tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18649307923229257862024-03-12T22:58:03.006-04:00The Dangerfield DivisionEverything you ever wanted to know about the least respected BCS college football conference; the Big East.DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-19742047146632564022009-02-18T10:10:00.003-05:002009-02-18T11:45:54.761-05:00What'd I Miss?Guilty as charged. I've been AWOL for a few days, but I gotta tell you; it's tough holdin' down a full time job and sneaking in time to feed my passion.<br /><br />Apparently I've missed out on all the latest Big East coaching staff movement. Jim Leavitt at USF is <a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/burnham-leaving.html">out another coordinator now that long time assistant Wally Burnham is moving on to Iowa State</a>. <a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/selvie-shocked-by-burnhams-decision/">Star Bull d-lineman George Selvie is beside himself following Burnham's decision to bolt for Aimes</a>. To make matters worse, <a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/douglas-likely-headed-to-unc/">it looks like yet another defensive assistant in Troy Douglas, will be moving on to coach defensive backs at UNC with Butch Davis</a>.<br /><br />In regards to above, I can't say that I'm all that surprised that this is occurring. Part of the draw for Burnham to join Paul Rhoads at Iowa State, is to have the opportunity to coach alongside his son, who currently coaches at Elon, but will now coach the Cyclones' D-line. That being said, if Douglas announced his departure first, it might have opened a spot for Burnham's son to join Leavitt's staff in Tampa, thus keeping Burnham around for a while longer. That didn't happen though, so Leavitt is left to fill vacancies for his two coordinators and a defensive backs coaching positions. The good news? <a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/bulls-turning-t.html">USF's schedule is complete with a second D-1AA team on the docket for 2009</a>.<br /><br />What else?:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://bleedscarlet.wordpress.com/2009/02/18/take-the-money-and-run/">The folks at <em>Bleed Scarlet</em> are not fans of the idea of Rutgers playing two D-1AA opponents in 2009</a></li><li><a href="http://www.pittblather.com/2009/02/17/the-wisdom-of-the-masses/">Chas at <em>Pitt Blather</em> opines on the O-Coordinator opening at Pitt</a></li><li><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1486982/2009_nfl_draft_preview_pitt_rb_lesean.html">Chuck Bednar thinks LeSean McCoy may be helping Brian Westbrook out in the Eagles' backfield next year</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/report_mcnulty_interviews_with.html">Rutgers O-Coordinator John McNulty is apparently being looked at to join the Arizona Cardinals' staff </a>(Tom Luicci / <em>Newark Star-Ledger</em>)</li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-212/Big-East-All-Nobodies-Team--Offense.html">Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog discusses the conference's under-the-radar successes</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/13/marrone-completes-staff-with-casullo/">Doug Marrone rounds out his staff with long-time NFL assistant Bob Casullo</a> ...</li><li>...<a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/02/oku_not_in_any_rush_to_make_a.html">meanwhile, he hasn't heard from hot prospect David Oku yet</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-66599485413103529492009-02-13T07:50:00.002-05:002009-02-13T07:59:10.742-05:00Brian Bennett Rushes MoreBrian Bennett's next gimmicky stunt over at his ESPN Big East Blog is to compile a running list of "Mount Rushmores" of Big East football programs. He's providing four individuals per program, that define the building blocks of their perceived success. I don't really have a problem with any of the selections he made, but I'm somewhat surprised he didn't pick Tom Jackson (if only for his NFL Game Day career status) for the Louisville Mount Rushmore. Anyway, without further ado, here are B-Squared's first three mounts:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-200/Louisville-s-Mount-Rushmore.html">Louisville</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-198/Connecticut-s-Mount-Rushmore.html">UCONN</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-197/Cincinnati-s-Mount-Rushmore.html">Cincinnati</a></li></ul><p>Just a couple of more links:</p><ul><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200902120919">Mitch Vingle of the <em>Charleston Gazette</em> reports that WVU ticket prices will not go up in 2009</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/gregory-awkward.html">Greg Gregory speaks about his departure from USF</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-28188367207076090032009-02-12T10:16:00.004-05:002009-02-12T10:27:09.902-05:00Here's a Shocker: Gregory is Officially Out at USFIt doesn't happen often, but today, Brett McMurphy who authors the <em>Bulls Report</em>, scooped his journalistic rival Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em>. Today, he is the first to announce that <a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/gregory-leaves-usf-for-south-alabama-oc-job/">former USF offensive coordinator Greg Gregory is officially leaving the program for the same post at the University of South Alabama </a>(an upstart D-1A program this year).<br /><br />It was a long and strange saga that began with Gregory notifying head coach Jim Leavitt that he was interviewing for the vacant tight ends coach position at the University of Florida, being relieved of his coordinator duties by Leavitt (all while still working on behalf of the Bulls), switching offices with former OC Mike Canales, and now officially leaving the program for the affectionately acronymed USA.<br /><br />As McMurphy points out at the end of his piece, Leavitt will have to decide between elevating Canales to OC (as many expect he will) and hiring a wide receivers replacement from outside, or vice versa. Hey, I hear Mitch Browning is still maybe...sorta...available?DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-36395622728589408992009-02-12T09:56:00.002-05:002009-02-12T10:04:28.931-05:00LinkageToo busy unfortunately to come up with my own material at the moment, so:<br /><ul><li>Brian Bennett answers your questions <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-189/Big-East-mailbag--Part-I.html">here</a> and <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-192/Big-East-mailbag--Part-II.html">here</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/sponsor-intends.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> says that MagicJack may in fact be back as the sponsor of the St. Petersburg Bowl next year and beyond</a></li><li><a href="http://www.courier-journal.com/blogs/cjcardsfan/2009/02/football-fiasco.html">Tom Heiser of the <em>Louisville Courier-Journal</em> weeps for Dalton Cissel who turned down Navy to walk on for Kragthorpe's "sinking ship"</a> (pun intended I suppose)...</li><li>...<a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-193/A-Q-A-with-new-Louisville-defensive-coordinator-Brent-Guy.html">speaking of Louisville, B-Squared (a Louisville native himself) interviews the Cards' new d-coordinator, Brent Guy</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/12/fiammettas-diary-the-life-of-a-fullback/">More from Tony Fiammetta's journey toward the NFL</a></li><li><a href="http://bleedscarlet.wordpress.com/2009/02/12/i-hate-ethanol/">A thoughtful piece from <em>Bleed Scarlet</em> on how Iowa's days recruiting in the Garden State may be over</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-29423002014991733492009-02-11T07:51:00.003-05:002009-02-11T07:59:13.407-05:00A Hump Day Look Around the Big East Football LandscapeHere's what I've got for you:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/usf-football-improves-apr-avoids-scholarship-losses/">In case you were worried, USF's academic performance rating improved</a> (Brett McMurphy / <em>Bulls Report</em>)...</li><li>...<a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/lock-of-the-year-usf-will-not-go-to-magicjack-st-pete-bowl-in-09/">and the MagicJack St. Petersburg Bowl is no more...well sort of</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/rutgers_hires_mariani_as_recru.html">Rutgers hires a Director of Football Recruiting Operations</a></li><li><a href="http://westvirginia.scout.com/2/838306.html">Bill Stewart suspends Jock Sanders indefinitely; no surprise there</a> (<em>Scout.com</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/10/britt-a-top-10-pick/">Keith Sargeant of <em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt</em> opines on the <em>Sporting News'</em> rating of Kenny Britt as a top 10 prospect for this year's NFL draft</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/two-i-aas-in-09.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> assures the Bulls faithful that it's okay to schedule two D-1AA opponents</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-3592203640182188402009-02-10T13:09:00.002-05:002009-02-10T13:11:27.557-05:00Two Post-Lunch LinksJust a couple of links for you to digest with your lunch this afternoon:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-185/New-coaches--QB-battles-highlight-Big-East-spring.html">Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog goes over what to look for in each Big East team this Spring</a></li><li><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3896593">Jock Sanders on the chopping block at WVU?</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-21340930479883267912009-02-10T07:48:00.004-05:002009-02-10T08:00:42.995-05:00D-Coordinator Tresey Leaving Cincinnati<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2uVkILQsCv_wTwD4SJax8e6Cu_RSnLoDPcincm5tBCPq6pa4d-frdeon8w88j8LMr9_8dEV8VysA820fl9z_zXVCxMArOgQbUwZBoPFIkE0BYkQGfCXEkyUC0Px9WagGs2-dMfiDGPI/s1600-h/Joe+Tresey.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301152428386191490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2uVkILQsCv_wTwD4SJax8e6Cu_RSnLoDPcincm5tBCPq6pa4d-frdeon8w88j8LMr9_8dEV8VysA820fl9z_zXVCxMArOgQbUwZBoPFIkE0BYkQGfCXEkyUC0Px9WagGs2-dMfiDGPI/s320/Joe+Tresey.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Scout.com</span></em> </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Yet another coaching change to announce; this time on the defensive side of the ball. Despite leading the 31st overall defense in the country last season, Joe Tresey "differs philosophically" with Cincinnati head coach Brian Kelly. That is why <a href="http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020909aac.html">Tresey and the Bearcats are parting ways</a>, leaving Kelly to have to find a replacement going into the Spring. It it unclear at this point, whether Tresey's replacement will come from inside or outside of the program, but it's reasonable to assume that it would be someone from outside of the program because anyone who worked under Tresey would most likely jive with the previously employed defensive philosophy.</div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-60610289492139270312009-02-09T20:42:00.006-05:002009-02-09T21:27:57.575-05:00Five, Count Em', Five New Offensive Coordinators in the Big East<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdtIUyQoo0LcYEw63BpFppzsFG6MDRryDz-fhgQUPsnWlvptjlAnZP4RizfNh4g6wYJs2KLoNKTb7edRmuh2jUXIs5sYrx4EOuixy-8wmoiYD0ibKapfhMoxcZBunpCqTYWuaNoSnQNw/s1600-h/OCoordinators.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300989226891373858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 167px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOdtIUyQoo0LcYEw63BpFppzsFG6MDRryDz-fhgQUPsnWlvptjlAnZP4RizfNh4g6wYJs2KLoNKTb7edRmuh2jUXIs5sYrx4EOuixy-8wmoiYD0ibKapfhMoxcZBunpCqTYWuaNoSnQNw/s320/OCoordinators.jpg" border="0" /></a>With the high turnover rate in college football coaching, it's no surprise to see several new faces stalking the sidelines on an annual basis. This coming season, the offensive play calling will have a decidedly different look when five new offensive coordinators take the helm of Big East offenses. Syracuse brought in Rob Spence under new head coach Doug Marrone; UCONN replaced Rob Ambrose who left to coach Towson state, with Joe Moorhead; Jim Leavitt relieved Greg Gregory of his play calling duties at USF; <a href="http://pittsburgh.scout.com/2/838046.html">Pitt's Matt Cavanagh is moving on to the New York Jets</a> as of today, and finally, <a href="http://louisville.scout.com/2/837978.html">Louisville head coach Steve Kragthorpe will be calling the plays for the Cardinals now that Jeff Brohm is off to Florida Atlantic University</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>There is nothing inherently wrong with the change that is occurring on the offensive side of the ball in the Big East. In fact, many could argue that Syracuse, UCONN, and Pitt will get a definite upgrade with these switches. It will be critical to see how the new play callers respond to the uncertain quarterback situations at all of these schools (with the exception of USF), making for interesting story lines going into the 2009 season.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><span>What else is up?:</span></div><ul><li><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/02/maine_might_be_filling_opening.html">Donnie Webb of the <em>Syracuse Post-Standard</em> reports that Maine may fill a void on Syracuse's 2009 schedule</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-179/Scheduling-a-tricky-task-for-Big-East-teams.html">Speaking of which, Brian Bennett says that 2009 scheduling has been a tricky proposition for many Big East schools</a></li><li><a href="http://www.uc.edu/slideshow/alumni/Official_Orange_Bowl_Fan_Photo_Gallery/">Cincy fans submitted their Orange Bowl photos, so here they are</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/09/oku-still-undecided/">Tyler Dunne of the <em>Daily Orange Football Blog</em> got a hold of David Oku's HS coach and reports that Oku is still undecided on his fate</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-13890467524990378432009-02-09T10:40:00.004-05:002009-02-09T10:50:43.078-05:00Monday LinksStill haven't finalized my recruiting analysis for posting yet, but I should have it done later today or early tomorrow. In the meantime, here's what's going on:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-177/Big-East-power-rankings--pre-spring-edition.html">Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog gives you his pre-spring power rankings</a></li><li><a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=909438">USF defensive end coach Kevin Patrick is named one of <em>Rivals.com's</em> top 25 recruiters</a></li><li><a href="http://cfn.scout.com/2/837642.html">Big East recruiting breakdown by <em>Scout.com</em></a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/07/glaud-flips-for-rutgers/">Info on the much-discussed coin flip decision by Ka'Lial Glaud</a> (<em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/07/what-about-florida/"><em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt's</em> Keith Sargeant discusses the lack of Florida presence in Greg Schiano's 2009 recruiting class</a></li><li><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09037/947271-87.stm">Ron Cook of the <em>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</em> says that the Pitt offense falls squarely on the shoulders of their next starting QB, not Matt Cavanaugh or his replacement at OC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/qb_lovelace_has_second_surgery.html">Rutgers quarterback Jabu Lovelace will not practice in the spring (door is open for Natale, Jefferson, and Savage)</a></li><li>The last two schedule analyses by Brian Bennett: <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-174/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Louisville.html">Louisville</a> and <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-176/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Syracuse.html">Syracuse</a></li><li><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/02/waiting_on_casullo_and_oku.html">NFL coaching veteran Bob Casullo looks to be the man to fill the special teams/tight ends coaching duties for Syracuse</a> (Donnie Webb / <em>Syracuse Post-Standard</em>)</li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-79203318956692007182009-02-06T10:46:00.004-05:002009-02-06T11:08:37.323-05:00Signing Day: The AftermathApologies for being M.I.A. yesterday. I'm back, and I have plenty O' links to throw your way (although I'm sure you've seen all or most of these already). FYI - I plan to have my own rankings/breakdown of each recruiting class posted this weekend. Until then, enjoy these:<br /><br />First: <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/news/story?id=3885075">The "all-important" ESPN recruiting grades for Big East schools</a><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.bigeast.org/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=92485&SPID=11215&DB_OEM_ID=19400&ATCLID=3663600">Pitt kicker Conor Lee heads the Big East's 2009 All-Academic Team</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/bulls-facing-sm.html">Greg Auman says to expect a smaller USF recruiting class in 2010</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/morning-after-r.html">he's also got plenty of post-signing day notes for you</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/leavitt-makes-s.html">and a little more info on the Kayvon Webster signing</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/surprise-gibbs.html">not to mention the signing of JUCO product Kevin Williams</a></li><li><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9187616/Pitt-may-face-offensive-overhaul-?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=24">Kevin Gorman of the <em>Pittsburgh Tribune-Review </em>seems to think that Pitt will be looking for a new offensive coordinator soon</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://www.pittblather.com/2009/02/05/harris-will-not-happen/">Chas at <em>Pitt Blather</em> doesn't seem to think Walt Harris will be that replacement</a></li><li><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/9185090/GOING-FOUR-WIDE?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=24"><em>The Hartford Courant's</em> Desmond Conner on UCONN's recruiting haul</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://blogs.courant.com/uconn_football/2009/02/no-ellis.html">and nixes the idea of wide receiver Ellis Gaulden coming back in 2010</a></li><li><a href="http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020509aaa.html">Connor Barwin is on many NFL scouts' radars</a></li><li>Syra<a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/05/sharpe-im-ready-to-play/">cuse recruit Brandon Sharpe is psyched and ready to play</a> (<em>D.O. Football Blog</em>)</li><li><a href="http://www.nunesmagician.com/2009/2/5/750696/the-greatest-116th-ranked">Sean at TNIAAM breaks down the optimism of Doug Marrone and his new recruiting class</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-170/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Cincinnati.html">Brian Bennett breaks down Cincy's 2009 schedule</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-166/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Rutgers.html">and Rutgers'</a>...and <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-172/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--South-Florida.html">USF</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/05/the-ability-to-play-qb-a-plus-for-rutgers-recruits/">If you can throw a ball, Rutgers likes you</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/05/fiammettas-diary-training-time/">More from Syracuse FB Tony Fiammetta's diary</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-160/Louisville-adds-depth-with-class-of-23.html">Brian Bennett on Louisville's recruiting class</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/04/schiano-south-jersey-haul-ties-nj-together/">Keith Sargeant of <em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt</em> discusses Rutgers' success in South Jersey this off-season</a></li><li><a href="http://www.syracuse.com/axeman/index.ssf/2009/02/interview_with_doug_marrone.html">Brent Axe interviews Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone</a></li><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200902043228">West Virginia sets up camp in Florida</a></li><li><a href="http://bleedscarlet.wordpress.com/2009/02/05/burning-questions/"><em>Bleed Scarlet</em> answers the all-important questions</a></li><li><a href="http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200902050015">Mountaineer fans will get to see their showdown with Colorado on ESPN</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-4212911902275934182009-02-04T15:40:00.003-05:002009-02-04T15:46:43.082-05:00Bush = Yes / Brown = NoGreg Schiano and the Rutgers fan base hoped they would beat out Penn State for Delaware wide receiver Justin Brown. That unfortunately, did not happen as <a href="http://www.centredaily.com/news/breaking_news/story/1100237.html">Brown announced his commitment to the Nittany Lions earlier today.</a><br /><br />New Jersey tight end <a href="http://njmg.typepad.com/rublog/2009/02/malcolm-bush-is.html">Malcolm Bush did however end up coming through for the Knights</a>, choosing Rutgers over Syracuse, Pitt, and UNC.<br /><br />So my optimism has a one for two track record thus far as Brown is headed to State College, PA. I was right on Tiller going to 'Cuse, and we're still waiting on David Oku's decision.DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-6623447440365608962009-02-04T13:39:00.002-05:002009-02-04T13:52:04.739-05:00BULLieve It!It's a widely known assertion at this point, that USF this year nailed down their best recruiting class ever. Adding to that stellar class, <a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/at-the-buzzer-b.html">Kayvon Webster, who verbally committed to the University of Miami, will now be a Bull</a> (along with two of his high school teammates: Derrick Hopkins and Sterling Griffin).<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/report-bulls-lo.html">On a disappointing note, USF lost out on defensive back Jayron Hosley, who opted to instead sign with Virginia Tech</a>. On the bright side, this was really the only negative surprise for the Bulls.<br /><br />More on the USF's 2009 class:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/qa-with-armwood.html"><em>USF Sports Bulletin's</em> Q&A with Ryne Giddins</a></li><li><a href="http://southflorida.scout.com/2/836530.html"><em>Scout.com's</em> signing day photo gallery of Ryne Giddins</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-21104011351494369932009-02-04T11:50:00.002-05:002009-02-04T12:03:03.403-05:00Surprise Surprise!I'm sure you guys can more than capably follow the filtering-in of letters of intent from eager student athletes today. I thought I might update you on some of the more nail biting signings that some thought may or may not happen:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://dangerfielddivision.blogspot.com/2009/02/reasons-for-optimism.html">I gave Syracuse fans reason to feel optimistic about signing OT Andrew Tiller</a>. That's in fact what the Nassau Community College lineman did when <a href="http://www.suathletics.com/news/2009/2/4/FB_0204092829.aspx">he chose the Orange this morning over the University of Miami</a>.</li><li>The downside for 'Cuse fans? <a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/04/source-oku-leaning-toward-auburn/">David Oku may be leaning toward Auburn</a>. The Tigers aren't having any problem signing other high profile running backs though, which may make Oku think twice about competing in a crowded backfield.</li><li><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/TheRecruitnik/entry/view/17021/db_drops_west_virginia,_picks_minnesota">West Virginia will unfortunately be without the services of Pompano Beach, FL DB Michael Carter, who chose instead to commit to the University of Minnesota </a>(Go figure!)</li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-155/Rutgers-wins-out-for-linebacker-Glaud.html">Rutgers fans can rest easy knowing they've wrapped up LB Ka'Lail Glaud who was also considering a bevy of BCS conference programs</a>....</li><li>...<a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/story/886882.html">and they'll get to potentially see him on the field against FIU</a>.</li><li><a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Introducing-Sam-Barrington-Dr-Saturday-s-Recr?urn=ncaaf%2C138857">Matt Hinton at <em>Dr. Saturday</em> sums up USF's last second recruitment of Sam Barrington</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-88194323108061415722009-02-04T08:00:00.002-05:002009-02-04T08:30:35.701-05:00NLI Day....Signing Day....Whatever...It's HereThe day most or all of you have been waiting for is finally here. There will undoubtedly be some heartbreak as I predict that at least two or three major recruits from the conference decide to fax their national letter of intent to another major college program (in another conference), even though they were verbally committed to a Big East school for some time. There may even be some surprise commits that fall into the Big East's lap at the last second as well. That's the beauty of signing day. Whatever the case, I have links coming out of all of my orifices right now, so please indulge:<br /><br /><strong>Big East overall:</strong><br /><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-151/Big-East-signing-day-info.html">Brian Bennett has you covered on all the signing day pressers and covered events</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-150/The-best-selling-points-in-the-Big-East.html">B-Squared goes over the best selling points of Big East Conference schools</a></li></ul><p><strong>Connecticut </strong>(someone needs to wake Desmond Conner up from his slumber):</p><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-149/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Connecticut.html">Brian Bennett's analysis on UCONN's 2009 schedule</a></li></ul><p><strong>Pitt:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09034/946554-365.stm">Pitt nabs OL who previously committed to Maryland</a> (<em>Pittsburgh Post-Gazette</em>)</li></ul><p><strong>Rutgers:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://maryland.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=70706&sport=1">PA defensive back Abdul Smith will be a Scarlet Knight</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/rutgers_recruit_deantwan_willi.html">Tom Luicci of the <em>Newark Star-Ledger</em> talks about RU commit De'Antwan Williams playing "big"</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/03/rutgers-recruiting-class-ends-on-upswing/">RU recruiting class evaluation on <em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt</em></a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/03/analysts-roundtable/">More on Rutgers' recruiting class from SS</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/03/greg-schiano-in-his-own-words/">SS again with comments from Greg Schiano</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/03/qa-with-eliterecruitscoms-chris-melvin/">Last Scuttlebutt link, I promise</a></li></ul><p></p><p><strong><br />USF (all from Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em>):</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/report-lb-barri.html">Bulls pick up a last second recruit in LB Barrington</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/coach-wr-sterli.html">USF gets another wide receiver before signing day</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/junior-college.html">USF dips deeply into JUCO territory</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/commitment-issu.html">Bulls lose WR Theliar</a></li></ul><p><strong>Syracuse:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/03/more-recruiting-notes-n-quotes/">Notes and quotes from the <em>Daily Orange Football Blog</em></a></li><li><a href="http://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1233741462237181.xml&coll=1">Donnie Webb on Syracuse's class</a></li></ul><p><strong>West Virginia:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200902030550">Mike Casazza of the <em>Charleston Daily Mail</em> discusses the commitment of Eugene Smith after the departure of Tahj Boyd</a></li><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200902030811">WVU -- Best recruiting class in the Big East?</a></li><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200902030812">Dave Hickman of the Charleston Gazette discusses the optimism behind WVU's class</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-146/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--West-Virginia.html">A 2009 schedule analysis by Brian Bennett</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-20326243167389025522009-02-03T10:16:00.006-05:002009-02-03T10:44:51.218-05:00Reasons for OptimismLet's face it; unless you're in one of these kids' heads, you're not going to know where they're going sign until signing itself, or shortly thereafter. That being said, it's always fun to speculate, and speculate I shall (based on some interesting tidbits strewn about the Internet). Here are some reasons for Big East fans to feel optimistic about three major potential recruits coming on board:<br /><br /><strong>David Oku (RB - Oklahoma):</strong><br /><br />Rated as the #1 all-purpose back on Rivals.com, David Oku has been disenchanted with the idea of fulfilling his verbal commitment to Tennessee ever since their coaching staff was shaken up. Phil Fulmer's former running backs coach, Stan Drayton, has since moved on to Syracuse in the same capacity, inciting interest in Oku to come North as well. Gene Chizik's new staff at Auburn has also focused in on Oku though, and Tennessee can never be counted out to retain the shifty half back. So, why should Syracuse feel good about Oku following in the footsteps of Jim Brown and Ernie Davis?:<br /><ol><li><a href="http://3rdsaturdayinblogtober.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/david-oku-no-longer-committed-to-ut/">Oku has officially relinquished his verbal commitment to UT</a> -- also mentioned in this post is Oku's distaste for the spread offense, which Auburn will employ with new OC Gus Malzahn (<em>3rd Saturday in Blogtober</em>)</li><li><a href="http://www.warblogeagle.com/2009/02/am-update.html">Scroll down this posting on <em>Warblogeagle.com </em>and see the concern over Auburn's saturation at the running back position</a> (something Oku may not want to deal with)</li></ol><p><strong>Justin Brown (WR - Delaware):</strong></p><p>Just about everyone in the Mid-Atlantic region wants to know about where this four star (<em>Rivals.com</em>) wide receiver is going to end up catching passes. With great size (6'3"), speed (4.4 forty time), and smarts (3.8 gpa), Brown is a coach's dream recruit. Penn State (old guard in the East) and Rutgers (the new kid on the block) are fighting for Brown's services. What may make Scarlet Knights fans feel more confident about seeing Brown catch bombs from Tom Savage in the near future?:</p><ol><li><a href="http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/88834">This posting on </a><em><a href="http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/88834">Fannation.com</a> </em>notes the ominous absence of Joe Paterno in the recruitment of Justin Brown, versus the open recruitment being done by Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. Advantage Rutgers in my opinion.</li></ol><p><strong>Andrew Tiller (OT - New York):</strong></p><p>Finally, at 6'6" and 320 lbs, Nassau Community College's (NCC) Andrew Tiller is a hot commodity to anchor an offensive line. Tiller's former head coach at NCC, John Anselmo, is now on staff at Syracuse, which makes the Orange squad a natural fit. Tiller also has offers from Rutgers and Miami and made official visits to both schools recently. Most observers seem to think Tiller will choose between Miami and Syracuse. Besides the connection between Anselmo and Tiller, why should Syracuse fans feel bullish about their chances to land this behemoth?:</p><p>I'll sum it up in a quote from Manny Navarro <a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/2009/02/final-recruiting-picture-starting-to-clear-up.html">in a posting on his <em>Eye on the U</em> blog</a>:</p><blockquote>"I think Tiller, a New York area kid, is headed to Syracuse."</blockquote><p>I hope all this gives Big East fans a little more to chew on ahead of tomorrow's big day. All of the above is pure speculation and some of these sources are more viable than others. The reality is, unless we actually know these kids and have heard something from them first-hand (which isn't always reliable in itself), then this is all we have to rely on.</p>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-59588751987570694552009-02-03T08:01:00.003-05:002009-02-03T08:17:05.650-05:00Signing Day: T-Minus One DayWith signing day literally breathing down our necks, there's no shortage of information as it relates to the recruiting scene in the Big East. Here's what I have for you this morning:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://dailymail.com/Sports/WVUSports/200902020499">It was supposed to be "Boyd to Heastie" at WVU. Now it's just Heastie, and that's just fine</a></li><li><a href="http://gobearcats.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020209aaa.html">Cincy's signing day event is sold out</a></li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/fourstar_dt_holmes_pulls_a_sur.html">Heartbroken in Hoboken no longer; four star DT Isaac Holmes turns heel and commits to Rutgers</a> -- <a href="http://www.chicagosports.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=69455&sport=1"><em>Rivals.com</em> profile</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-143/Early-2009-schedule-analysis--Pittsburgh.html">Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog breaks down Pitt's '09 schedule</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.dailyorange.com/football/2009/02/02/coach-has-high-praise-for-peterman/">Syracuse DB recruit Dale Peterman is well thought of at his high school and by DC Scott Shafer </a>(<em>Daily Orange football blog</em>)</li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/defensive_line_recruit_civil_e.html">Andre Civil is already in the door at Rutgers</a> (<em>Newark Star Ledger</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/02/sanu-finds-a-home-at-rutgers/">A nice piece by Scarlet Scuttlebutt's Keith Sargeant on Rutgers recruit Mohamed Sanu</a></li><li><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/story/883519.html">Joseph Goodman of the <em>Miami Herald</em> gives props to USF's 2009 recruiting class</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/ex-usf-commitme.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> discusses LB recruit Tyrone Williams bolting for South Alabama and other USF recruiting odds and ends</a></li><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200902020768">Dave Hickman of the <em>Charleston Gazette</em> notes the academic prowess of WVU's incoming recruiting class</a></li></ul><p>I haven't thrown any videos your way in a while, so here are a couple from the <em>Newark Star Ledger</em> on 1.) Some of Rutgers' incoming recruits and 2.) the battle between RU and Penn State over Justin Brown:</p><p></p><br /><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px"><tbody><tr><td><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; font-color: #293546">Luicci breaks down six solid Rutgers recruits</span></td></tr><tr><td><br /><br /><object id="movie1233665455312" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="317" width="470" align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="12435"><param name="_cy" value="8387"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" 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allowfullscreen="true"></embed><br /><br /></object></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px"><tbody><tr><td><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 13px; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana; font-color: #293546">Latest on WR Justin Brown's decision between Rutgers and Penn </span></td></tr><tr><td><br /><br /><object id="movie1233665484457" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=" height="317" width="470" align="middle" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000"><param name="_cx" value="12435"><param name="_cy" value="8387"><param name="FlashVars" value=""><param name="Movie" 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allowfullscreen="true"></embed><br /><br /></object></td></tr></tbody></table>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-62476726159260235982009-02-02T15:53:00.004-05:002009-02-02T16:11:51.915-05:00Rivasl.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRll1HxZLrCoXUZecKCbVMe2k1enNpPdY6rLMIxtaDoc-YHqRcKwCc3ilAj_Polm6hK1VRoJ7kwjgtSlTFgty88k8ulosDJldD4GVQ73Cx8FAVn6huw9qTTQytuJnK3YxX2dkqy81I8qk/s1600-h/Shapre.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298310690531873746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 285px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRll1HxZLrCoXUZecKCbVMe2k1enNpPdY6rLMIxtaDoc-YHqRcKwCc3ilAj_Polm6hK1VRoJ7kwjgtSlTFgty88k8ulosDJldD4GVQ73Cx8FAVn6huw9qTTQytuJnK3YxX2dkqy81I8qk/s320/Shapre.bmp" border="0" /></a>Allow me to vent for a moment. <em><a href="http://syracuse.rivals.com/">Rivals.com</a></em>; in most respects, a fine subscriber-based recruiting news service owned by the good people of Yahoo!, ticks me off sometimes. First, their pricing is ridiculous. In order to get their $8.33/month rate, one must pay a full $100 payment in one lump sum. That, or one can pay month-to-month at a rate of $9.95. Really <em>Rivals.com</em>? You want me to pay you $100 out of my recession blasted wallet right now to save $32 in the long run?<br /><div></div><br /><div>Don't get me wrong, I'm gleaning a fair amount of the information I pass to you from <em>Rivals</em>, and they seem to be on top of who's committing where and when. Tom Dienhart is a quality sports journalist and always seems to be ahead of the recruiting and coaching vacancy game. That being said however, I'm not willing to sell my first born child for this info.</div><br /><div></div><div>And then there was the <em>Rivals.com</em> front page today (see the above picture). Yikes. I don't claim to be Ernest Hemingway, and I'm sure there will be many a typo on this blog (that I provide for free I might add) in the future, but for Rivals to not even proofread their super-bold, mega-sized headings, is unacceptable to say the least. Okay, I've vented adequately now. The sad thing is, you'll probably see a <em>Rivals</em> link or two in my next posting.</div>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-53744845167628172272009-02-02T10:28:00.003-05:002009-02-02T11:01:47.007-05:00Post-Superbowl LinksWith the conclusion of last night's Superbowl resulting in the Steelers' second Vince Lombardi Trophy in three years, <a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-138/Big-East-ties-to-the-Super-Bowl.html">there will be a few more coaches and personnel that have ties to the Big East Conference</a>, who will be wearing some serious hardware on their fingers. Congrats to all who represented the conference well last night, and especially to Larry Fitzgerald on a game well played despite the loss.<br /><br />With two days to go until national signing day, here's what's going on:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://hou.scout.com/2/835596.html">Houston Texans rookie running back Steve Slaton (formerly of West Virginia) was seemingly snubbed by coaches and fans when he wasn't selected to the AFC Pro Bowl squad</a> (<em>Scout.com</em>)</li><li><a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/02/hackensack_lb_solice_verbals_t.html">Rutgers nabs an under-the-radar linebacker recruit from Hackensack -- Junior Solice </a>(Tom Luicci / <em>The Newark Star Ledger</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/02/syracuse_picks_up_commitment_f.html">Syracuse steals a second Ocean Lakes HS (Virginia Beach) from Louisville in DE Brandon Sharpe </a>(Donnie Webb / <em>Syracuse Post-Standard</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/01/savage-key-to-rutgers-recruiting-class/">Excellent piece from <em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt's</em> Keith Sargeant on Rutgers QB recruit Tom Savage</a></li><li><a href="http://www.gousfbulls.com//ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=7700&ATCLID=3659677">Matt Grothe, George Selvie, and many others will be on hand to sign autographs for fans at USF's national signing day party</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/02/bulls-wait-for.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> gives us his thoughts on what Bull fans should expect in the waning days of the signing period</a></li></ul><p>Finally, are you interested in knowing who from the Big East will be participating in the NFL's Scouting Combine? <a href="http://www.nflcombine.net/players/official-invite-list">Here's the full list of who's been invited</a>, and below is a listing of the 25 players from the Big East Conference (congrats to Cincy on garnering six invites - the most in the conference this year):</p><p>Connor Barwin (Cincinnati - DE)</p><p>Will Beatty (Connecticut - OT)</p><p>Kenny Britt (Rutgers - WR)</p><p>Cody Brown (Connecticut - DE)</p><p>Donald Brown (Connecticut - RB)</p><p>Darius Butler (Connecticut - DB)</p><p>Trevor Canfield (Cincinnati - OG)</p><p>Hunter Cantwell (Louisville - QB)</p><p>C.J. Davis (Pitt - OG)</p><p>Tony Fiammetta (Syracuse - FB)</p><p>Adrian Grady (Louisville - DT)</p><p>Courtney Greene (Rutgers - DB)</p><p>Kevin Huber (Cincinnati - P)</p><p>Greg Isander (West Virginia - OG)</p><p>Mortty Ivy (West Virginia - LB)</p><p>Taurus Johnson (USF - WR)</p><p>LeSean McCoy (Pitt - RB)</p><p>Tyrone McKenzie (USF - LB)</p><p>Scott McKillop (Pitt - LB)</p><p>Mike Mickens (Cincinnati - DB)</p><p>DeAngelo Smith (Cincinnati - DB)</p><p>Brandon Underwood (Cincinnati - DB)</p><p>Tiquan Underwood (Rutgers - WR)</p><p>Pat White (West Virginia - QB)</p><p>Eric Wood (Louisville - C)</p>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-85960053911446185092009-02-01T13:15:00.003-05:002009-02-01T13:36:34.641-05:00Pre-Superbowl LinksAs you all sit there on your couches, perusing various other t.v. channells, ordering food, waiting patiently for the big game to start, you may also be cruising the net looking for info on any range of subjects. I'll meet you halfway with these links:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://pittsburgh.scout.com/2/835364.html">Pitt alum Russ Grimm (coaching in today's Superbowl for the Cardinals) is snubbed from HOF consideration yet again</a> (<em>Scout.com</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/anthony-henry-d.html">USF alum Anthony Henry donates $100k to the Bulls football program</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/02/01/2858/">Current Scarlet Knight Desmond Stapleton will be watching brother and former Scarlet Knight Darnell in this evening's Superbowl</a> (<em>Scarlet Scuttlebutt</em>)</li><li><a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/200901310809">Surprise Surprise, Pat White wins yet another award</a> (<em>The Charleston Gazette</em>)</li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/could-280-pound.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> speculates that the Bulls may see JUCO tackle Jamar Bass back in the recruiting picture</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-48607553260734982982009-01-31T17:23:00.003-05:002009-01-31T17:29:47.129-05:00Slow SaturdayIt's been a pretty slow news day as far as the Big East is concerned. With that, I'll give you all that I have:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/fiu-dropping-2009-game-at-usf/">Florida International will not be playing at USF in 2009</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2009/01/fiu_may_be_added_to_rutgers_20.html">but they may be trekking it to New Jersey to take on Rutgers</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-138/Big-East-ties-to-the-Super-Bowl.html">Brian Bennett breaks down the Big East ties to the Superbowl</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-137/Friday-mail--Peeking-at-the-2009-schedule.html">and answers your questions</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/defensive-end-p.html">Greg Auman of the <em>USF Sports Bulletin</em> gives us more on new Bull commit Jason Pierre-Paul</a></li><li><a href="http://www.soflafootball.com/fan-forum/topic.php?id=345">The Syracuse coaching staff puts the Kabosh on Philip Thomas visiting FSU</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-60517145913871417302009-01-30T13:28:00.003-05:002009-01-30T13:59:11.951-05:00Who's Getting Bush(whacked)?The recruiting Odyssey of New Jersey tight end <a href="http://highschool.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=64981&sport=1">Malcolm Bush</a> is a bit odd to say the least. After committing to Rutgers last year, <a href="http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2008/10/tight_end_malcolm_bush_decommi.html">Bush reversed course and de-committed shortly thereafter, citing a desire to possibly look into going to Pitt or North Carolina</a>. UNC notified Bush that it had no room for Bush unless he wanted to Greyshirt for a year and wait for a scholarship to open up. That was until today, <a href="http://northcarolina.scout.com/a.z?s=78&p=2&c=834850&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fnorthcarolina.scout.com%2f2%2f834850.html">when scout.com reported that UNC does in fact have room for Bush</a>.<br /><br />The problem here is, that Bush never really closed the door on Rutgers (visiting on today) or Pitt (visited in Dec.), and he opened the door for Syracuse (visited on Jan. 23). As mentioned above, UNC is back in the mix, so it begs the question: who's getting this kid? <br /><br />Based on past statements, I'd have to say that UNC is the favorite here, but he may be disenchanted with the idea that they originally didn't want to make room for him. Syracuse has a new staff that has been on a tear recruiting-wise, and Pitt and Rutgers are on fairly solid ground as far as their programs are concerned. My gut tells me this will be a signing day announcement.<br /><br />Two other tidbits on recruiting:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/01/sharpe_scheduled_to_visit_syra.html">Syracuse will try to steal another recruit from Louisville when DE/LB Brandon Sharpe visits this weekend</a> (Donnie Webb / <em>Syracuse Post-Standard</em>)</li><li><a href="http://njmg.typepad.com/rublog/2009/01/from-teeltobritt-to-savagetobrown.html">Lot's on Rutgers' recruiting effort from the </a><em><a href="http://njmg.typepad.com/rublog/2009/01/from-teeltobritt-to-savagetobrown.html">Scarlet Knights Newzer</a> -- </em>Tom Savage is trying to lure Justin Brown to RU, while Andrew Tiller (offer from Syracuse as well) and Ka'lil Glaud will be supposedly visiting RU this weekend</li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-46549965370512340832009-01-30T10:04:00.007-05:002009-01-30T10:22:36.233-05:00Larry Fitzgerald and Pitt: A Matter of FateI'm sure avid fans of Pitt football already know about this, but I think <a href="http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009/01/29/larry-fitzgerald-i-always-wanted-to-be-a-penn-state-linebacker/">this story posted by Michael David Smith on <em>Fanhouse.com </em>about Larry Fitzgerald</a>, is very eye-opening. The gist? Growing up in Minnesota, Fitzgerald was a huge Penn State fan and admits,<br /><blockquote><span>"...I always liked LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short and I always wanted to be a Penn State linebacker." </span><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span></span></span></span></blockquote></span></span></span></span><br />Fair enough; Penn State was/is a great program, especially if you want to play linebacker. Something got in the way of Larry making it all the way to State College, PA though. That something, was the weather:<br /><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"><span style="font-size:0;"></span></span></span></span><br /><blockquote><span>"On our way driving to visit Penn State it was raining really hard and the visibility wasn't good enough so we spent the night in Pittsburgh. My high school coach told me that Tony Dorsett and Dan Marino and Mike Ditka went there and that there were a lot of great players who went there. So we went over to their facility and the coaches didn't know we were coming. I met the coaches and we gave them my tape and that was how the relationship started." </span></blockquote><br />Wow, to think that the Fitzgeralds weren't even planning a stop in Pittsburgh, and that the Pitt coaching staff knew practically nothing about Larry, really speaks volumes about how circumstantial this chance meeting actually was. Of course, you know the rest of the story, so I won't bore you with the details, but it's truly fascinating how these things end up sometimes. I know Pitt and the Big East for that matter, is proud to have Larry representing them in the NFL (and Superbowl!). Best of luck to him and all Big East alums on Sunday.DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-38904023391456383352009-01-30T07:50:00.003-05:002009-01-30T08:05:45.916-05:00Mike Tranghese is a Gator WrestlerYou have to hand it to outgoing Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese. The man is not leaving without a fight....with the Gator Bowl committee. <a href="http://wvgazette.com/Sports/WVU/200901290945">Mitch Vingle of the <em>Charleston Gazette</em> has a nice little piece on how our fearless leader (for now) is pressing for face time with the Gator Bowl in order to lock up a more substantial deal</a>. <br /><br />As you may or may not know, the Big East currently has a "hybrid" bowl tie-in setup, whereby the league switches off having a tie-in with the Gator Bowl every other year with the Sun Bowl (this year Pitt played in the Sun Bowl and no Big East team appeared in the Gator Bowl). Apparently, Tranghese is not satisfied with the "either/or" scenario and wants to have a set bowl schedule every year. That being said, I think the aim here is to lock up the Sun Bowl separately as well, in order for the league to appear in both bowls each year. Regardless of how things ended up for the Big East this year, I'm happy to see that Tranghese is still working hard for the league instead of checking out. I think he'll make a fine case to these bowl committees that the Big East deserves a little more respect than they've been getting.<br /><br />With that, let's look at what else I have for you this glorious Friday morning:<br /><ul><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-135/Recruiting-rankings-revisited.html">Brian Bennett of ESPN's Big East Blog makes the ever-popular case that "recruiting stars" don't mean as much as most people think</a></li><li><a href="http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11561073?source=most_emailed">Frank Bodani of the <em>York Daily News</em> discusses hometown hero Will Beatty's (UCONN) journey to the NFL</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/rutgers/2009/01/29/rutgers-secures-first-09-commitment/">Mohamed Sanu is already enrolled at Rutgers and chompin' at the bit</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-15518025906391190272009-01-29T20:53:00.009-05:002009-01-30T10:25:17.054-05:00Get to Know: Zack Chibane<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eUzA7AzAMFJpQpEDSRnwiTyFkEfZHbB1dM7m0kbOvxNi2rQpZlXSz0zfy0boC_hdWMxhGg4S34XOwZhxvdNQApTyRP-pKwQXWtlpUAvsHmCgAhAoqNWcN1DNLjq_6DAo31CLEhbpbSo/s1600-h/ZACKCHIBANE.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296904567017019842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eUzA7AzAMFJpQpEDSRnwiTyFkEfZHbB1dM7m0kbOvxNi2rQpZlXSz0zfy0boC_hdWMxhGg4S34XOwZhxvdNQApTyRP-pKwQXWtlpUAvsHmCgAhAoqNWcN1DNLjq_6DAo31CLEhbpbSo/s320/ZACKCHIBANE.jpg" border="0" /></a>Something I'm going to try to do, to the extent that I can, is get in touch with relevant players, coaches, bloggers, and journalists who are relevant to the Big East, so that I can share their thoughts with you. This evening, I had the pleasure of exchanging messages with Syracuse commit <a href="http://syracuse.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=76916">Zack Chibane</a>.<br /><div></div><br /><div>I thought Zack would be a good person to start out with because he has broad relevance to the Big East given the fact that he was recruited by three Big East schools; committed to USF, and later switched his commitment to Syracuse. He's an offensive lineman from New Jersey who's very excited about the new Syracuse coaching staff. Here's what he had to say in response to some questions I threw his way:</div><br /><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:78%;"></span></em></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>On his original commitment to USF:</strong></div><div><br /><blockquote><p>My commitment to USF was something I really felt good about. They are a great program that is established in the national college football world.<br /></p></blockquote></div><div><strong>On his commitment to Syracuse:</strong><br /><blockquote>I have always loved Syracuse University and throughout to recruiting process I thought that if they ever offered I would love to be a part of the program. Not only did Syracuse offer but with this great coaching and recruiting situation it's something I feel great about joining. Syracuse pretty much sells itself as an academic institution and after meeting with Coach Adkins and Coach Jackson in my school I knew the athletics would soon be top notch.<br /><br /></blockquote></div><div><strong>On coach Derrick Jackson's (defensive line) involvement in Zack's recruitment before and after the coaching staff transition (Jackson was retained by new head coach Doug Marrone):</strong></div><div><br /><blockquote>Coach Jackson has done a lot to make me feel good about SU. He was recruiting me on the old staff and throughout the transition told me that he would make a strong case for me to the new coach. He did that and I am very grateful for that trust he has had in me.<br /></blockquote></div><div><strong>On the incoming recruiting class:</strong></div><div><br /><blockquote>The incoming class is exciting to say the least. I don't think anyone expected things to turn out the way they are. It's really a testament to the new coach's dedication and passion for what's going to happen here in the coming seasons.<br /></blockquote></div><div><strong>On competing for playing time:</strong></div><br /><blockquote>I am very excited to be competing with the new commitments Justin Pugh and Andrew Phillips, and hopefully Andrew Tiller. They're all real good players and it's a great thing to have all of us in the same class. Playing together should be a challenging but enjoyable experience.<br /></blockquote><p><strong>On New Jersey as a recruiting pool for Syracuse:</strong><br /></p><blockquote><p>Coming from NJ I know the kind of talent that New Jersey, especially the northern parts produce. It's great to hear the coaches say how they want to start recruiting my area real hard. If I can do anything to make people from NJ choose Syracuse that would be awesome. I think that will pay huge dividends for the program in the future. The more NJ guys the better!</p></blockquote><em><span style="font-size:78%;">Photo Credit: Rivals.com</span></em>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1864930792322925786.post-36081117827496770812009-01-29T17:58:00.005-05:002009-01-29T18:25:18.287-05:00Tons Going on In Tampa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Vnz1LlXR_qQzWLMj4oUn6_XBnaG82jg8UgtXqKLfQ8wjh7-k3zSCaQdHqvdG2mgnNUJOddQxnhv4oIYKon9nG28Y7LoKssSCjTGoRZDFwl1cnmEeCUuMKnEjnxOWZhtQvKkcnffL3I/s1600-h/tampa.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296860039219617442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 211px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Vnz1LlXR_qQzWLMj4oUn6_XBnaG82jg8UgtXqKLfQ8wjh7-k3zSCaQdHqvdG2mgnNUJOddQxnhv4oIYKon9nG28Y7LoKssSCjTGoRZDFwl1cnmEeCUuMKnEjnxOWZhtQvKkcnffL3I/s320/tampa.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It goes without saying that the Superbowl is pretty much making Tampa, FL the center of the sports universe right now. That's good because it means the USF Bulls also get more attention and publicity than they would normally be accustomed to. <a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/god-of-sod-over.html">For example, their practice fields (which the Pittsburgh Steelers are using) got a nice little makeover by the "God of Sod," George Toma</a>. Also, <a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/late-night-gram.html">the Gramatica brothers (two of which kicked for USF) were used in a segment for the Conan O'Brien show on kicking field goals</a>. And if that weren't enough, USF is doing a pretty good job of making their own publicity without the help of the Superbowl:</div><ul><li><a href="http://blogs.tampabay.com/usf/2009/01/qb-grant-gregor.html">Backup quarterback Grant Gregory will transfer to a D-1aa program</a></li><li><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/TheRecruitnik/entry/view/16888/five-star_juco_defensive_end_picks_south_florida">Five star (scout) / four star (rivals) JUCO DE commits to the Bulls</a> - <a href="http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?Sport=1&pr_key=81355"><em>Rivals.com</em> profile</a></li></ul><p>In other news:</p><ul><li><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2009/01/_syracuse_ny_go.html">Doug Marrone was an offensive lineman and coached offensive line. Now he's putting those skills to good use</a> (Donnie Webb / <em>Syracuse Post-Standard</em>)</li><li><a href="http://syracuse.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=88578&sport=1">Nolan MacMillan is headed to Iowa much to the disdain of hopeful Syracuse fans</a>...</li><li>...<a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/TheRecruitnik/entry/view/16889/auburn_picks_up_running_back">but Auburn picks up another running back recruit</a>. Does this mean that it makes Auburn a less appealing destination for four star (rivals) RB David Oku? Oku is also considering Syracuse</li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-133/Five-memorable-Big-East-recruiting-moments-of-the-last-five-years.html">Brian Bennett gives his top five Big East recruiting moments of the last five years</a></li><li><a href="http://myespn.go.com/blogs/bigeast/0-3-130/Big-East-vs--Mountain-West-reaction.html">B-Squared gets some heated questioning over his "Big East vs. Mountain West" post</a></li><li><a href="http://blogs.courant.com/uconn_football/2009/01/solid.html"><em>The Hartford Courant's</em> Desmond Conner reports that Florida receiver Mike Lang is in fact slated to go to UCONN</a></li></ul>DCShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03919610525372422073noreply@blogger.com