as reliable possession-type guys? Can Chaz Powell be Penn State's deep threat? Those answers could come this spring.
  
• Lions fans are confident that defensive line coach Larry Johnson will develop another first-rate pass rusher. The process begins in spring ball as Penn State must replace starters at both end spots as well as reserve Maurice Evans, a former All-Big Ten selection.
  

Purdue Boilermakers

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• The Danny Hope era begins this spring, and it will be interesting to see what imprints the new head coach puts on the program. He's a Joe Tiller disciple but brings in two new coordinators and wants to make immediate upgrades to the team's speed and athleticism. Purdue loses starters at the skill positions on offense as well as its most productive defender (linebacker Anthony Heygood), so there's plenty of work ahead.
  
• Quarterback could feature an interesting competition between Joey Elliott and Justin Siller. Elliott seems like the favorite to take over after backing up Curtis Painter the last three seasons. But the multi-talented Siller could fit the new mold Hope is trying to create with the Boilers' personnel. Siller had a big day against Michigan last year and brings the mobility Purdue could use at the quarterback spot.
  
• With the secondary more or less intact, new defensive coordinator Donn Landholm will focus on the front seven. Landholm needs to build around defensive end Ryan Kerrigan, a potential All-Big Ten performer this fall. Heygood will be missed, but Joe Holland is a solid contributor and if Jason Werner can finally get healthy, the linebacking corps should be strong.

Wisconsin Badgers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

• Big surprise, another quarterback competition. After never truly finding stability at the quarterback spot in 2008, Wisconsin once again looks for a leader for the offense. Part-time starter Dustin Sherer will have to ward off Curt Phillips and true freshman Jon Budmayr, who enrolled early. Offensive coordinator Paul Chryst didn't settle on a starter last spring, but he would like some separation to occur.
  
• Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge will have a busy spring as he tries to replace three starters up front. Players like Jeff Stehle, Patrick Butrym and Brendan Kelly, who emerged last fall before an injury, will get a long look this spring.
• P.J. Hill's early departure to the NFL draft puts John Clay in the spotlight as the Badgers' featured running back. Can the immensely talented Clay take the next step in his development to master the offense and his assignments? He also must work with a new-look offensive line that must replace three starters.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

As one of the bright spots in Big Ten recruiting this year, Michigan hits cleanup in our recruiting rundown. 

Number of recruits: 22

Key needs: Quarterback, defensive line, defensive back

Highest-rated player (Scouts Inc.): Craig Roh (No. 4 nationally among defensive end)

The quote: "If we had 3-9 at a different school, it would be even more difficult. But because we are at a great place, and because we have some things in place, when their families came, they saw the program, and saw the reasons why we struggled the way we struggled and knew they could be part of helping us fix it." -- Head coach Rich Rodriguez on his 2009 recruits

Quick take: Michigan's historically bad 2008 season put an increased burden on Rodriguez and his assistants during the recruiting process. Simply keeping verbal commitments on board was a challenge, and Michigan lost nine players. But Rodriguez and his staff filled in the gaps nicely and built momentum toward signing day, when they signed a top 10 class. Quarterback was a chief priority and Michigan landed two players (Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson) who will compete for the starting job. The additions of top defensive linemen Roh and William Campbell and wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes were vital for a program that showed it remains a major player in the recruiting race. 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

No two Big Ten teams experienced a more eventful signing day than Illinois and Michigan.

Both programs lost verbal commits and added some key signees. Both addressed some needs and came up short in other areas. There weren't many dull moments for head coaches Ron Zook and Rich Rodriguez and their assistants.

Illinois unveiled its class of 20, which can be found here. The day began with Illinois losing wide receiver commit Kraig Appelton to Wisconsin, but the Illini held on to Appleton's high school teammate, wideout Terry Hawthorne, who could make an immediate impact.

Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase likely will be Illinois' quarterback of the future, and the team added key pieces on both lines and at defensive back. The ability to lure Justin Green from Ohio State should bolster Illinois' rushing attack and return game. Illinois did lose several commits in recent weeks and won't make the splash it made in 2007, but this seems like a solid class.

Michigan's class of 22 signees can be seen here. Signing day brought more good than bad for the Wolverines, who added quarterback Denard Robinson, wide receiver Je'Rel Stokes and cornerback Adrian Witty. They lost two defensive tackle commits but certainly upgraded the skill positions on both sides of the ball. Defensive end Craig Roh and defensive tackle William Campbell should be immediate contributors on a line that loses three starters. Robinson and Tate Forcier likely will be in the mix for the starting quarterback spot this fall.

Rodriguez's ties to Florida showed up in this class, which features eight players from the Sunshine State.

Here are some notes on Michigan's class from the official release:

• (William) Campbell and [J.T.] Turner are the top-rated players in the state of Michigan and Ohio, respectively. This is the first time that the Wolverines had the top-ranked athletes from both states since 2002: Prescott Burgess (Ohio) and LaMarr Woodley (Michigan).
  
• (Tate) Forcier's brother, Jason, played at Michigan during the 2005 and 2006 seasons before transferring to Stanford. Both of Tate's brothers play in the Pac-10: Jason (Stanford) and Chris (UCLA).
• Six recruits are ranked among the ESPNU 150: Craig Roh (48), Quinton Washington (82), Isaiah Bell (92), Denard Robinson (102), Tate Forcier (145) and Taylor Lewan (149).
• Defensive end Anthony LaLota was the No. 2 prospect in the state of New Jersey.
• High school teammates Taylor Lewan and Craig Roh are listed as the fifth- and fourth-ranked players in the state of Arizona, respectively.
  

Michigan State had fewer surprises today, but Mark Dantonio unveiled a class of 23 that appears to be the program's best crop in recent memory. ESPN's Scouts Inc. ranks the Spartans' class at No. 21 nationally. Among the highlights are running backs Edwin Baker and Larry Caper, tight end Dion Sims and quarterback Andrew Maxwell.

The Spartans went local with 12 in-state players and only two from outside the Big Ten region (Floridians Denzel Drone and Jairus Jones). The class is heavy on offensive linemen (5), linebackers (5) and wide receivers/tight ends (5).

Michigan State's signing list and bios can be found here.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

If you haven't done it already, check out our signing day primer. As part of the story, I was asked to identify several Big Ten recruiting superlatives, including the league's best recruiter.

Former Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley owned the title before he left to become New Mexico's head coach, and several Big Ten assistants could lay claim to the designation. Most of Michigan's staff is new to the league, so it's hard to judge their recruiting clout just yet. I settled on Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who has landed several top prospects from the Maryland/Washington, D.C., area and elsewhere.

Here's my list of top recruiters for each Big Ten team. Many of you follow recruiting as closely or more closely than I do, so please e-mail me your suggestions and votes and I'll post the responses later in the week.

ILLINOIS

Running backs coach Reggie Mitchell -- Illinois might have lost its pipeline to D.C. with Locksley's departure, but Mitchell continues to get the top players from the Chicago area. The team's recruiting coordinator has brought linebacker Martez Wilson and others to Champaign, and was instrumental in landing 2009 top prospects Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton. The departure of O-line coach Eric Wolford hurts Illinois' recruiting, but co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch does well in Florida.

INDIANA

Wide receivers coach Billy Lynch -- The head coach's son is responsible for nearly half of Indiana's 2009 recruiting class. He recruits locally extremely well and last year brought running back Darius Willis to Bloomington.

IOWA

Offensive line coach Reese Morgan -- Iowa has a tradition of recruiting and developing elite offensive linemen, and Morgan is a big reason why. He recruits the state extremely well and brought in players like Jordan Bernstine and Tyler Sash to go along with seven commitments for 2009. Assistant linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson successfully recruits the surrounding states and has brought players like quarterback Marvin McNutt and Christian Ballard to Iowa City.

MICHIGAN

Quarterbacks coach Rod Smith and wide receivers coach Tony Dews -- As I stated earlier, it's a bit premature to make final determinations on Michigan's staff. Running backs coach Fred Jackson is a holdover and has recruited the Detroit area well in past years. But both Smith and Dews have distinguished themselves on the recruiting trail, luring top 2009 prospects like Tate Forcier, William Campbell and Craig Roh to Ann Arbor.

MICHIGAN STATE

Running backs coach Dan Enos -- The former Spartans quarterback has played an instrumental role in upgrading the program's recruiting, which will play dividends Wednesday with a potentially program-changing class. Enos recruits the Detroit area extremely well and has brought in players like wideout Fred Smith and quarterback Kirk Cousins, as well as 2009 prospects like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper and Dion Sims.

MINNESOTA

Defensive line coach Tim Cross -- The team's associate head coach and lead recruiter played a key role in signing Minnesota's nationally ranked 2008 class, landing players like Troy Stoudermire and Keanon Cooper. Head coach Tim Brewster does much of the heavy lifting in recruiting, but Cross and co-defensive coordinator Ron Lee chip in as well.

NORTHWESTERN

Superbacks coach Adam Cushing -- He coaches a group rarely used in Northwestern's offense, but Cushing's contributions as a recruiter have been invaluable. Cushing serves as the team's recruiting coordinator and landed players like defensive end Vince Browne, safety David Arnold, linebacker Brett Nagel and top 2009 prospect Patrick Ward.

OHIO STATE

Co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Luke Fickell -- Several recruiters stand out on Jim Tressel's staff, but Fickell repeatedly lures top prospects from the Cleveland area and far-flung regions like Georgia and Florida. Quarterbacks coach Joe Daniels landed Terrelle Pryor last year, and wide receivers coach Darrell Hazell is a proven recruiter. Cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson is a rising star on the recruiting trail.

PENN STATE

Defensive line coach Larry Johnson -- Johnson gets the nod after bringing in players like Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans, Navorro Bowman and Jared Odrick. No assistant played a bigger role in Penn State's 2009 nationally ranked class than Johnson, who recruited Derrick Thomas and Darrell Givens, among others. No wonder Ron Zook wanted Johnson to join his staff at Illinois.

PURDUE

Defensive line coach Terrell Williams -- This is another mostly new staff to the Big Ten, and coach Danny Hope does much of the recruiting himself, but Williams has proven to be a major asset so far. Williams helped to land half of Purdue's incoming recruiting class, including top running back Al-Terek McBurse. He recruits Florida extremely well, which falls right in line with Hope's approach.

WISCONSIN

Offensive line coach Bob Bostad -- Health issues forced top recruiter Henry Mason away from the program in 2007, and his absence is missed. Head coach Bret Bielema has a strong reputation as a recruiter, and Bostad is doing a solid job early in his tenure. Bostad's fingerprints were all over Wisconsin's 2008 class, as he landed offensive lineman Peter Konz and others. Defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and defensive coordinator Dave Doeren are also solid recruiters.