Big Ten Network : Football Top Stories

BIG TOP: Watch our Football Signing Day Special on Wednesday

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 16:37:00 +0000

The Big Ten Network's 90-minute " Football Signing Day Special " evaluate each school's recruiting class.

Gophers left with an empty feeling after top two prospects sign elsewhere

Marcus R. Fuller — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

It was hard to tell by reading Tim Brewster's face whether he knew about Seantrel Henderson's decision during Minnesota's signing day news conference Wednesday afternoon. You couldn't tell if the Gophers football coach was in a good mood because he thought he still had a shot at the nation's No. 1 recruit or if he was just trying to mask his disappointment knowing the 6-foot-8, 330-pound tackle from Cretin-Derham Hall would shun his hometown school an hour later to sign with Southern Cal. On the phone after Henderson announced his decision, Brewster sounded tense when asked if he could comment on losing the state's top player -- again. It also happened with wide receivers Bryce McNeal, who chose Clemson in 2009, and Michael Floyd, who opted for Notre Dame in 2008. "It's not proper to comment," he said. "That has nothing to do with anything." It was obvious Brewster was upset and trying to move on, as are fans who actually thought Henderson might be the first top-tier national recruit Brewster would lure to Minnesota's midlevel Big Ten football program, lending credence to his reputation as a super recruiter. And not only did Brewster strike out with Henderson, he also failed to land four-star Atlantic High School (Fla.) receiver James Louis, who ended up signing with Ohio State. After absorbing two major blows, the Gophers were left to pick up the pieces of another class that ranks several notches below those of Ohio State, Penn State and Michigan. Minnesota's 2010 recruiting class was ranked sixth in the Big Ten Conference for the second straight year and No. 50 nationally by Rivals.com . Scout.com ranked it 11th in the Big Ten and 68th nationally. But Brewster defended his group of 24 signees, saying, "they filled our needs." After the Gophers finished a disappointing 6-7 in 2009, it was apparent they most needed at running back and on the offensive line. Newly hired Jeff Horton, Brewster's third offensive coordinator in four seasons, won't have Henderson to help improve the pro-style offense his predecessor Jedd Fisch installed. But the Gophers signed another massive left tackle in Jimmy Gjere. They also landed tailbacks Donnell Kirkwood, Lamonte Edwards and Devon Wright, who are more physically equipped to be successful downfield runners than anyone in Minnesota's current backfield. It all starts with Gjere. The 6-7, 305-pound Irondale High senior played in the U.S. Army All-American game with Henderson, and he held his own against the nation's top talent. "Hopefully, I can come in and get a lot bigger and a lot faster over the summer," said the state's No. 2-ranked prospect. "Come fall, I want to be ready to go and earn my (starting) spot." CBS College Sports recruiting expert Tom Lemming said Gjere would be a "very good left tackle in college." He ranked Gjere the 11th-best tackle in the nation and No. 65 overall in the 2010 class. "He'll be about a 310- to 320-pounder, and he's got good feet," Lemming said. "He's a smart kid and technically sound. When you watch him on film, he looks very good." Lemming said Kirkwood, a 5-10, 200-pound senior from Atlantic High School in Florida, could play as a true freshman. Kirkwood (No. 18-ranked tailback/slotback in the nation), St. Louis Trinity High School receiver Marquise Hill (No. 13 best athlete) and Arrowhead High School (Wis.) quarterback Tom Parish (No. 19 best combo passer) were all top-20 players at their positions, according to Lemming's rankings. "I think he did a pretty good job with this class," Lemming said of Brewster. "But (it will be) three years from now (until) you can tell how good these classes turned out. Collectively, you could be right; you could be right or wrong about certain players." Kirkwood might not have to wait to try to prove his worth. The Gophers had a three-man backfield last season because they didn't have a featured runner. Duane Bennett and DeLeon Eskridge are returning juniors, but sophomore Kevin Whaley was released from his scholarship after being arrested for assault after the Insight Bowl. "I did some research, and I knew that they were struggling with their running backs," Kirkwood said. "Some of them had problems. That attracted me there. It affected my decision a lot, because I knew I could play." Randy Taylor, on Brewster's staff as director of football operations in 2007, is now the National Collegiate Scouting Association's recruiting director. He said many factors have kept Brewster from not getting the best national recruits -- such as Henderson -- and living up to the reputation he had as a top recruiter when he was hired. "The different offensive coordinators, the different defensive coordinators and not finishing strong, those hurt," Taylor said. "Those kinds of things add up. It's not Florida. It's not USC. It's a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten program that could be better." Copyright 2010 St. Paul Pioneer PressAll Rights Reserved

Brewster's new deal buoyed by bonuses

Marcus R. Fuller — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

University of Minnesota football coach Tim Brewster received more potential incentive money with the two-year contract extension through 2013 he signed Wednesday, and the school received a less costly opportunity to get rid of him. "It's a good contract for Minnesota, and it's a good contract for Brewster," Gophers athletics director Joel Maturi said. "When you do the contract, you hope (parting ways) is not the case. It's a situation where we feel good about the contract. We shared the vision of bringing championship football to Minnesota, and this is part of the process." Brewster, who signed a five-year deal when he was hired in 2007, can earn more by winning at least seven games or by making it to the Capital One or the Outback Bowl. But if the university wants to fire him, it has to pay him only $200,000 per year, half his base salary, for every year left on the contract. There are bonuses for Brewster during the regular season for winning seven games ($100,000), eight games ($150,000), nine games ($200,000), 10 games ($250,000), 11 games ($300,000) or 12 games ($350,000). Brewster could receive $100,000 if he takes the Gophers to the Capital One or the Outback Bowl. His supplemental retirement provisions were extended to award him $200,000 per year until 2013. He can receive the first five years of those provisions, or $1 million, if he remains the coach after the 2011 season. After the 2010 season, Brewster and the university will review the compensation of the contract and can negotiate mutually agreeable changes. "I wouldn't have agreed to it if I didn't think it was fair," Brewster said Friday as negotiations ended. "I think it shows that we are moving the program forward in a positive direction." On Wednesday, Brewster signed 25 players for 2010. His third full recruiting class as Minnesota's head coach was ranked as low as 11th in the Big Ten Conference and 68th nationally by Scout.com . Maturi, who hired Brewster for his recruiting ability, remained optimistic about the program's future. "We've made some mistakes, and we've made some good choices," Maturi said Wednesday about Brewster's recruiting classes. "I've never been around a program where 100 percent of the kids panned out. ... That's why it's such a challenge, but I think on paper I like what I see." Brewster has a 14-24 overall record, 6-18 in Big Ten play. JUST WIN, BABY! Gophers football coach Tim Brewster can earn additional compensation based on wins. Here's what he can earn: Wins Bonus 7 $100,000 8 $150,000 9 $200,000 10 $250,000 11 $300,000 12 $350,000 Copyright 2010 St. Paul Pioneer PressAll Rights Reserved

Ash joins Badgers coaching staff

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0000

MADISON, Wis. -- Chris Ash, a 13-year coaching veteran, is the newest addition to the Wisconsin football coaching staff, head coach Bret Bielema announced on Thursday. Ash, who spent last season as the defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Iowa State, will coach the secondary for the Badgers. ""I'm very excited to welcome Chris aboard,"" Bielema said. ""He brings great knowledge and tremendous experience. I've known Chris for a long time and his familiarity not only with our staff but with our schemes will help in what I think will be a seamless transition for him and the rest of our coaches."" Ash has spent eight of the last 10 seasons at Iowa State, beginning as a defensive graduate assistant in 2000. He was promoted to secondary coach in 2002 and added the title of recruiting coordinator in 2006. Following the 2006 season he moved on to become the secondary coach and recruiting coordinator at San Diego State. He stayed there for two seasons before returning to Iowa State in the same position. ""I'm very excited to have the opportunity to work at a wonderful university like Wisconsin and with a football program with such a great history of success,"" Ash said. ""I am really looking forward to working for Coach Bielema and alongside Coach Doeren and Coach Partridge, two coaches I have worked with in the past and have great respect for."" Ash began his career as a volunteer assistant at Drake in 1996. The next season he served as a defensive graduate assistant for the Bulldogs. During those two seasons he was on the same staff as current UW assistants Dave Doeren and Charlie Partridge. When Doeren left Drake following the 1997 season, Ash took over his role as defensive coordinator for two seasons. Ash has coached in six bowl games in his career, including the 2009 Insight Bowl when Iowa State defeated Minnesota. Last year's Cyclones' defense finished ninth in the country with 32 takeaways and tied for second in the nation in red zone efficiency. In 2005, Iowa State led the Big XII in interceptions (22) after finishing second in the conference the prior year (17). Ash graduated from Drake with a bachelor's degree in secondary education in 1996. He received his master's degree in education from Iowa State in 2005. A native of Ottumwa, Iowa, Ash and his wife, Jessica, have two children, Tanner (8) and Jacey (6).

Mistake stays with new Illini safety

Mark Tupper — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

CHAMPAIGN - When new safety Trulon Henry is in the Illinois football complex, chances are he has a thought no other Illini football player has had. Ever. He takes a moment to consider the five years he spent in federal prison for armed robbery. Henry has arrived on campus for the spring semester with a personal story more complex and compelling than most could believe. And "believe" is a key word when it comes to the 25-year-old brother of former Illini wideout Arrelious Benn. For Henry to land as a scholarship football player at Illinois, a lot of people had to believe he is not a bad guy who wielded a handgun and robbed a grocery store during his senior year of high school in Washington, D.C. Instead, they have come to believe he is a good person who did a bad thing - a one-time offender who acted completely out of character when he saw a chance to bring financial aid to his poor family when he felt they might be losing everything, including their home. You don't have to tell Trulon Henry he used horrible judgment when he and his uncle, who was not much older than he was, robbed a grocery store in 2003. In fact, he's happy to tell his story himself. "Telling it is not that bad," he said. "If I was trying to hide something, it would be terrible. I don't mind explaining it. I think about it all the time, I really do. If I didn't, I would take this for granted. I wouldn't work so hard. So I definitely think about it all the time." Henry served most of his sentence in the federal corrections facility in Glenville, W. Va. Instead of pursuing his dream of playing football, alongside Washington, D.C.'s other top senior that year - Vernon Davis, brother of former Illini Vontae Davis - he found himself behind bars, watching his back, weighing his regret and counting the days until he could live again. He worked "detail" cleaning showers and became a solitary workout warrior, even though the facility did not have a weight room. "Pushups, sit-ups, dips - exercises using your natural body weight," he said. "I had recreation time to play basketball, but I chose to jog." When other schools were scared off by his criminal past, College of DuPage football coach Fred Fimbres was intrigued, especially when he met Henry in person and became convinced by Henry's friends in Washington, D.C., who went to bat for him. "He told me exactly what I had to do, and there was no room for anything else," Henry said. "But that's all I wanted - just a chance." Henry made good on his opportunity at the junior college, and Fimbres has become one of his biggest supporters. Henry was team captain both seasons there. He became a mentor for other players and excelled in the classroom, becoming the first football player at DuPage to earn his associate's degree in just three semesters. He was the conference defensive player of the year and a junior college All-American. He had four interceptions and returned two of them for touchdowns, one coming hours after staying up all night for the birth of his daughter, Tatum. After being released from prison, Henry had married his high school sweetheart, Morgan. By then, major colleges were showing interest. Kansas State was involved. Arizona came to his spring practice. Because of his brother, and because Illini coach Ron Zook has recruited Washington, D.C., and knew Henry's story, Illinois was at the top of Henry's list. His admission required serious inspection and careful approval. According to a university spokesman, associate dean Brian Farber and the Office of Student Conflict Resolution "wanted to look at the circumstances involved, what he has done to get his life back on track and make sure they would be bringing in a student who has an opportunity to succeed." Henry stated his case, and his admission was approved. "I wouldn't have even considered bringing him in if I wasn't completely sure about him. Because if anything happens, it will fall back on me," Zook said. "But you won't find anyone who knows him who isn't for him." Copyright 2010 The Pantagraph

Emanuel returns to Purdue as co-defensive coordinator

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 16:10:00 +0000

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue head football coach Danny Hope today announced the hiring of Gary Emanuel as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach. Emanuel, who replaces Terrell Williams on the staff, will focus on run-game defense. Emanuel previously was an assistant with the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2004. He coached the defensive tackles (1997-99) and defensive ends (2000-04) and also served as assistant head coach for his final two seasons. Emanuel and Hope worked together under head coach Joe Tiller from 1997 to 2001. ""We could have hired any of a number of defensive line coaches to replace Terrell,"" Hope said. ""But I told the team we were going to use the vacancy to bring in a difference-maker to our football program, and that's what we are getting with Coach Emanuel. He is the complete package as a coach – from teaching and mentoring to recruiting – and obviously is familiar with Purdue. It's great to have him back. He makes us better."" Defensive coordinator Donn Landholm will continue to oversee the staff's development of the defensive game plan and the play-calling in conjunction with Emanuel. ""As co-defensive coordinator, Coach Emanuel will work with Coach Landholm to integrate a run-game defense that optimizes our talent and improves the overall performance of the defense,"" Hope said. ""The focus of one of Coach Emanuel's duties will be to identify current and future personnel and schemes necessary for defending the run."" Emanuel returns to Purdue from Rutgers, where he was defensive line coach in 2008 and 2009. He left the Boilermakers to coach the defensive line with the San Francisco 49ers and, after two years in the National Football League, coached at San Jose State in 2007. ""I am happy to be coming back to Purdue,"" Emanuel said. ""The eight years I spent working with the Boilermaker program before were great. I'm excited to be working with Danny again, and I look forward to getting started with the players and coaches."" In his previous stint at Purdue, the Boilermakers ranked seventh or better in rushing defense in the Big Ten each year, including second in 2004 and third in 2000, 2001 and 2003. Their averages of 96.4 and 105.3 yards allowed per game in 2003 and 2004 ranked 10th and 14th nationally. Emanuel coached all-conference performers and National Football League players. End Akin Ayodele was named first team All-Big Ten in 2001 and has played eight seasons in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. End Shaun Phillips earned first team All-Big Ten honors in 2003 and has played six seasons with the San Diego Chargers. End Anthony Spencer played under Emanuel for three seasons and went on to become first team All-Big Ten in 2006 and the Dallas Cowboys' first-round draft pick in 2007. Tackle David Nugent was a three-year NFL veteran with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. Emanuel was one of 26 coaches invited to participate in the NCAA's annual Expert Coaches Academy in 2007. He has had five internships/fellowships with NFL teams: Buffalo Bills (1992), Chicago Bears (1995), Cleveland Browns (1999), Arizona Cardinals (2000) and Oakland Raiders (2001). Before his initial Purdue stint, Emanuel was defensive line coach at Washington State from 1994 to 1996. In 1994, the Cougars ranked second in the NCAA in total defense (229 yards per game), third in scoring defense (12.1) and third in rushing defense (73.8). From 1991 to 1993, Emanuel served in the same capacity at Syracuse, helping the defense rank 11th and fifth in the NCAA in 1991 and 1992. He was an assistant coach at Dartmouth (defensive line) from 1988 to 1991, at Massachusetts (outside linebackers) from 1986 to 1988, at West Chester (defensive line) in 1985 and 1986 and at Plymouth State (offensive coordinator, offensive line) from 1981 to 1984. Emanuel served as Plymouth State's head basketball coach from 1983 to 1985. All told, Emanuel has coached 12 players who have gone on to play in the NFL and has been part of 12 teams that played in bowl games, including eight at Purdue. A native of New London, Conn., Emanuel (born Oct. 30, 1958) attended Westchester Community College in Valhalla, N.Y., from 1976 to 1978. He started at offensive guard both years, serving as team co-captain and earning first team junior college All-America honors as a sophomore. He played in the 1977 Junior College Coastal Conference All-Star game. Emanuel then moved on to Plymouth State to earn a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1982. He played football there for two years, but his career was slowed by a knee injury during his junior season. His wife's name is Angela.

Here is how the Big Ten shapes up

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

1. PENN STATE: Paterno landed five top-100 players: LB Khairi Fortt, LB Dakota Royer, QB Robert Bolden, RB Zach Zwinak and DB Silas Redd. Fortt, Royer and Mike Hull are the three best linebackers of any class in the nation. Bolden or Paul Jones might be an All-America quarterback. Fifteen of the 18 recruits are blue-chippers. 2. MICHIGAN: The Wolverines have 26 commitments and might get two or three more. They have three top-100 players: QB Devin Gardner, DB Marvin Robinson and DB Cullen Christian. The class features great athleticism. Other standouts are RB Stephen Hopkins, QB Cornelius Jones and WR Josh Furman. 3. OHIO STATE: The Buckeyes got four top-100 players -- RB Roderick Smith, LB Jordan Hicks, OL Andrew Norwell and DE Jamel Turner -- and might climb to the No. 1 spot in the Big Ten if they land OL Seantrel Henderson and OL Matt James. The class has quality but lacks an impact player such as Henderson. QB Taylor Graham of Wheaton North is another player to watch. 4. IOWA: The Hawkeyes are taking advantage of their top-10 finish in the national poll. Coach Kirk Ferentz has two top-100 recruits: TE C.J. Fiedorowicz of Johnsburg and QB A.J. Derby. Other standouts are RB Marcus Coker, OL Andrew Donnel and OL Brandon Scherff. 5. PURDUE: Coach Danny Hope used his Florida ties to produce a very good class with several outstanding athletes. Hope has one top-100 player in DL Bruce Gaston Jr. of St. Rita. He has three other Illinois products in DB Antoine Lewis of Proviso East, QB Sean Robinson of Rochester and TE De'Ron Flood of O'Fallon. WR O.J. Ross is a game-breaker. 6. MINNESOTA: Coach Tim Brewster's class features players from Florida, California and Texas. He has one top-100 player in OL Jim Gjere, who is as good as any tackle in the nation. Other standouts are OL Mark Lenkiewicz of Andrew, RB/LB Lamonte Edwards and WR Marquise Hill. 7. WISCONSIN: For the first time in several years, the Badgers didn't land a player from the Chicago area. But they did a good job in Wisconsin. Perhaps their best in-state recruit is DE Konrad Zagzebski. DT Beau Allen was a big catch. So was OL Robby Havenstein (6-7, 345). 8. MICHIGAN STATE: The Spartans landed one top-100 player in DL William Gholston, who projects as an impact performer. Others who figure to help are three Michigan products: LB Max Bullough, DB Mylan Hicks and QB Joe Boisture, who should be a starter in a year or two. 9. NORTHWESTERN: Coach Pat Fitzgerald and his staff do a good job of evaluating talent nationally to meet the Wildcats' academic standards. Players to watch are DE Chance Carter of Loyola, QB Kain Colter, DT Will Hampton, QB Trevor Siemian, RB Adonis Smith and OL Paul Jorgenson. 10. INDIANA: The Hoosiers' best recruit is RB Matt Perez of Maine South, the Sun-Times Player of the Year. Also watch WR Logan Young and LB Ishmael Thomas. But Indiana must hang on to wavering DB Andre Kates. 11. ILLINOIS: It's the smallest class in the Big Ten -- only 13 players -- but it features two of the leading quarterbacks in the Midwest in Chandler Whitmer of Downers Grove South and Miles Osei of Prospect. DB Trulon Henry, a junior-college signee, and TE/LB Anthony Williams also figure to help. Copyright 2010 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.All Rights Reserved

Quarterback battle brewing for Nittany Lions

Bernard Fernadez — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In baseball, there is the Hot Stove League. Its football equivalent is the Quarterback Controversy. Seven months before Penn State opens the season with Youngstown State, only one thing is certain about the quarterback who will take the first snap for the Nittany Lions: He will be starting his first college game. Quite possibly, he'll be playing in his first one, too. While most recruiting analysts are raving about Penn State's consensus top 10 class, it stands to reason that the eventual successor to the graduated Daryll Clark, who set several school records in his two seasons as the primary passer, will have to grow up in a hurry if not against the Penguins, then surely the following week when Penn State travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a date against defending national champion Alabama. That's not just a baptism by fire, it's more like a baptism by molten lava. "We played some big games at Sto-Rox, but obviously nothing of that magnitude," Jason Rusciotto, who coached five-star incoming Penn State freshman quarterback Paul Jones said of the Alabama challenge. "But Paul is pretty well-equipped to deal with pressure. He brings certain intangibles to the quarterback position that go beyond physical attributes." Penn State's quarterback battle could have as many as five players competing for the starting job. As the eldest of six children, Jones is used to taking charge. Whether that aids him in his bid to become the first true freshman to start a game for the Lions since Wally Richardson in 1992 remains to be seen, but at least two of his youthful rivals for the top spot also bring some gilt-edged credentials to what should be the most curious face off since Clark and Pat Devlin squared off before the 2008 season. Clark won out, and Devlin transferred to Delaware. Given most high-profile quarterbacks' aversion to patiently waiting their turn, it is reasonable to assume that one or maybe even two of the unlucky losers might finish their college careers elsewhere. The most memorable such duel in Happy Valley before Clark and Devlin squared off came in 1981, when Jeff Hostetler, informed by coach Joe Paterno that he had been beaten out by Todd Blackledge, transferred to to West Virginia. By narrow right of seniority, the presumed favorite is Kevin Newsome, a former four-star recruit who was the primary backup to Clark in 2009. Newsome, who graduated from high school early and enrolled at Penn State last January, completed 8 of 11 passes for 66 yards and rushed 20 times for 95 yards and two touchdowns in spot duty. It's a fairly safe bet, though, that Jones and another coveted recruit in the Class of 2010, Robert Bolden, aren't ready to concede anything to Newsome or any other candidate. Nor should they. Paterno tends to be partial toward experienced players, especially quarterbacks, but he didn't exactly throw his full support behind Newsome the day after the Lions edged LSU, 19-17, in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1. "It's not a done deal," he told reporters when asked about the hazy quarterback picture heading into the next season. "Who's going to be the leading candidate? I don't know. Nobody's had enough work for me to tell you." In addition to Newsome and third-teamer Matt McGloin, a former walk-on, Paterno said he would give a look at senior-to-be Brett Brackett, a 6-foot-6, 232-pounder who has played three seasons as a wide receiver but was recruited as a quarterback, and sophomore-to-be Curtis Drake, the former West Catholic standout quarterback who saw limited action at wideout as a freshman. In winter passing drills, Brackett has scraped off some of the rust and the determined McGloin doesn't appear to have accepted the likelihood of a career spent as a backup. Drake conceivably could be an option in some version of the Wildcat formation. But if hype means anything, Clark's successor likely will be Newsome, Jones or Bolden, all of whom are similarly sized and possessing of similar skills. The 6-4, 205-pound Bolden, who played at St. Mary's Preparatory in Orchard Lake, Mich., has a howitzer arm, according to Scout.com, and "shows good ability to escape the pocket and throw on the run." That sounds very much like what the recruiting analysts said about Newsome when he arrived at Penn State from Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. At 6-3 and 225 pounds, Jones is more of a pro-style passer with decent mobility. So who has the inside track to No. 1? "It has to be an open competition," said Bob Lichtenfels, of Scout.com. "If not, it's going to radiate through recruiting for them. You have two young kids who chose to go to Penn State because they were told they were going to have the chance to compete. If they don't get that chance, it's going to have a resounding effect for years to come. Kids pay attention to that stuff. "Look, Newsome didn't seize the opportunity to be the guy. There's still a lot of holes in his game. As advanced as Jones is, he's probably further ahead of where Newsome was when he came in as an early graduate last year. And being there for spring practice will give Jones a firmer grip of the offense. "But Bolden is not chopped liver, either. The thing is, all three of the young kids are used to being the main man. Now one or two of them will be asked to sit behind somebody for three or four years. It ain't going to happen." Let the speculation begin. Copyright 2010 Tribune Review Publishing CompanyAll Rights Reserved

With contract extension done, Gophers' Brewster can focus on next week's national signing day

Marcus R. Fuller mfuller@pioneerpress.com — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Tim Brewster knew it was coming. The Gophers knew it was coming. Recruits were made aware it was coming. It wasn't a surprise that Brewster, the University of Minnesota's third-year football coach, agreed to terms Friday on a two-year contract extension through the 2013 season. That the announcement came only five days before national signing day Wednesday didn't matter to Brewster, because Minnesota athletics director Joel Maturi purposely stated in late December, before Minnesota's Insight Bowl loss to Iowa State, that he planned to extend Brewster's original five-year deal signed in 2007. The Gophers were 14-23 overall and 6-18 in the Big Ten in Brewster's three seasons at that point, but Maturi wanted to make sure recruits knew Brewster was secure. Yet Minnesota has had five players renege on their oral commitments in the past month. Brewster has lost nine recruits who were once committed to join Minnesota's 2010 class, which currently consists of 24 players. "Some people did that long before there was discussion of a contract," Maturi said. "Lots of things go into a young person's decisions. Sometimes we're the beneficiaries of those decisions. Sometimes it goes against us. That's the nature of college sports today." Two years ago, Brewster had one of the Big Ten's top recruiting classes and a top-20 class nationally, but he hasn't matched that since. This year's class is ranked last in the conference and No. 64 nationally by Scout.com . Grayshirt players Joey Searcy and Josh Campion in that ranking. They were class of 2009 recruits who sat out and didn't lose a year of eligibility because they weren't part of the team. Minnesota's 2010 class is ranked No. 6 in the Big Ten and No. 48 nationally by Rivals.com . National Collegiate Scouting Association recruiting director Randy Taylor was on Brewster's staff as director of football operations in 2007. Taylor said the Gophers "lost more recruits this season than they would have liked" for various reasons. But Taylor was impressed that Brewster landed two of the top three recruits in Minnesota: Irondale lineman Jimmy Gjere and Woodbury running back Lamonte Edwards. Taylor said the Gophers also should be encouraged that they still have a shot at Cretin-Derham Hall lineman Seantrel Henderson, the nation's No. 1 recruit. "I think, overall, it's not bad," Taylor said about Minnesota's 2010 class. "It's a class that will remain to be seen. It doesn't have all the glitz and the glamour of some of these (other) Big Ten classes. Depending on how they finish, my guess is they will be sixth, seventh or eighth in the conference in recruiting." Brewster, who couldn't sign the extension Friday because he was out of town, said he didn't believe his contract situation or losing offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch to the Seattle Seahawks last week had a negative effect on recruiting. Four-star Nimitz High School (Texas) tailback Josh Huff, who switched his commitment to Texas Christian in early December, told GopherIllustrated.com that Brewster's status was a factor. After Fisch left, Channelview High School (Texas) wide receiver Chris Hawkins also decided to play for TCU. "You sign the kids who you exactly want and who exactly want you," Brewster said. "I feel very good about our recruiting. There will probably be a couple more guys added to the group. It will be an exciting day Wednesday. We haven't had to scramble at all on anything." Copyright 2010 St. Paul Pioneer PressAll Rights Reserved

Network to air national signing day special

Mon, 1 Feb 2010 10:22:00 +0000

The next generation of Big Ten football stars will sign National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, and the Big Ten Network will air a 90-minute show at 4 PM ET that day to reveal which prep standouts will attend Big Ten universities. Read more ...

Michigan DE named Senior Bowl MVP

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:25:00 +0000

MOBILE, Ala. -- Mardy Gilyard had 103 yards receiving and caught a 32-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help the North race to a 31-13 victory over the South in Saturday's Senior Bowl. Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, meanwhile, had a shaky outing running a pro-style offense against a sturdy defense. He fumbled twice and finished 8 of 12 passing for 50 yards in the showcase for senior NFL prospects. Tebow's longest completion was 11 yards and he netted 4 yards on four rushes, but was never turned loose as a power runner as he often was with the Gators. He battled strep throat early but didn't miss any practice time during a week when he was trying to prove to skeptical NFL teams and draft analysts that he could be a starting pro quarterback. One of the nation's top all-purpose threats, Gilyard also set up a third-quarter touchdown with a 43-yard catch down the right sideline and had five receptions. Both that pass and the TD came from Central Michigan's Dan LeFevour. Michigan defensive lineman Brandon Graham had two sacks and a forced fumble and was chosen the game's Most Valuable Player. Gilyard returned two kicks for 52 yards and gained 24 on two punt returns. He was named offensive player of the game while Mississippi State's Jamar Chaney earned defensive honors. Tulane receiver Jeremy Williams had six catches for 82 yards and added a 27-yard run on an end around, and was chosen the South's most outstanding player. That honor went to Central Michigan's LeFevour for the North. He completed half of his 10 passes for 97 yards and added a 1-yard touchdown run on a sneak, once again outdistancing the much more heralded Tebow. LeFevour finished with more total touchdowns (150) than any other player in Football Bowl Subdivision, including Tebow (145). Zac Robinson had the game's best passing numbers, throwing for 176 yards and a touchdown before getting intercepted late in the game. Tebow played 11 snaps in the first half, and the South was down two scores by the time he re-entered the game to loud applause late in the third. Dexter McCluster fumbled two plays into his first drive of the half, and his second began at the South's 1-yard line. Tebow led the South to a couple of first downs before Koa Misi stripped the ball from him. He had another fumble on the next drive but lineman Jeff Byers fell on the ball. Gilyard's teammate, Tony Pike, is considered the top-rated NFL prospect among the participating quarterbacks and he looked solid in a brief outing. He was 5 of 12 for 45 yards all in the first half. Gilyard caught two of those passes for 21 yards. LeGarrette Blount had a 14-yard touchdown run for the North, while Lonyae Miller gained a game-high 44 yards on nine carries. Alabama players accounted for all of the South's points. Robinson hit tight end Colin Peek for a 19-yard touchdown and Leigh Tiffin booted field goals of 43 and 33 yards.

Illini at Wrigley not settled

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Reports that Illinois' Nov. 20 football game at Northwestern might be moved to Wrigley Field appear to be premature. Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther said the Illini are willing to play Northwestern at Wrigley instead of Ryan Field in Evanston. But NU athletic director Jim Phillips -- who last week was quoted as saying the game could be moved if finances and logistics allow -- said it depends on discussions with the Cubs. ''We still haven't gotten together with the Cubs to talk about it between our bowl game [on New Year's Day] and their talks with Mesa [Ariz., about their spring-training site],'' Phillips said. ''Moving the game is not imminent, but talks are ongoing.'' Guenther told SI.com the decision is in the hands of NU officials because it's their home game. He said the Illini wouldn't be willing to sacrifice a future home game to make a date at Wrigley, which for years was home to the Bears and on New Year's Day 2009 hosted the NHL's Winter Classic between the Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. Copyright 2010 Chicago Sun-Times, Inc.All Rights Reserved

Ohio St. recruit may be diamond in rough

Tim May — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Considering that Bradley Roby of Suwanee, Ga., has run 40 yards in less than 4.35 seconds, it's difficult to label him a late bloomer as a college football prospect. But he was late out of the gate. Roby, who has committed to Ohio State as a cornerback, was primarily a receiver until his senior season last year. "Had I played him at cornerback as a junior, there is no doubt in my mind he would have been considered one of the top prospects out there this year," said Roby's coach, Bill Ballard of Peachtree Ridge High School. "His potential is enormous. He is as smooth as silk." Such athletic ability was the reason Roby had wanted to play receiver. "I really do regret not making that move to corner sooner, because I think I would be much, much better at the position by now," Roby said. "I am really starting to get that mindset. I think it's going to be a great position for me and I can't wait to get even better at it." It helps explain why his commitment to Ohio State two weeks ago barely caused a ripple. The doings of three-star prospects, as rated by Rivals.com and Scout.com, are rarely big news. Meanwhile, fans from Ohio State, Texas and Florida are awaiting word today from linebacker Jordan Hicks, a five-star prospect from West Chester, Ohio. And the Buckeyes remain in the running for five-star offensive lineman Seantrel Henderson of St. Paul, Minn., and four-star offensive lineman Matt James of Cincinnati St. Xavier. Those two are expected to announce their decisions Wednesday, the first day that national letters of intent may be signed. As for Roby, it's anyone's guess what kind of splash he would have made had he been playing cornerback longer. As a receiver, he had committed to Vanderbilt last summer, where his 3.85 grade-point average and 1,240 score on the SAT pre-enrollment test seemed a good fit. At about the same time, Ballard convinced him that cornerback might be his future. Roby proved it with an outstanding performance during the skills portion of Auburn's summer camp for high school players. "He's got good height (6 feet) for a corner, he's got great speed, obviously, and he can get up," Ballard said, citing Roby's 40-inch vertical leap. "Once people saw him as a corner, the interest picked up." Auburn, South Carolina and others started calling after Roby reopened his recruiting process. Ohio State defensive backs coach Paul Haynes had been interested all along, Ballard said, but the Buckeyes, under coach Jim Tressel, don't spray the country with scholarship offers. Ohio State had targeted five-star cornerback prospects LaMarcus Joyner of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Josh Shaw of Palmdale, Calif., and four-star prospect Christian Bryant of Cleveland Glenville. Once Joyner committed to Florida State and Shaw to Florida, the Buckeyes stepped up and offered Roby in early December. "Coach Haynes kept in contact with me. It wasn't like all of a sudden, 'Oh, yeah, let's offer this guy,' " Roby said. He accepted, and this week when Bryant committed, the Buckeyes had their two cornerbacks for the class. "Ohio State is known for having some of the best corners, if you look throughout their history, so that was attractive," Roby said. "And I've been up there three times, and I liked everything about Ohio State. So I couldn't find any reason why I wouldn't want to go there." tmay@dispatch.com Copyright 2010 The Columbus DispatchAll Rights Reserved

Paterno's iconic eyeglasses available for bid

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:41:00 +0000

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – If you have ever wondered what it's like to see through the eyes of Penn State's legendary football coach, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is for you. A pair of Coach Joe Paterno's iconic dark-rimmed glasses, which have been autographed by "JoePa," will be awarded to the highest bidder as part of Penn State Public Broadcasting's 18th Annual Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction on Feb. 20. This is the first pair of the Coach's glasses ever given to a charitable auction. The online auction begins Feb. 1, and runs until Feb. 17 at noon. The bidding will conclude in a live auction during the Connoisseur's Dinner. The highest on-line bidder for the spectacles may choose to set a maximum bid which will be proxy-bid by a WPSU representative during the live auction. Complete rules and regulations are available at the auction web site. Joe and Sue Paterno donated the eyeglasses to WPSU's Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction because they have been generous supporters of Penn State Public Broadcasting for many years. Coach Paterno has been wearing his signature spectacles since he began as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lion Football Team in 1966. Since then, his vision for the Penn State football program has allowed him to become major college football's winningest coach with a record of 394-129-3. His thick-lensed blinkers, cuffed khaki pants and black sneakers are part of the trademark style of the legendary coach – so much so that sports fans can't imagine Paterno presenting himself any other way In the past, WPSU has auctioned off additional Paterno sports memorabilia, including the coach's autographed khaki pants, white socks, sneakers and neckties from several Bowl games. The 18th Annual Connoisseur's Dinner and Auction, hosted by PBS Master Chef Martin Yan, will celebrate Chinese New Year with the savory flavors and essential textures of the Far East, and will also support public broadcasting. This benefit dinner for WPSU-TV will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College.

Wisconsin's Schofield tears ACL at Senior Bowl

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

University of Wisconsin defensive end O'Brien Schofield tore the ACL in his left knee during practice at the Senior Bowl on Monday, the National Football Post reported. Schofield, who had 24 1 2 tackles for loss, including 12 sacks, for the Badgers last season, could be sidelined for several months. "I was in tears when I got the news," said Schofield, who was injured during a one-on-one drill with Massachusetts offensive tackle Vladimir Ducasse. An MRI revealed the tear and Dr. James Andrews will conduct the surgery once the swelling goes down. The NFP reported Schofield was having his way with Ducasse before the injury. Schofield was named the defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Game last Saturday after registering three tackles and an interception. He is expected to play outside linebacker in the NFL. "I'm going to come back stronger than ever," he said. "I'm not going to let this stop me. I still want to play in the NFL one day. I'm not changing my goal." Copyright 2010 Madison Newspapers, Inc.All Rights Reserved

Gophers quickly find an offensive coordinator

Kent Youngblood — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Gophers football coach Tim Brewster expects Jeff Horton to hit the ground running. Come fall, he expects the Gophers offense to do the same thing. On Friday, only two days after announcing that offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch was leaving for the Seattle Seahawks, Brewster hired Horton to fill the opening. Most recently Horton was quarterbacks coach with the Detroit Lions. But his resume also includes two stints as a college head coach and a productive run as quarterbacks coach at Wisconsin, a tenure in which he worked with four current members of the Gophers staff. In this case, Brewster fully expects familiarity to breed contentment. Horton's return to Minnesota -- the 1981 graduate of Nevada began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Gophers in 1984 -- was a while in coming. Brewster talked with Horton about the job a year ago. This time he closed the deal. "He is an outstanding offensive coordinator, and he's done a great job of coaching quarterbacks," Brewster said. "You look at his experience, and it's appealing, across the board." In Horton, 52, the Gophers get a coach with a wealth of experience, both at the college and pro levels. And it likely won't take long for him to fit in with the Gophers, considering he worked with four current members of the staff during his seven seasons as quarterbacks coach in Wisconsin -- defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, co-defensive coordinator Ronnie Lee, offensive line coach/running game coordinator Tim Davis and running backs coach Thomas Hammock. "I'm really excited about the opportunity Coach Brewster is giving me here at Minnesota," Horton said in a statement released by the Gophers. "I started my college coaching career here 26 years ago. I'm coming back to a great city, a great university." In the interests of continuity, Horton will be asked to learn the offense Fisch installed. Instead of having players learn a new scheme and terminology, it will be Horton who does much of the learning. He will be allowed, of course, to add his own wrinkles. But for a program that has seen much change at the coordinator position -- Horton becomes the third offensive coordinator in three seasons -- Brewster wanted a smooth transition. "We are on the same page on what we want to do: Be a physical team with the ability to run the ball with success," Brewster said. "I'm really excited about the fact that there won't be much change." Horton guided Nevada to a 7-4 record in 1993 and UNLV to a 13-44 mark from 1994 to '98. From there he went to Wisconsin, where he coached quarterbacks from 1999 to 2005, mentoring Jim Sorgi, Brooks Bollinger and John Stocco. Horton was then an assistant for head coach Scott Linehan for three years with the St. Louis Rams, moving with Linehan to Detroit as quarterbacks coach for the 2009 season. In that capacity he worked with No. 1 overall draft pick Matthew Stafford. With the Gophers, Horton will keep the multiple-set, pro-style offense. "Play-action will be a huge part of what we do," Brewster said. "Also we're going to utilize the quarterback as a runner, to move the pocket and do different things." THE HORTON FILE A look at Jeff Horton, the Gophers' new offensive coordinator hired Friday: Hometown: Arlington, Texas Age: 52 College: Nevada (1981, bachelor's), San Francisco (1993, master's) COACHING CAREER 1984: Graduate assistant, Gophers 1985-89: Assistant coach, Nevada 1990-91: Assistant head coach, Nevada-Las Vegas 1992: Wide receivers coach, Nevada 1993: Head coach, Nevada, 7-4 record (Big West co-champion) 1994-98: Head coach, UNLV, 13-44 record. Best year was 1994 with 7-5 mark and Las Vegas Bowl victory over Central Michigan. 1999-2005: Quarterbacks coach, Wisconsin 2006-07: Special assistant/offense, St. Louis Rams 2008: Assistant offensive line coach, St. Louis Rams 2009: Quarterbacks coach, Detroit Lions Copyright 2010 Star TribuneAll Rights Reserved

Twenty ex-Big Ten stars off to Super Bowl

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:18:00 +0000

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference will be well-represented on Sunday, Feb. 7, in Super Bowl XLIV with 20 former student-athletes and 13 coaches with previous conference connections on the rosters of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. The Big Ten leads all conferences with 20 players on the two Super Bowl squads, followed by the SEC (19 players), Big 12 (18), ACC (15) and Pac-10 (13). All 11 Big Ten schools will be represented on the field or on the sidelines on Super Bowl Sunday, including former players from nine different programs and both head coaches. Michigan leads the way with four former players. Ohio State ranks second with three standouts, followed by two student-athletes each from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Northwestern, Purdue and Wisconsin. The Fighting Illini top all conference schools with four former assistant coaches set to take part in the Super Bowl, including New Orleans head coach Sean Payton. The Hawkeyes and Wildcats rate second with three former assistant coaches on the sidelines, including Indianapolis head coach Jim Caldwell, who played and coached at Iowa. The Colts feature 10 former Big Ten student-athletes, including six on the active roster. Standouts from six different conference schools will take the field, including Illinois defensive back Kelvin Hayden, Iowa tight end Dallas Clark, Michigan running back Mike Hart, Michigan State defensive end Ervin Baldwin, Northwestern defensive lineman John Gill and Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter. In addition, four former Big Ten players are currently on the team's injured reserve list, including Hawkeyes defensive back Bob Sanders, Wolverines defensive back Marlin Jackson, Ohio State wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez and Wisconsin quarterback Jim Sorgi. The Saints could highlight as many as 10 former Big Ten standouts, all on the active roster. Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State each boast two former players on the New Orleans roster, including the Hoosiers duo of cornerback Tracy Porter and wideout Courtney Roby, the Wolverines pair of wide receiver Adrian Arrington and center Jonathan Goodwin, and the Buckeyes tandem of cornerback Malcolm Jenkins and defensive end Will Smith. Other conference players on the roster include Illinois running back Pierre Thomas, Northwestern offensive tackle Zach Strief, Purdue quarterback Drew Brees and Wisconsin linebacker Jonathan Casillas. Both head coaches and 11 assistant coaches that will be prowling the sidelines at Super Bowl XLIV boast Big Ten connections. Caldwell played at Iowa and was also an assistant for the Hawkeyes, Northwestern and Penn State, while Payton was an assistant coach at Illinois. The Colts staff also includes offensive coordinator Tom Moore (played at Iowa and served as an assistant at Iowa and Minnesota), defensive coordinator Larry Coyer (assistant at Iowa and Ohio State), running backs coach Gene Huey (assistant at Ohio State), special teams coach Ray Rychleski (assistant at Penn State), defensive assistant Bill Teerlinck (assistant at Indiana) and defensive line coach John Teerlinck (assistant at Illinois). The Saints staff also features special teams coach Greg McMahon (assistant at Minnesota and Illinois), running backs coach Brett Ingalls (assistant at Northwestern), offensive line coach Aaron Kromer (assistant at Northwestern), assistant special teams coach Mike Mallory (played at Michigan and served as an assistant at Indiana and Illinois) and tight ends coach Terry Malone (assistant at Michigan). The complete list of Big Ten players and coaches set to participate in Super Bowl XLIV appears below: Indianapolis Colts (10) Name Position School Kelvin Hayden DB Illinois Dallas Clark TE Iowa Bob Sanders* DB Iowa Mike Hart RB Michigan Marlin Jackson* DB Michigan Ervin Baldwin DE Michigan State John Gill DL Northwestern Anthony Gonzalez* WR Ohio State Curtis Painter QB Purdue Jim Sorgi* QB Wisconsin Coaches: Jim Caldwell, Head Coach (Played at Iowa from 1973-76; Assistant at Iowa in 1977, Northwestern in 1981 and Penn State from 1986-92); Larry Coyer, Defensive Coordinator (Assistant at Iowa from 1974-77 and Ohio State from 1991-92); Gene Huey, Running Backs (Assistant at Ohio State from 1988-91); Tom Moore, Senior Offensive Coordinator (Played at Iowa from 1957-60; Assistant at Iowa from 1961-62 and Minnesota from 1972-73 and 1975-76); Ray Rychleski, Special Teams (Assistant at Penn State in 1991); Bill Teerlinck, Defensive Assistant (Assistant at Indiana from 2003-04); John Teerlinck, Defensive Line (Assistant at Illinois from 1980-82) New Orleans Saints (10) Name Position School Pierre Thomas RB Illinois Tracy Porter CB Indiana Courtney Roby WR Indiana Adrian Arrington WR Michigan Jonathan Goodwin C Michigan Zach Strief OT Northwestern Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State Will Smith DE Ohio State Drew Brees QB Purdue Jonathan Casillas LB Wisconsin Coaches: Sean Payton, Head Coach (Assistant at Illinois in 1996); Greg McMahon, Special Teams (Assistant at Minnesota from 1983-84 and Illinois from 1992-2004); Brett Ingalls, Running Backs (Assistant at Northwestern from 2006-08); Aaron Kromer, Offensive Line/Running Game (Assistant at Northwestern from 1999-2000); Mike Mallory, Assistant Special Teams (Played at Michigan from 1982-85; Assistant at Indiana from 1986-87 and Illinois from 2001-05); Terry Malone, Tight Ends (Assistant at Michigan from 1997-2005)

Ex-Hoosiers Porter, Roby headed to Super Bowl

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:43:00 +0000

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former Hoosiers Tracy Porter (2004-07) and Courtney Roby (2001-04) of the New Orleans Saints are headed to Super Bowl XLIV after their 31-28 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday evening. The Saints will take on the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Feb. 7, in Miami. Kickoff is set for 6:25 p.m. and the game will be televised by CBS. Porter picked off a Brett Favre pass at the Saints 22-yard line and returned it 26 yards with seven seconds remaining to force the overtime period. He also thwarted another Viking scoring opportunity when he forced a fumble inside the New Orleans 10-yard line as the Saints held a 28-21 lead with 9:45 remaining. The Port Allen, La., native finished the game with eight solo stops. Roby averaged 28 yards on five kick returns. He opened the second half with a 61-yard return to the Minnesota 37-yard line, which set up a New Orleans touchdown. A four-year starter for the Hoosiers, Porter closed out his career second in IU history with 16 interceptions and topped the record book with 413 return yards. Porter claimed first team All-Big Ten honors following his senior season when he picked off six passes and led the Hoosiers to the Insight Bowl. Roby sits second on the Indiana career lists with 2,524 receiving yards and 170 receptions to go along with 12 touchdowns. In 2002, he made 59 catches (sixth on IU single-season list) for 1,039 yards (fourth) and four touchdowns. In addition to Porter and Roby, Mike Mallory is a member of the NFC champions. Mike, the son of IU's all-time winningest coach Bill Mallory, spent the 1986-87 seasons as a graduate assistant in Bloomington. He is in his second season as the Saints assistant special teams coach.

Northwestern keeps Super Bowl streak alive

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:22:00 +0000

EVANSTON, Ill. -- When the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts face off February 7 in Super Bowl XLIV, a former Northwestern Wildcat is guaranteed to hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the fifth-straight year. The Saints boast 2005 graduate and offensive lineman Zach Strief while the Colts feature 2008 graduate and defensive lineman John Gill. The winner will join Trai Essex (Pittsburgh, 2006), Matt Ulrich (Indianapolis, 2007), Barry Cofield (New York Giants, 2008) and Essex again in 2009 as Northwestern alumni with Super Bowl rings. Thirteen Northwestern alums have participated in 14 previous Super Bowls. Strief and Gill both are making their first appearances in the big game. Strief -- a first-team FWAA All-American in 2005 -- was drafted by the Saints in the seventh round (210th overall) in 2006 while Gill was signed as an undrafted free agent first by the Detroit Lions and then by Indy following the 2009 draft. Gill moved from the Colts' practice squad to their main roster prior to the end of the regular season.