The Big Ten loses a huge group of running backs, including the conference MVP, Iowa RB Shonn Greene. It's pretty clear Jewel Hampton will replace him at Iowa, Stephen Simmons will likely step in for Tyrell Sutton at Northwestern, Andre Anderson will get the first look to replace Javon Ringer at Michigan State, and John Clay already started along with P.J. Hill. After a running back by comittee last year, Illinois figures to go with Daniel Dufrene or Jason Ford for next year. The big conference question mark for the running back position is Ohio State.
Ohio State: The Buckeyes must replace future NFL 1st round draft pick Chris "Beanie" Wells. Highly touted recruit Jamaal Berry, the number three running back in the country, will compete for the job, along with the backup this year, sophomore Dan Herron, who shows promise, and junior Brandon Saine, who saw more extensive action in 2007. Freshman Carlos Hyde, a 6'1" and 230 pound talent, will also get a look.
If no clear frontrunner emerges from spring and summer practice a running back by commitee system might be the best option for the Buckeyes early. Idealy, a featured back would emerge from the group for Big Ten play.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Spring Position Battles: Quarterback
Michigan and Wisconsin are the two Big Ten teams with significant struggles at quarterback last year, and both will need to find a signal caller for next year.
Michigan: Rich Rod's spread system must have a capable quarterback running it to succeed. Steven Threet started eight games last year but recently transfered. This leaves Nick Sheridan, who started four games last year, backup David Cone, and highly touted recruits Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson. Rodriguez will most likely go with the dual threat Forcier, who is already on campus and enrolled.
Whoever is the quarterback, Michigan won't climb back up the Big Ten standings until they get someone suited to run Rodriguez's spread. Tate Forcier appears to fill that need for the Wolverines.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin needs a multi year quarterback to emerge after Tyler Donovan in 2007 and this year's Allen Evridge in the first half and Dustin Sherer in the second half. Sherer returns along with a pair of highly touted freshman, redshirt Curt Phillips and true John Budmayr. While Sherer has game experience, the Badgers will likely make one of the freshman the starter.
Phillips and Budmayr both would bring a nice dual threat skill set to compliment Johnathon Clay and the running game. Whoever becomes the starter, will only need to manage the game with Clay's power run game dominating Wisconsin's offense.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Best of 2009 Preview Part 2
More lookaheads for the Big Ten in 2009.
Newcomer of the Year:
Jaamal Berry RB Ohio State
The number three running back in the country has a big act to follow as he is the successor to Chris "Beanie" Wells. He has a different style than Beanie with his big time speed and elusiveness. A look at his high school highlight tape shows that he hits the hole hard and has very good vision.
Other top newcomers: Tate Forcier QB Michigan Je' Ron Stokes WR Michigan
Surpise Team of the Year: Michigan
The Wolverines grabbed the country's number 10 recruiting class. They got two quarterbacks, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, to run Rich Rodriguez's system. They also got top 10 wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes. This infusion of talent coupled with another year under the new coaching staff and system should help Michigan to improve upon last season's 3-9 record. Plus Michigan is just Michigan so that always makes them a threat.
Other surprise teams: Illinois
Game of the Year: Ohio State at Penn State
This game may decide who goes to the Rose Bowl, or BCS national championship game, from the Big Ten. Like last year's game it may come down to Terrelle Pryor vs. the Penn State front seven.
Other big games: Illinois at Ohio State Penn State at Illinois Michigan State at Ohio State Penn State at Michigan State Michigan State at Illinois
Newcomer of the Year:
Jaamal Berry RB Ohio State
The number three running back in the country has a big act to follow as he is the successor to Chris "Beanie" Wells. He has a different style than Beanie with his big time speed and elusiveness. A look at his high school highlight tape shows that he hits the hole hard and has very good vision.
Other top newcomers: Tate Forcier QB Michigan Je' Ron Stokes WR Michigan
Surpise Team of the Year: Michigan
The Wolverines grabbed the country's number 10 recruiting class. They got two quarterbacks, Tate Forcier and Denard Robinson, to run Rich Rodriguez's system. They also got top 10 wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes. This infusion of talent coupled with another year under the new coaching staff and system should help Michigan to improve upon last season's 3-9 record. Plus Michigan is just Michigan so that always makes them a threat.
Other surprise teams: Illinois
Game of the Year: Ohio State at Penn State
This game may decide who goes to the Rose Bowl, or BCS national championship game, from the Big Ten. Like last year's game it may come down to Terrelle Pryor vs. the Penn State front seven.
Other big games: Illinois at Ohio State Penn State at Illinois Michigan State at Ohio State Penn State at Michigan State Michigan State at Illinois
The Best of 2009 Preview Part 1
Spring practice hasn't started yet but it's time to unleash more 2009 previews. I already ran through my team power rankings but here's a look at the best Big Ten players of 2009.
MVP: Juice Williams QB Illinois
He amassed big numbers in 2008 and has his almost all of his weapons back including stud WR Arrelious Benn. Barring injury he should throw for over 3,000 yards and run for at least 500 as new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz plans to air it out. He needs to cut down on costly interceptions, particularly in the red zone, though. He also needs to lead Illinois to a solid bowl game to win.
Other canidates: Terrelle Pryor QB Ohio State Darryl Clark QB Penn State Evan Royster RB Penn State
Offensive Player of the Year: Arrelious Benn WR Illinois
Benn had a huge sophomore year in which he had a stretch of four consecutive 100 yard ganmes en roote to being first team all-big ten. He also got some action taking handoffs out of the spread and returning kickoffs. With Juice Williams throwing look for "Rejus" to have a big junior year.
Other canidates: Eric Decker WR Minnesota John Clay RB Wisconsin
Defensive Player of the Year: Navorro Brown SLB Penn State
Another sophomore also had a huge year as he led the Big Ten champion Nittany Lions with 121 tackles. He will have more support this year with the return of middle linebacker Sean Lee, who had 138 tackles in 2007, but missed last year with a torn interior cruciate ligament.
MVP: Juice Williams QB Illinois
He amassed big numbers in 2008 and has his almost all of his weapons back including stud WR Arrelious Benn. Barring injury he should throw for over 3,000 yards and run for at least 500 as new offensive coordinator Mike Schultz plans to air it out. He needs to cut down on costly interceptions, particularly in the red zone, though. He also needs to lead Illinois to a solid bowl game to win.
Other canidates: Terrelle Pryor QB Ohio State Darryl Clark QB Penn State Evan Royster RB Penn State
Offensive Player of the Year: Arrelious Benn WR Illinois
Benn had a huge sophomore year in which he had a stretch of four consecutive 100 yard ganmes en roote to being first team all-big ten. He also got some action taking handoffs out of the spread and returning kickoffs. With Juice Williams throwing look for "Rejus" to have a big junior year.
Other canidates: Eric Decker WR Minnesota John Clay RB Wisconsin
Defensive Player of the Year: Navorro Brown SLB Penn State
Another sophomore also had a huge year as he led the Big Ten champion Nittany Lions with 121 tackles. He will have more support this year with the return of middle linebacker Sean Lee, who had 138 tackles in 2007, but missed last year with a torn interior cruciate ligament.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Top Big Ten Recruiting Developments
Like the rest of the country national signing day was eventful for the Big Ten. Going into the day Ohio State ranks ninth nationally, Michigan was 14, Penn State was 15, Michigan State was 21 and Illinois was 22. Here are the top stories from wednesday.
Illinois kept one ESPNU 150 wide receiver from East Saint Louis and lost the other one. Kraig Appleton decommitted from Illinois and signed on to Wisconsinafter. The Illini held on to the higher ranked Terry Hawthorne. There has been speculation as to whether the two wideouts would both decommit.
Running back/cornerback Justin Green decopmmitted from Ohio State to Illinois. Ohio State wanted Green to play cornerback but the Illini coaches said they would give him a try at running back. This pickup for Illinois replaces the loss of Appleton. Ohio State also lost out on number three wide receiver Marlon Brown, who committed to Georgia.
Linebacker U., Penn State, lost out on number two outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins. The Maryland prospect committed to Florida to play with first team all-american linebacker Brandon Spikes.
Number eightwide receiver Je' Ron Stokes signed on to Michigan after considering Tennesse. The athletic target should open up Michigan's offense after this year's disaster. He is one of seven ESPNU 150 players to commit to Michigan. Rich Rodriguez's first full recruiting class is a start to getting this program back to Big Ten and national relevance.
Illinois kept one ESPNU 150 wide receiver from East Saint Louis and lost the other one. Kraig Appleton decommitted from Illinois and signed on to Wisconsinafter. The Illini held on to the higher ranked Terry Hawthorne. There has been speculation as to whether the two wideouts would both decommit.
Running back/cornerback Justin Green decopmmitted from Ohio State to Illinois. Ohio State wanted Green to play cornerback but the Illini coaches said they would give him a try at running back. This pickup for Illinois replaces the loss of Appleton. Ohio State also lost out on number three wide receiver Marlon Brown, who committed to Georgia.
Linebacker U., Penn State, lost out on number two outside linebacker Jelani Jenkins. The Maryland prospect committed to Florida to play with first team all-american linebacker Brandon Spikes.
Number eightwide receiver Je' Ron Stokes signed on to Michigan after considering Tennesse. The athletic target should open up Michigan's offense after this year's disaster. He is one of seven ESPNU 150 players to commit to Michigan. Rich Rodriguez's first full recruiting class is a start to getting this program back to Big Ten and national relevance.
Top National Recruiting Developments
Most of the top prospects had verbally commited before signing day but several waited until wednesday to sign their letter of intent. Here are some of the top stories on national signing day 2009. All ranking are according to ESPN.
Number one outside linebacker and number two player overall Manti Te'o chose Notre Dame over USC and UCLA. It was thought that the Hawaiin prospect would go to USC but he followed the path of USC decommit Shaquelle Evans, the number four wide receiver, and is going to South Bend.
Number two outside linebacker and nine overall Jelani Jenkins commited to Florida over Penn State, USC, Notre Dame, and Stanford. The Maryland super athlete may have chosen Florida because of the oppurtunity to play with star linebacker Brandon Spikes.
As expected, number one cornerback and four overall Dre Kirkpatrick picked Alabama. He also considered Texas, LSU, Clemson, and Tennessee. He has great size and strength at 6' 2" but is also very quick.
Number three wide receiver and 24 overall Marlon Brown committed to Georgia over Ohio State. Brown is one of Georgia's seven ESPN150 recruits, while Ohio State loses him and a commitment from top running back/cornerback Justin Green to Illinois.
The top 10 classes:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. USC
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Miami (Fl)
8. Florida State
9.Ohio State
10. Michigan
Number one outside linebacker and number two player overall Manti Te'o chose Notre Dame over USC and UCLA. It was thought that the Hawaiin prospect would go to USC but he followed the path of USC decommit Shaquelle Evans, the number four wide receiver, and is going to South Bend.
Number two outside linebacker and nine overall Jelani Jenkins commited to Florida over Penn State, USC, Notre Dame, and Stanford. The Maryland super athlete may have chosen Florida because of the oppurtunity to play with star linebacker Brandon Spikes.
As expected, number one cornerback and four overall Dre Kirkpatrick picked Alabama. He also considered Texas, LSU, Clemson, and Tennessee. He has great size and strength at 6' 2" but is also very quick.
Number three wide receiver and 24 overall Marlon Brown committed to Georgia over Ohio State. Brown is one of Georgia's seven ESPN150 recruits, while Ohio State loses him and a commitment from top running back/cornerback Justin Green to Illinois.
The top 10 classes:
1. LSU
2. Alabama
3. Texas
4. USC
5. Florida
6. Georgia
7. Miami (Fl)
8. Florida State
9.Ohio State
10. Michigan
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Recruiting Classes
High School talents will make it official and sign letters of intent on wednesday. According to ESPN.com, here are the Big Ten teams in the national top 25.
1. Ohio State-ESPN150 commitments: 7 ESPN rank: 4
Running back Jamal Berry and wide receiver Duron Carter lead the way on offense. Dual threat quarterback Tajh Boyd chose Clemson and Ohio prep star Austin Boucher stuck to his original commitment to Miami (Ohio) leaving the Buckeyes with little depth behind Terelle Pryor, last year's number one prospect. No. 4 rated outside linebacker Dorian Bell and No. 10 cornerback C.J. Barnett should help the Buckeyes compensate for losing most of their defense.
2. Michigan-ESPN150 commitments: 4 ESPN rank: 14
Rich Rodriguez's first full recruiting class at Michigan should help the Wolverines climb back up the conference standings. No. 4 defensive end Craig Roh played well in the Under Armour All-America Game. The Wolverines lost commitments from quarterback Kevin Newsome and wide receiver Bryce McNeal, but will bring in top dual threat quarterback Tate Forcier to run Rich Rodriguez's spread system.
3. Penn State-ESPN150 commitments:3 ESPN rank: 15
The Nittany Lions class is led by Michigan decomittment Kevin Newsome, who should take over the reigns at quarterback after Darryl Clark graduates. No. 2 kicker Anthony Fara will try to replace four year starter Kevin Kelly. No. 6 cornerback Darrell Givens is a little raw but is athletic and has a 6'-1" frame.
4. Illinois-ESPN150 committments: 2 ESPN rank: 19
Elusive Terry Hawthorne and speedy Kraig Appleton are top wide reciever prospects from state champion East St. Louis. Kansas City area multi-dimmensional quarterback Nathan Scheelhasse will be throwing to Hawthorne and Appleton. No. 7 defensive end Craig Drummond decommited to Ole Miss.
5. Michigan State-ESPN150 commitments: 2 ESPN rank: 21
Iowa decommitment offensive tackle David Barrent and top 25 running back Edwin Barker look to replace Javon Ringer's production in the running game. Top 20 quarterback Andrew Maxwell is polished and could be the Spartans' quarterback of the future. Mark Dantonio is backing up an appearance in a New Year's Day bowl game with Sparty's best class in a while.
1. Ohio State-ESPN150 commitments: 7 ESPN rank: 4
Running back Jamal Berry and wide receiver Duron Carter lead the way on offense. Dual threat quarterback Tajh Boyd chose Clemson and Ohio prep star Austin Boucher stuck to his original commitment to Miami (Ohio) leaving the Buckeyes with little depth behind Terelle Pryor, last year's number one prospect. No. 4 rated outside linebacker Dorian Bell and No. 10 cornerback C.J. Barnett should help the Buckeyes compensate for losing most of their defense.
2. Michigan-ESPN150 commitments: 4 ESPN rank: 14
Rich Rodriguez's first full recruiting class at Michigan should help the Wolverines climb back up the conference standings. No. 4 defensive end Craig Roh played well in the Under Armour All-America Game. The Wolverines lost commitments from quarterback Kevin Newsome and wide receiver Bryce McNeal, but will bring in top dual threat quarterback Tate Forcier to run Rich Rodriguez's spread system.
3. Penn State-ESPN150 commitments:3 ESPN rank: 15
The Nittany Lions class is led by Michigan decomittment Kevin Newsome, who should take over the reigns at quarterback after Darryl Clark graduates. No. 2 kicker Anthony Fara will try to replace four year starter Kevin Kelly. No. 6 cornerback Darrell Givens is a little raw but is athletic and has a 6'-1" frame.
4. Illinois-ESPN150 committments: 2 ESPN rank: 19
Elusive Terry Hawthorne and speedy Kraig Appleton are top wide reciever prospects from state champion East St. Louis. Kansas City area multi-dimmensional quarterback Nathan Scheelhasse will be throwing to Hawthorne and Appleton. No. 7 defensive end Craig Drummond decommited to Ole Miss.
5. Michigan State-ESPN150 commitments: 2 ESPN rank: 21
Iowa decommitment offensive tackle David Barrent and top 25 running back Edwin Barker look to replace Javon Ringer's production in the running game. Top 20 quarterback Andrew Maxwell is polished and could be the Spartans' quarterback of the future. Mark Dantonio is backing up an appearance in a New Year's Day bowl game with Sparty's best class in a while.
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