Michigan Wolverines Football News - February 23, 2008

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Walk-on hopefuls celebrate continuation of Michigan football dream

http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=uwire-walkonhopefulscelebratecon&prov=uwire&type=lgns

There’s no mistake in Michigan’s Jake Long

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/colleges/story/500133.html

U-M signee draws inspiration from tragedy

http://www.toledofreepress.com/?id=7255

NFL Combine: Mario Manningham

http://footballrecruiting.rivals.com/video.asp?section=fbrecruit&vidtype=amp&vidid=3168

WVU wants judge to dismiss Rodriguez's counterclaims

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3259464

Big Ten looks to regain credibility among college football's elite

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3254936

Spring practice starts: March 15
Spring game: April 12
What to watch
• It's another ho-hum spring in Ann Arbor, just with a new coach (Rodriguez), a new offense and no quarterback. Georgia Tech transfer Steven Threet, who has yet to throw a pass in college, competes for the starting QB job with David Cone (one collegiate pass attempt) and Nick Sheridan (no pass attempts). Good luck with that.

• Whoever wins the coveted quarterback job needs someone to block for him, and the Wolverines must replace their two top linemen (left tackle Jake Long and center Adam Kraus) and two other veterans (Alex Mitchell and Jeremy Ciulla). Perry Dorrestein backed up Long last year and will get a good look this spring.

• The defense will be in the backdrop, but the Wolverines still must find replacements for their top four tacklers. Obi Ezeh might move from middle linebacker to strongside 'backer, filling Shawn Crable's spot but creating a new opening in the middle.

Buckeyes start spring season at top of Big Ten -- again

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3255401

What we know: The spread offense arrives as one of its architects, Rich Rodriguez, begins his tenure as coach.

What we don't know: Almost everything: the starting quarterback, the wide receivers, the running back, the offensive line, the safeties.

How the Wolverines can win the league title: Swiftly grasp Rodriguez's offense and win key early home games (Wisconsin and Illinois).

No Decisions Are Easy For Terrelle Pryor

http://autumnthunder.blogspot.com/2008/02/no-decisions-are-easy-for-terrelle.html

Pryor: Needs to relax, ignore taunting because it's only going to get worse

http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/kovakstory/02-17-08-kovak-column