Indiana’s Kirlew out for spring, Fisher a starter

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Injuries depleted Indiana last season, and the health report continues to expand heading into spring ball. 
Hoosiers head coach Bill Lynch announced Monday that All-Big Ten defensive end Jammie Kirlew will sit out spring drills after undergoing sports hernia surgery during spring break. Kirlew had dealt with the problem throughout last season, when…
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Checking in with … Indiana coach Bill Lynch

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Indiana won't spend spring practice going through the motions, not with what's at stake this fall for head coach Bill Lynch and a program entering a pivotal season. Despite a momentum-killing 3-9 campaign last fall, Lynch is still in Bloomington and so are all of his assistants. But there will be plenty of changes when the Hoosiers open spring…
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Where’s the love in the Big Ten?

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and so is spring practice. Fellow bloggers Heather Dinich and Ted Miller passed out roses to teams in their leagues earlier Friday.

I'm not too big on flowers (neither is my fiancée, thankfully), so here are five Valentine's Day gifts for prominent Big Ten figures.

	James Lang/US PRESSWIRE
	Coach Rich Rodriguez would love some improved quarterback play.

1. A quarterback for Rich Rodriguez – Any improvement Michigan makes must start at the quarterback position, which was a disaster for most of 2008. Whether freshmen Tate Forcier or Denard Robinson step up or holdovers Steven Threet or Nick Sheridan elevate their play, Rod deserves a quarterback who can run the spread offense without tripping over his feet.

2. A wide receiver for Daryll Clark – Clark, the Penn State quarterback, loses top targets Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Butler finished as Penn State's all-time receptions leader, and Williams was a unique talent. Clark is a smart, efficient quarterback, but he needs a capable target to emerge in spring ball. Another offensive lineman would be nice, too.

3. A magic healing potion for Bill Lynch – The Indiana head coach saw his roster completely depleted by injuries last season. Indiana isn't at a point where it can survive a rash of injuries, and Lynch needs his key contributors healthy, particularly in the secondary and along the offensive line. Safeties Austin Thomas and Nick Polk remain out for spring ball, but Indiana should get a few players back in the mix.

4. An offensive identity for Minnesota – There were a lot of changes in the Twin Cities this winter, as the Gophers hired new coordinator Jedd Fisch and new line coach/run-game coordinator Tim Davis. The spread is dead and Fisch wants to run a pro-style system, but Minnesota must improve its run game. There will be an adjustment period for players, but they need to get on the same page fast.

5. A quarterback for Bret Bielema – The quarterback position really hurt Wisconsin last year, and another competition is coming this spring. Game managers have worked at Wisconsin before, but Curt Phillips and Jon Budmayr are solid recruits who can do more. Wisconsin must demand bigger things from its quarterbacks going forward.

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Big Ten pre-spring power rankings

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The recruiting classes are in, several underclassmen are out (preparing for the NFL draft) and coaching changes have been made. It's time to re-examine the Big Ten power rankings, which project forward to the 2009 season but take into consideration the way a team finished up 2008. 

1. Ohio State — The Buckeyes lost juniors Chris "Beanie" Wells, Brian Robiskie and Donald Washington to the NFL draft and said goodbye to a large senior class, but they performed well in the Fiesta Bowl and brought in the league's best recruiting class. The youth movement has begun in Columbus, and Ohio State likely will surround Terrelle Pryor with more dynamic skill players on offense. There are some holes in the defensive two-deep, but Ohio State rarely misses a beat on that side of the ball. 

2. Penn State — The somewhat surprising early departures of defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans create questions in an area where Penn State dominated last season. Linebacker should be a major strength, but Penn State must replenish the secondary and find a stud pass rusher or two. Wide receiver should be the most interesting position to watch during the spring and summer, and if Penn State avoids a drop-off on the offensive line, it should be in good shape for another league title push. A large recruiting class will play a key role in the Lions' quest to repeat. 

3. Iowa — Shonn Greene surprised absolutely no one by declaring for the NFL draft, and the Doak Walker Award winner leaves a major void in production. But backup running back Jewel Hampton showed promise last year, and Iowa has fewer question marks on offense than most Big Ten teams. Arguably the bigger questions come at defensive tackle, where four-year starters Mitch King and Matt Kroul depart. Avoiding a major drop-off in the interior line is crucial, but Iowa returns most of its key players from a 9-4 team. 

4. Michigan State — Several key seniors depart, including running back Javon Ringer and safety Otis Wiley, but Michigan State brings back most of its key contributors and adds its best recruiting class in recent memory.  The competition at both running back and quarterback will set the course for the 2009 season, but the Spartans should be deeper and better on defense.

5. Northwestern — Much like Michigan State, Northwestern must replace its starting offensive backfield for the 2009 campaign. Mike Kafka steps in at quarterback after a solid junior season, but there will be plenty of competition at both running back and wide receiver. The offensive line should be much improved, and as long as star defensive end Corey Wootton recovers from knee surgery, the Wildcats will boast one of the Big Ten's best defenses. 

6. Illinois — As expected, cornerback Vontae Davis entered the NFL draft, leaving some questions in an Illini secondary that struggled at the safety spot in 2008. Improving the defense will be Illinois' top priority entering the fall, especially with so much talent back on the offensive side. Ron Zook's recruiting class drew mixed reviews after several committed prospects went elsewhere, but Illinois held onto wide receiver Terry Hawthorne and addressed several of its needs. 

7. Minnesota — The Gophers welcome two new coordinators (Jedd Fisch and Kevin Cosgrove) and a different offensive approach heading into spring practice, but they bring back most of the pieces from a 7-6 team. Tim Brewster continued to improve the defensive secondary with his recent recruiting haul, and both lines return virtually intact. If Minnesota can adjust to the changes in coaching and scheme, it should take another step forward in 2009.

8. Wisconsin — Underappreciated running back P.J. Hill surprised some by declaring for the NFL draft, and Wisconsin also said goodbye to a large senior class. John Clay looks more than capable of becoming a featured back for the Badgers in 2009, but unless some significant progress is made at the quarterback position, it's hard to see improvement. A very solid recruiting class featuring quarterback Jon Budmayr and wide receiver Kraig Appleton could bolster the passing attack and move Wisconsin up the rankings. 

9. Michigan — Despite a 3-9 season, Michigan landed a Top 10 recruiting class that features several players likely to contribute right away. Brandon Graham stayed for his senior year, giving the Wolverines a dominant pass rusher. The Wolverines very well could make a major move up this list, but they first must find a solution at the quarterback spot and fill holes on the defensive line and in the secondary. The recruiting class provides a major boost, but the program remains in a transition phase.

10. Purdue — The Boilermakers are the Big Ten's mystery team, as they welcome a new head coach (Danny Hope) and most likely a different type of player. Hope landed 14 recruits from Florida in hopes of upgrading Purdue's speed and athleticism, and he also must replace starters at all the offensive skill positions (quarterback, running back, wide receiver). If the defense avoids a drop-off and Hope's recruits contribute immediately like he thinks they will, the Boilers will be a much improved team. 

11. Indiana — Wide receiver Andrew Means declared for the NFL draft, but Indiana doesn't lose a whole lot from last year's team, which could be good or bad. Head coach Bill Lynch didn't make any staff changes, hoping that continuity and improved health will lead to better results in 2009. Indiana boasts two experienced quarterbacks (Kellen Lewis and Ben Chappell), two proven pass rushers (Greg Middleton and Jammie Kirlew) and some promising young players, but if the defense doesn't improve, it could be another long season.

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Recruiting snapshot: Indiana

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Indiana Hoosiers are up next in our look at the Big Ten recruiting classes. 

Number of recruits: 18

Key needs: Offensive line, linebacker, defensive back, quarterback

Highest-rated player (Scouts Inc.): Kicker Mitch Ewald (No. 4 nationally among kickers)

The quote: "Edward and Dusty Kiel both come out of the same conference, so they've both competed against each other a lot. We like that competitiveness. We look forward to them competing against each other here. They both played in the spread. Edward is probably a little bit faster than Dusty, but they both are very good passers and they both are very good runners." — head coach Bill Lynch, on quarterback recruits Edward Wright-Baker and Dusty Kiel.

Quick take: Indiana certainly lost momentum on the field last fall, and the effects were partly felt in recruiting. The Hoosiers lost two verbal commitments to other programs but brought in a small class that addresses depth concerns at offensive line and quarterback. It's tough to get too geeked about a class with a kicker as its highest-rated player, but Wright-Baker is an exciting prospect at quarterback who could fit the mold of Kellen Lewis. Defense absolutely has to be the priority for head coach Bill Lynch heading into a make-or-break season, and several incoming freshmen could compete early.

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Indiana’s class is signed and sealed

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten's first full recruiting class is complete, as Indiana just issued a news release listing its 18 signees for 2009. 

As expected, Indiana went heavily local with eight in-state prospects to go along with five from Ohio, two from both Illinois and Michigan, and one from Pennsylvania. Offensive line was the biggest recipient with four players, but Indiana also added two quarterbacks in Dusty Kiel and Edward Wright-Baker. 

Indiana lost a few commits after a 3-9 season, but the damage appears to be limited. New athletic director Fred Glass gave head coach Bill Lynch a public vote of confidence in late November after rumors had increased about negative recruiting toward the program. 

Here's the full list of incoming recruits, and here are some notes from the release:

• Adam Replogle will join his brother, junior linebacker Tyler, on the squad next season.
• Dimitrius Carr, Dusty Kiel, Colin Rodkey, Duwyce Wilson and Nick Zachery each reached their respective state semifinals in 2008. Zachery (2005-07) and Lawrence Barnett (2007) were both part of state championship teams in their careers. Barnett also won a basketball state title in 2007.
• Javon Cornley's brother, Jamelle, is a senior forward on Penn State's men's basketball team. If he plays football anything like his brother on the court, Indiana will be very pleased. 
• The eight signees from Indiana make it 46 on the IU roster, accounting for 43.8 percent of the team.
• Seventeen of the 18 signees played at least two sports in high school. 

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Big Ten signing day schedule

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The big day is here, and fax machines will be cranked up around the Big Ten as coaches wait for those precious national letters of intent to arrive. 

Here's a list of all the announcements from Big Ten programs unveiling their newest recruiting classes. All times listed are Eastern. 

ILLINOIS — A day-long signing day blog featuring the updated list of signees begins at 8 a.m. on fightingillini.com. Recruiting coordinator Reggie Mitchell will chat at noon, followed by quarterback Juice Williams at 2 p.m. Coach Ron Zook's news conference begins at 4:30 p.m. and can be seen here.

INDIANA — The Hoosiers' list of signees will be revealed throughout the day on iuhoosiers.com. Head coach Bill Lynch's news conference begins at 2:30 p.m. and will be carried on the site. 

IOWA — Information on the Hawkeyes' new signees will be available at gohawks.com, and coach Kirk Ferentz's news conference will be broadcast at 5 p.m. at hawkeyesports.com. 

MICHIGAN — The Wolverines' list of signees will be updated throughout the day here, and coach Rich Rodriguez's news conference at 3 p.m. can be seen on mgoblue.com. 

MICHIGAN STATE — Head coach Mark Dantonio announces the Spartans' 2009 class at a 3 p.m. news conference in the new Skandalaris Football Center. Signing day information can be found at msuspartans.com.

MINNESOTA — A blog updating Minnesota's list of signees can be found at gophersports.com, and head coach Tim Brewster will hold a 4 p.m. news conference. The program also is holding a Signing Day 'Sota Social and Silent Auction tonight at the Gibson/Nagurski Football Complex, where Brewster will speak about the team's newest class.  

NORTHWESTERN — The Wildcats will list their new signees on a signing day blog at nusports.com. Fans can e-mail questions for head coach Pat Fitzgerald, whose 1 p.m. news conference will be broadcast on the site. Northwestern also will hold a signing day reception at ESPN Zone in Chicago from 2-5 p.m.

OHIO STATE — Head coach Jim Tressel speaks about Ohio State's newest class at a 4 p.m. news conference. Four players who have already enrolled at the school also will be available to the media. Tressel's news conference and all other Buckeyes' signing day information can be found at ohiostatebuckeyes.com.

PENN STATE — The Nittany Lions' list of signees will be posted at gopsusports.com.

PURDUE — Head coach Danny Hope announces his first recruiting class at a 4 p.m. news conference, which can be seen at purduesports.com. 

WISCONSIN — Signing day coverage is already under way at uwbadgers.com, which had a Q&A with head coach Bret Bielema at 7:45 a.m. Assistant athletic director for athletic communications Brian Lucas will be blogging from inside Bielema's office, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Badgers assistant coaches will stop by for live Q&A sessions at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Bielema's 4 p.m. news conference will be shown live on the Web site. 

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Recapping the Big Ten coaching changes

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Purdue's hiring of defensive coordinator Donn Landholm on Monday likely marks the end to the major coaching moves in the Big Ten this year. 

There have been no head-coaching changes — Danny Hope was named Purdue's head coach-in-waiting last year — and unless Iowa's Kirk Ferentz bolts for the Kansas City Chiefs, which isn't likely, all 11 teams will have continuity on top. But there were several key changes among coordinators and key position coaches. 

Here's a summary. 

ILLINOIS

Offensive coordinator: Mike Locksley left to become New Mexico's head coach. Illinois hired TCU offensive coordinator Mike Schultz as his replacement. 

Defensive line: Ron Zook fired Tom Sims and hired Cincinnati's Keith Gilmore. 

Offensive line: Eric Wolford left for the same post at South Carolina, and Zook hired Houston's Joe Gilbert as his replacement. 

Notes: Arguably Illinois' biggest coaching move was one that didn't happen. Zook offered Penn State defensive line coach Larry Johnson the chance to be Illinois' defensive coordinator, but the ace recruiter opted to stay in State College. 

INDIANA

No changes.

Notes: Despite a 3-9 season that saw regression on both sides of the ball, head coach Bill Lynch said he didn't expect to make any staff changes for 2009. 

IOWA

No changes.

Notes: Ferentz is being mentioned as a candidate for the Chiefs' head-coaching vacancy because of his ties to new general manager Scott Pioli, but it appears likely he will remain at Iowa for an 11th season. He will hold a signing day news conference scheduled for Feb. 4 and has talked with athletic director Gary Barta about a contract extension.

MICHIGAN

Defensive coordinator: Scott Shafer resigned and later took the same job at Syracuse. Michigan hired former Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson as Shafer's replacement.

Notes: Head coach Rich Rodriguez took his time with the search, and Robinson actually reached out to him about the defensive coordinator vacancy.

MICHIGAN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Offensive coordinator Don Treadwell was in the mix for several head-coaching spots (Miami University, Boston College) but will stay put for 2009.

MINNESOTA

Offensive coordinator: Mike Dunbar resigned Jan. 6 to pursue other professional opportunities. Minnesota hired former Denver Broncos wide receivers coach Jedd Fisch as Dunbar's replacement.

Defensive coordinator: Ted Roof resigned Jan. 6 to take the same post at Auburn. Gophers head coach Tim Brewster hired former Nebraska and Wisconsin defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, who will share coordinator duties with defensive backs coach Ron Lee.

Notes: Fisch will call the offensive plays, but he must collaborate with Tim Davis, the team's new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Davis, who replaces Phil Meyer, was hired in late November to transform Minnesota's run game and return the team to its roots as a dominant rushing attack.

NORTHWESTERN

Offensive line: Bret Ingalls left for the New Orleans Saints. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald told me he's not concerned about naming a replacement until after signing day, but indications are Adam Cushing, the H-backs coach and recruiting coordinator, will be promoted to line coach. 

Notes: Athletic director Jim Phillips wants to work out a contract extension for Fitzgerald and likely will announce one in the coming weeks or months.

OHIO STATE

No changes.

Notes: Some expected offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Jim Bollman to get the axe, and while it still could happen, head coach Jim Tressel is the primary play-caller and responsible for the unit's success. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Luke Fickell was mentioned as a candidate for the head-coaching vacancy at Bowling Green.

PENN STATE

No changes.

Notes: Penn State retained Larry Johnson despite Illinois offering more money and a coordinator position. Longtime defensive coordinator Tom Bradley also remains despite some rumors that he was a candidate for the top job at Syracuse.

PURDUE

Offensive coordinator: Ed Zaunbrecher was fired and replaced by Florida Atlantic offensive coordinator Gary Nord. 

Defensive coordinator: Longtime Boilers defensive coordinator Brock Spack left to become Illinois State's head coach. Hope hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Landholm as Spack's replacement. 

Running backs coach: Joel Thomas left for the same job at Washington, and Hope hired former Kansas State assistant Cornell Jackson as his replacement. 

Offensive line coach: Hope handled the line in 2008 and hired his former Eastern Kentucky staffer Shawn Clark to replace him. 

Special teams coordinator: Hope moved Mark Hagen from special teams to linebackers and promoted graduate assistant J.B. Gibboney to this post. 

Notes: Tight ends coach John McDonnell was not retained for 2009, and a replacement hasn't been named. Terrell Williams will once again coach the entire defensive line this fall after working strictly with the ends in 2008. 

WISCONSIN

No changes.

Notes: After firing veteran defensive coordinator Mike Hankwitz and seeing offensive line coach Bob Palcic leave for UCLA last year, head coach Bret Bielema is keeping his staff in place despite a very disappointing 2008 season.  

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Zeigler, Smith won’t return to Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Two Indiana players facing charges in connection with an alleged robbery last month will not return to the team. 

Hoosiers head coach Bill Lynch announced today that offensive lineman Dennis Zeigler and cornerback Cortez Smith won't return to the squad for spring practice. Smith faces felony robbery and burglary charges, while Zeigler was charged with felony conspiracy to commit burglary. 

Lynch also announced that defensive lineman Jeff Boyd will pursue other options and not return to the team. Boyd had no connection with the alleged robbery. 

Football players Darius Johnson and Jarrell Drane also were named in a probable cause affidavit relating to the alleged robbery, but their status on the team has not changed.

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Recruiting needs: Indiana Hoosiers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

After a 3-9 season that featured regressions on both sides of the ball, Indiana seems like a team with endless recruiting needs. But that's not exactly true.

The Hoosiers have several promising pieces in place. They boast two defensive ends (Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton) who had breakout performances in back-to-back seasons. They have some exciting, young wide receivers, a talented middle linebacker in Matt Mayberry and experience in the secondary. But make no mistake: this is a critical recruiting class for a program that can't afford to lose more ground and a head coach (Bill Lynch) who can't afford to lose many more games.

Indiana returns 10 starters on defense, but given the program's historic struggles on that side of the ball, it's important to get a few players who can provide depth early in their careers. The Hoosiers must replace strongside linebacker Geno Johnson and will need reinforcements in 2010 after Mayberry and Will Patterson graduate.

A wave of injuries made it hard to get a great read on Indiana's offensive line, but fortifying the front five will be a priority in recruiting. Line depth can't be a problem in the future like it was this season. Quarterback also will be a need with Kellen Lewis entering his senior season and Ben Chappell a rising junior. Mitchell Evans seems better suited to wide receiver, so the Hoosiers need a plan under center beyond 2010.

The departure of standout kicker Austin Starr also creates an opening for a freshman on special teams. This won't be a huge numbers class for Indiana, but it will be a vital one for the program's future.

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