Purdue Coach Hope Pleased With QBs

Purdue coach Danny Hope says Purdue will be strong as usual at quarterback, despite losing Curtis Painter to eligibility and Justin Siller to a suspension.
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Siller’s dismissal clears path for Elliott at Purdue

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Joey Elliott has waited his turn, longer than almost any other Big Ten player. He backed up Curtis Painter at Purdue for three years, finally closed the gap last fall and then suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at Northwestern.     Sandra Dukes/Icon SMI   Barring a major upset, Joey Elliott will make his first…
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Purdue QB Painter Needs Strong Combine Effort

Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter didn’t have the senior year he’d hoped for, but a strong showing at the NFL’s annual scouting combine would make him feel better about his chances of making a team.
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What to watch in the Big Ten this spring

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

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

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

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

Illinois Fighting Illini

Spring practice starts: March 31

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Indiana Hoosiers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

Watch to watch:

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

Iowa Hawkeyes

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

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

Michigan Wolverines

Spring practice starts: March 14

Spring game: April 11

What to watch:

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

Michigan State Spartans

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Minnesota Golden Gophers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Northwestern Wildcats

Spring practice starts: March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Ohio State Buckeyes

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Penn State Nittany Lions

Spring practice starts: Week of March 30

Spring game: April 25

What to watch:

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

Purdue Boilermakers

Spring practice starts: March 25

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

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

Wisconsin Badgers

Spring practice starts: March 24

Spring game: April 18

What to watch:

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

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Big Ten players help Nation squad to victory

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

You might have missed it amid the Super Bowl hoopla, but there was a college football all-star game during the weekend, and several Big Ten players participated.

Former Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter started for the victorious Nation team in the Texas vs. The Nation Game in El Paso, Texas. Painter completed just 6 of 15 passes for 55 yards but threw a 9-yard touchdown to San Jose State running back Yonus Davis in the fourth quarter that proved to be the winning margin.

Other Big Ten notables in the Nation's 27-24 win included:

• Michigan defensive tackle Will Johnson started and had a sack and three solo tackles for the Nation team.
• Illinois linebacker Brit Miller started and had four assisted tackles for the Nation team.
• Illinois defensive end Derek Walker started and had a quarterback hurry for the Nation team.
• Penn State wide receiver Jordan Norwood started and had one reception for 18 yards for the Texas team.
• Penn State cornerback Lydell Sargeant came off the bench and was credited with half a sack for the Texas team.
• Ohio State defensive tackle Nader Abdallah started had two tackles for the Texas team.
• Penn State offensive linemen Gerald Cadogan and Rich Ohrnberger started at left tackle and left guard for the Nation team and allowed only one sack in the victory.
• Michigan long snapper Sean Griffin started for the Nation team and has an assisted tackle.

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Big Ten players at the NFL combine

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The official list of players invited to the 2009 NFL scouting combine later in Indianapolis has been finalized. The Big Ten will be sending 46 players to Indianapolis from Feb. 18-24.

Not surprisingly, Penn State and Ohio State led the way with eight participants each, followed by Wisconsin (7), Illinois (5) and Iowa (5). Minnesota is the lone Big Ten team not sending a player to Indy.

Here's the team-by-team rundown.

ILLINOIS (5)

• Cornerback Vontae Davis^
• Defensive end Will Davis
• Tackle Xavier Fulton
• Defensive end Derek Walker

INDIANA (1)

• Wide receiver Andrew Means^

IOWA (5)

• Center Rob Bruggeman
• Cornerback Bradley Fletcher
• Running back Shonn Greene^
• Defensive tackle Mitch King
• Guard Seth Olsen

MICHIGAN (4)

• Long snapper Sean Griffin
• Defensive end Tim Jamison
• Defensive tackle Terrance Taylor
• Cornerback Morgan Trent

MICHIGAN STATE (3)

• Quarterback Brian Hoyer
• Running back Javon Ringer
• Safety Otis Wiley

NORTHWESTERN (1)

• Running back Tyrell Sutton

OHIO STATE (8)

• Tackle Alex Boone
• Linebacker Marcus Freeman
• Wide receiver Brian Hartline^
• Cornerback Malcolm Jenkins
• Linebacker James Laurinaitis
• Wide receiver Brian Robiskie
• Cornerback Donald Washington
• Running back Chris Wells^

PENN STATE (8)

• Wide receiver Deon Butler
• Tackle Gerald Cadogan
• Defensive end Maurice Evans^
• Defensive end Aaron Maybin^
• Wide receiver Jordan Norwood
• Cornerback Lydell Sargeant
• Center A.Q. Shipley
• Wide receiver Derrick Williams

PURDUE (4)

• Defensive end Alex Magee
• Wide receiver Greg Orton
• Quarterback Curtis Painter
• Running back Kory Sheets

WISCONSIN (7)

• Tight end Travis Beckum
• Linebacker Jonathan Casillas
• Running back P.J. Hill^
• Guard Andy Kemp
• Linebacker DeAndre Levy
• Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy
• Guard Kraig Urbik

^–Underclassman

Who got snubbed from the combine? Here are a few names surprisingly left off the list: Illinois center Ryan McDonald, Iowa defensive tackle Matt Kroul, Minnesota punter Justin Kucek, Northwestern defensive tackle John Gill, Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger, Purdue linebacker Anthony Heygood and Wisconsin cornerback Allen Langford.

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Recruiting needs: Purdue Boilermakers

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Danny Hope doesn't hide his fondness for speed and athleticism, and he'll try to find those qualities in his first recruiting class as Purdue's head coach.

Hope has already shown a willingness to travel a good distance for what he wants, particularly to the state of Florida. Purdue's 2009 recruiting haul will have a very different look than previous classes.

The Boilers' biggest recruiting needs come on defense, as they lose three starting linemen and three starting defensive backs. Ryan Kerrigan looks like a budding star at defensive end, but Hope must add pieces around him through the 2009 class. End Alex Magee and tackles Mike Neal and Ryan Baker will be missed, and there's not much left over in the interior line. Safety also will be a priority for Hope as the Boilers lose Torri Williams, the team's second leading tackler, and Frank Duong.

Wide receiver jumps out as Purdue's biggest need on offense as the team loses Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton, who combined for 136 receptions and 10 touchdowns last season. Hope mentioned in August that he wants more speed at the inside receiver spots and will look to add some in this class. The new coach also prioritizes speed and athleticism over size at the offensive line spots, saying he wants "guys that are good enough to play on defense but are big enough to move to offense."

The Boilers also might look to add a quarterback or two in this class. Three-year starter Curtis Painter graduates, backup Joey Elliott is a senior and Justin Siller had mixed results in limited action last year, so another signal caller wouldn't be a bad move.

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Big Ten sends 11 to Texas vs. The Nation game

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game aren't the only places to see Big Ten seniors play before the NFL Combine. The third annual Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge will feature 11 players from the Big Ten. The game pits top players who grew up in Texas or played for Texas colleges against players from around the country, though several players on the Texas team don't have strong ties to the Lone Star State.

Here's the list of Big Ten players participating in the game, to be played Jan. 31 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.

TEXAS TEAM

• Penn State wide receiver Jordan Norwood
• Ohio State defensive tackle Nader Abdallah
• Penn State cornerback Lydell Sargeant

NATION TEAM

• Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter
• Penn State guard Rich Ohrnberger
• Penn State tackle Gerald Cadogan
• Illinois defensive end Derek Walker
• Michigan defensive tackle Will Johnson
• Illinois linebacker Brit Miller
• Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto
• Michigan long snapper Sean Griffin

Here are the full rosters for the game.
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QB play is first step toward Big Ten fix

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

The Big Ten took a beating this bowl season, but rather than gripe about unfavorable locations and matchups, it’s time to acknowledge a fact about the league.

The quarterback position stinks.

And in this age of college football, that equals competitive suicide.

All it took was a look across the field during bowl season to realize how far the Big Ten must progress at the quarterback spot.

The list of quarterbacks the Big Ten faced included:

• Texas junior Colt McCoy, a Heisman Trophy finalist who ranks fourth nationally in pass efficiency, fifth in total offense and ninth in passing yards.
• USC junior Mark Sanchez, who ranks sixth nationally in pass efficiency and 20th in pass yards.
• Georgia junior Matthew Stafford, who ranks 15th nationally in pass efficiency and 14th in pass yards.
• Missouri senior Chase Daniel, who ranks fourth nationally in pass yards and fifth in total offense.
• Kansas junior Todd Reesing, who ranks eighth nationally in both passing yards and total offense.

Of the Big Ten quarterbacks competing in bowl games, only one, Penn State’s Daryll Clark, ranks among the top 25 nationally in pass efficiency (Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor did not qualify). Minnesota’s Adam Weber had the most passing yards (2,761), which ranks 35th nationally.

Granted, the Big Ten’s best statistical passer, Illinois’ Juice Williams, didn’t reach the postseason, but this league is losing the arms race.

The Big Ten had by far the best stable of running backs in the country this season, boasting three of the nation’s top six ball carriers (Shonn Greene, Javon Ringer, Chris “Beanie” Wells).

Who cares?

College football has become a quarterback’s game, and the Big Ten has fallen way behind. For the Big Ten to restore its place among the nation’s top conferences, the fix must begin under center. It takes more than adopting the spread offense, which most Big Ten teams have done. Quarterbacks must be better developed in this conference.

And despite the league’s sagging national reputation, there is hope.

The quarterback spot figures to be stronger in 2009 than it was in 2008.

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Big Ten mailbag: Bowl leftovers

Posted by ESPN.com’s Adam Rittenberg

I should have time to put together a Friday mailbag from Arizona, so send in your questions and comments before and after the New Year’s Day Bowls. 

Dan from Sidney, Ohio, writes: Hi Adam, Wanted to get your thoughts on USC and the Big Ten/Pac Ten setup for this game. As you can see, I am from Big Ten Country with a daughter attending OSU and another heading there next year (So this may come off biased but trying to look at objectively; and I’m a Notre Dame fan). USC has a great program (no question), they played in 4 of the last 5 Rose Bowls (winning 3). But with this setup they are really playing a home game in L.A. Is this a topic of conversation amongst writers/analysts? I don’t hear Mark May bring this up when he is grinding on the Big Ten and Penn State being competitive in this game(I’m not pretending the conference is not weak now, but the setup of this Great Game is not neutral for the Big Ten representative); thoughts? If Penn State was to play across town @ State College, I know this would be a point advantage for the Lions. Last years OSU-LSU game at the Sugar Bowl (80 miles away from Baton Rouge) a 14 pt game in the end. I’m not suggesting to change the bowl setup but location whether heading west or as we’ve seen recently in the NFL heading east is a disadvantage for those on the road. Thanks Dan

Adam Rittenberg: Dan, while I understand the frustration of Big Ten fans about the bowl locations, it’s not going to change. Big Ten teams simply have to start performing better in these “road” games. The topic bothers fans more than writers/analysts because the system is what it is and Big Ten teams have won these games before. Until the Motor City Bowl or the International Bowl starts selling out every year, I don’t see many more northern cities getting involved in the bowl mix. Penn State could quiet a lot of this talk by knocking off USC, and the Nittany Lions are certainly capable of doing so. 

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Jeff from Raleigh, N.C., writes: How far has the Big Ten fallen? Already into this bowl season and the Big Ten is off to an 0-2 start. The only BCS conference to not have a win. For the Big Ten to get back on the national stage, they will need wins by Ohio St, Penn St, Michigan St, and Iowa. Personally I can’t see that taking place. Iowa will beat South Carolina. Minnesota, Michigan St, Penn St, and Ohio St will all lose. This will put another black eye on the Big Ten going 1 and 6 in bowls games this year. Big Ten needs to stop waiting around for Notre Dame and get another team into the league. Get a team such as Rutgers, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Cincinnati, or even Syracuse to join. I’m sure the Big Ten Network would love to be in the NY region. I would actually like to see the Big Ten make it the Big 14. Add Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and West Virginia.

Adam Rittenberg: I agree that this could be an especially rough bowl season for the Big Ten, but everything rides on the BCS games. Should Penn State and Ohio State pull off upsets, nothing else should matter, just like the Big Ten’s wins in non-BCS bowls last year didn’t matter as the league still got ripped nationally. Should Penn State and/or Ohio State prevail, the Big Ten won’t take quite a beating. Though the 0-2 start isn’t good, Northwestern performed well against Missouri, and it would help if either Minnesota or Michigan State stepped up in their bowls. I’m not sure that a 12th team would greatly enhance the Big Ten’s reputation. And 14 teams would be a logistical nightmare. 

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Brad from Washington D.C., writes: Adam- I have enjoyed reading your coverage of the Big Ten all season and look forward to many more in the seasons ahead. I just finished reading your article about Maybin, you comment on how he’s projected to be top 10 pick possibly. Has Aaron Maybin filed paperwork to see where he would be drafted and what do you think the likelyhood of him jumping to the pros would be? I haven’t seen any articles where Maybin, himself, comments on it… just plenty of speculation. happy new year adam, great work!

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks, Brad. Both Maybin and fellow defensive lineman Jared Odrick have filed paperwork with the NFL draft advisory committee. If the committee likes Maybin as much as ESPN’s Todd McShay and others, he might make the jump this season. Maybin, like most of the players in his position, isn’t talking much about the NFL and remains focused on his upcoming bowl game (which he should). Though Maybin was the Big Ten’s top defender in my opinion, he could use another season to add some size, unless he’s projected to play linebacker in the NFL. He’s a bit too undersized to play defensive end at the next level, so another year and 15-20 extra pounds could serve him well. 

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