"The Indians should play at least one, preferably more, games at League Park, once the facility is ready. Real games during the season, not exhibitions. Great way to honor the legacy players." - Owen Two (the Count)

View full sizeOne cleveland.com reader believes the Indians should play at least one game at League Park, which will be getting a renovation.

"The Indians should play at least one, preferably more, games at League Park, once the facility is ready. Real games during the season, not exhibitions. Great way to honor the legacy players.

The article doesn't specify what the seating capacity will be, or even if there will be seats, but it doesn't matter. It also doesn't matter if there is no clubhouse or dressing rooms for the players and umpires. Let them dress at Progressive Field, then bus them to League Park. The game will be televised, and might get national exposure if the Tribe plays an east coast team."

COLUMBUS -- Adding a seventh football playoff division is again being considered by the Ohio High School Athletic Association in two proposals aimed at alleviating enrollment disparity for the state's largest schools. One proposal would split Division I in half by enrollment, with about 60 teams in the top two divisions, and the remaining five divisions would be unaffected...

The Ohio High School Athletic Association's Board of Directors next month could hear two proposals aimed at alleviating enrollment disparity in football among state's Division I schools.

COLUMBUS -- Adding a seventh football playoff division is again being considered by the Ohio High School Athletic Association in two proposals aimed at alleviating enrollment disparity for the state's largest schools.

One proposal would split Division I in half by enrollment, with about 60 teams in the top two divisions, and the remaining five divisions would be unaffected with about 120 schools in each.

Another would put the largest 64 schools in one division, and the remaining schools divided into six divisions of about 110 schools each.

At issue is the gap between the largest and smallest schools in Division I. Last fall, the smallest Division I school had a three-grade boys enrollment figure of 494, and the largest about 1,200.

Many coaches and administrators have said it is unfair to compete against schools more than twice their size in the playoffs.

"The schools on that bottom end, their communities don't believe they have a chance," OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross said.

The OHSAA Board of Directors in 2008 rejected a proposal to split off the 72 largest schools. A criticism at the time was it would have dropped larger schools from upper divisions into Divisions II, III, IV and V while some current Division VI teams would move up to Division V.

"The smaller schools felt like it's wonderful you're helping Division I, but don't hurt us at the same time," Ross said.

Ross acknowledged that remains an issue with the new, 64-school proposal.

The decision belongs to the OHSAA Board of Directors. A committee is working on the proposals and could present them to the board next month. The board could send the proposals back to the committee for more work or schedule a vote. If approved this year, the earliest it would go into effect would be 2013, OHSAA officials said.

The number of playoff teams in each division, 32, would remain unchanged. With a seventh division, the state finals would go from a two-day affair to three days.

Ross discussed the football playoffs and other issues during a meeting with media at OHSAA headquarters.

Ross said a separate committee continues to look at a competitive balance referendum that was rejected by a narrow vote of member schools in May. That committee will meet Tuesday and has until March to finish a new referendum in time for May's referendum vote.

We asked Cavs on Twitter what would LeBron James have to do in order for you to take him back.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerCould we see LeBron James back in Cleveland in a couple years? What would he have to do in order for you to take him back?

@jensteer: Set his Heat jersey on fire.

@ImThatGuyJG: Have a one hour show on ESPN called "The Apology" talking about how he should have never left Cleveland.

@warrirosz23: Say he's sorry for everything, and he wants to gain us back through play and win a championship. And for once, recruit for Cleveland.

@wenbickert: Sign on the dotted line.

@Zbaris: I'd take back LeBron in a second. Winning trumps everything in my opinion. If he says sorry, take him back and just win

@dawnlan: walk around dwntwn w/ an apology sign, apologize to @cavsdan, then personally pay bonuses 2 workers @ the Q

@DSMITH97: LeBron would have to pay our mortgages!

@pachladis: They can keep him

@paulbenick77: He would have to wear an Indians hat and be seen on the Browns sidelines

@ndshawn4: Come back as a free agent, admit he shouldn't have left, beg forgiveness, let Kyrie run the point, and Byron Scott coach him.

Let us know what he would have to do in order for you to take him back.

Yahoo.com reporter Kelly Dwyer says the LeBron James back in Cleveland stories are out of control.

APLeBron James

Many stories circulated on the web in recent days about LeBron James wanting to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers once his contract is over (2014) with the Miami Heat.

Yahoo.com reporter Kelly Dwyer writes how these rumors about his return does not include Dan Gilbert no longer owning the team, nor does it include LeBron coming back to Cleveland at the end of his career.

 Dwyer gets a kick out these rumors.

James can opt out of his contract at the end of the 2013-14 season, and speculation is he will strongly consider it if Riley remains in his current role. And the team James would be eyeballing most in free agency, say those close to the situation, would be the Cavs.

Who, exactly, is "close to the situation" here? Some former LeBron hanger-on, desperate to pretend he's peddling truth off the record? Some Cavalier employee who probably thinks he knows what's in James' head without actually talking to the guy? The same sort of people who were probably wrong in thinking he'd follow the money and sustain his pampered turn in Cleveland and re-sign with the Cavs back in 2010?

Dwyer is so frustrated with this rumor that he writes how the local report of this possibility is totally wrong.

That's guesswork surrounding the end of a career, though. Not strange musings from an Ohio-based scribe whose stock in trade has always come in peddling rumors in the 2000-Internet style.

IMO, I don't think K Dawson will be back with the team, unless he is franchised. I don't think it has anything mainly to do with the money or the team record. I believe it is more about geography at this stage of his career, and perhaps a team with a domed stadium where he could extend his career." - BigShowBacker

View full sizePD photoWhile fans would want to see Cleveland Browns kicker Phil Dawson stay in Cleveland, one cleveland.com reader states he may want to play for a team with a dome.

"IMO, I don't think Dawson will be back with the team, unless he is franchised.

I don't think it has anything mainly to do with the money or the team record. I believe it is more about geography at this stage of his career, and perhaps a team with a domed stadium where he could extend his career.

If he moves on, we are going to miss him a lot. Great kicker and a class person.
Trying to find a reliable kicker can be a nightmare that seems to last forever.
At one point we finally gave it up, and burned a 4th Round pick to get a good one. Oh well, buckle up if he leaves, it could be a rough ride, especially with the new kickoff rules.



Note To Draftniks: Start looking hard at the kickers in this draft.



Relax, be patient, enjoy the ride, and...GO BROWNS!!!!!"

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Esa Ahmad, Shaker Heights
Sport: Basketball
Class: Freshman
Age: 15
Ht: 6-6
Wt: 200
What Esa did last week: In a 61-58 overtime win over Warren Harding, center had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks. Converted two free throws with 34 seconds left in overtime.

About Esa: Wants to earn a scholarship and eventually get a master's degree. Favorites include the Miami Heat and LeBron James, "Titanic" movie, TNT's "Inside the NBA" postgame show, music by Drake and Wasabi restaurant. His first varsity game is his best high school memory. Would like to try to make dinner for his family.

Myles Hamilton, St. Edward
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-1
Wt: 185

What Myles did last week: In a 65-61 win over St. Ignatius, guard had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

About Myles: Kennesaw State recruit hopes to play basketball overseas after college. Favorites include the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade, "Family Guy" TV show, Champps restaurant, his grandparents' mac and cheese and math class. Would like to try skydiving.

Annie Bova, Beaumont
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 5-6

What Annie did last week: Guard had 32 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and four steals in a 70-65, double overtime win over Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin. Had 30 points, eight assists and five rebounds in a 68-61 victory over Padua.

About Annie: Mount Union recruit is also a catcher on the softball team. Postgame ritual includes eating at Applebee's with her family. Favorites include Oklahoma City Thunder, "Horrible Bosses" movie, English class and "Jersey Shore" TV show. Wants to be a contestant on "Jeopardy!'' game show.

Rachel Theriot, Midpark
Sport: Basketball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-0

What Rachel did last week: Had six points, eight rebounds, 13 assists and four steals in a win over state-ranked Springboro. Had 12 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and three steals in a victory over Brecksville.

About Rachel: Nebraska recruit, who is never seen playing without her hair in braids, enjoys coloring, baking and origami. Favorites include Suns guard Steve Nash, "The Big Bang Theory'' TV show, "Despicable Me" movie, math class, Mexican food and "Just Dance" video game. Favorite place to visit is San Diego, Calif.

Domenic Abounader, St. Edward
Sport: Wrestling
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 5-11
Wt: 182

What Dominic did last week: Defeated opponent from St. Paris Graham, 3-2, in overtime in a dual meet won by the Eagles to avenge his only loss of the season. The defending 160-pound Division I state champion stands 21-1.

About Dominic: Also enjoys football and lifting weights. Listens to music and prays before competing. Favorites include the Browns, "Friday Night Lights" TV show, Karl's Inn of the Barrister's restaurant and "Lose Yourself" song by Eminem. Would like to try coaching.

Michael Baker, Twinsburg
Sport: Wrestling
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-11
Wt: 182
What Michael did last week: Went 4-0 with two pins and two decisions to win his weight class at the Bill Dies Memorial Tournament. Boosted his season mark to 22-1.

About Michael: Gets ready for matches by listening to music, especially anything by Lil Wayne. Favorites include football, "SpongeBob SquarePants" TV show and science class. Dream vacation is to the Bahamas. Most memorable high school moment was winning state wrestling title. Wants to try skydiving and riding a bull.

Kyle Shurmur, St. Edward
Sport: Swimming
Class: Freshman
Age: 15
Ht: 6-3
Wt: 180

What Kyle did last week: In a 96-89 win against Strongsville, won the 100-yard freestyle in 49.86 seconds and 100 backstroke in 54.40. Also led off the winning medley relay and anchored the winning 400 free relay.

About Kyle: Son of Browns coach Pat Shurmur, whom he lists as his favorite coach. Also plays football. Enjoys golfing and fishing. Favorites include Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, "Dark Knight" movie, "South Park" TV show and eating at Chipotle. Dream vacation is to Hawaii. Would like to try scuba diving.

Alex Aiello, Mentor
Sport: Gymnastics
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-2

What Alex did last week: In a meet against Strongsville, placed first in all-around at 36.6, third on vault at 9.25, third on bars at 9.3, second on floor at 9.25 and fifth on beam at 8.88. At Brecksville Rock and Roll meet, was sixth in all-around at 35.5, sixth on vault at 9.02 and 10th on bars at 8.725.

About Alex: National Honor Society member is a cheerleader and runs track. Enjoys hiking, baking, surfing and playing tennis. Favorites include ice cream, "Just Dance" video game and AP biology class. Wants to try climbing a mountain.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

The Indians have signed Dan Wheeler who pitched for Boston last year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have signed veteran reliever Dan Wheeler to a minor league deal and invited him to spring training with the big league team.

Wheeler pitched with Boston last year. He made 47 appearances and threw 49 1/3 innings. He had a 0.84 ERA, allowing one run in 10 2/3 innings against AL Central teams. Right-handers hit  .227 (27-119) average against him for the season.

He has a 3.88 ERA in his career with 43 saves in 577 appearances.

The Indians also signed RHP Jose De La Torre and infielder Ryan Rohlinger to minor league contracts.

The Indians are looking to get more production from the outfield this year. To do that they must stay healthy because of cast of players hasn't changed that much.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerShin-Soo Choo had back-to-back .300 seasons halted by an injury- and mishap-plagued 2011. The Indians' hopes for contention largely depend on his return to a productive No. 3 hitter.

(Editor's note: This is the fourth of a four-part preview of the Indians with spring training looming next month. Previously: The starting rotation, the bullpen and the infield.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- From an offensive standpoint, the Indians' outfield was below average last season. Make that way below average.

Sure it had something to do with starters Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo spending significant time on the disabled list. As painful as it was to lose them, the problem was compounded because the Indians didn't have anyone in the minors ready to step in and their only outside solution was Kosuke Fukudome, who played well, but certainly wasn't capable of sparking an offense that finished ninth in the American League in runs.

In five offensive categories -- runs, batting average, homers, RBI and OPS -- Indians outfielders ranked in the top half only twice in the 14-team AL. Tribe center fielders ranked sixth with 87 runs and seventh with 68 RBI.

Indians right fielders never finished higher than 11th in the five categories. The best the left fielders could do was a ninth-place finish with 74 runs.

Headed into spring training, the Indians are going to try and correct the problem with a similar cast of players. They feel they can be competitive if Brantley, Sizemore and Choo can stay healthy. Brantley suffered a broken hamate bone in his right hand. Sizemore has been hobbled by injuries for the last three years. Choo suffered a broken left thumb and strained oblique muscle.

GM Chris Antonetti tried to change the makeup by offering Carlos Beltran a two-year, $24 million contract. Beltran signed with St. Louis. He also tried to work a deal for the Yankees' Nick Swisher, but to date nothing has come of it.

In the place of a dominant hitter, the Indians are going with numbers. There will be at least eight outfielders in camp besides Brantley, Sizemore and Choo. Shelley Duncan, Ezequiel Carrera, Thomas Neal, Nick Weglarz and Aaron Cunningham are on the 40-man roster. Felix Pie, Fred Lewis, Chad Huffman and Ryan Spilborghs received spring-training invitations. Jason Donald, an infielder by trade, will get a look in center and left in an attempt to get his right-handed bat in the lineup more frequently.

If Brantley, Sizemore and Choo, all left-handed hitters, open the season in the starting lineup, look for the extra outfielder(s) to be right-handed hitters. That's one of the reasons Fukudome, another left-handed hitter, was not re-signed as a free agent.

Duncan, who can also play first base, has to be a leading candidate. He hit .260 (58-for-223) with 17 doubles, 11 homers and 47 RBI last year. Spilborghs, Cunningham, Neal, Huffman hit right-handed as well.

One benefit of having a lot of outfielders in camp is that it can create depth in the upper levels of the system. Duncan and Cunningham are out of options, but there's a chance that Pie, Lewis, Spilborghs or Huffman might accept an assignment to the minors if they don't make the club out of spring training. Neal, Carrera and Weglarz have options.

View full sizeAP fileShelley Duncan had an impressive September for the Indians. Will he find a semi-regular role in left field or first base in 2012?

Here's a look at the outfield options for 2012 (with age, bats/throws, last season's average, homers and RBI):

• CF Sizemore, 29, L/L, .224, 10 HR, 32 RBI: Indians brought Sizemore back on a one-year, $5 million deal. Can he make the gamble worthwhile by staying healthy?

• LF Brantley, 24, L/L, .266, 7, 46: He's an non-traditional left fielder who is better suited for a center field/leadoff role.

• RF Choo, 29, L/L, .259, 8, 36: All he needs to do is stay healthy and play every day.

• OF Duncan, 32, R/R, .260, 11, 47: Hit seven homers and drove in 23 runs in September.

• OF Carrera, 24, L/L, .243, 0, 14: Good change-of-pace player, but he has to get on base more and his defense has to improve.

• OF Neal, 24, R/R, .289, 2, 26 at Class AAA Fresno (Giants) and Class AAA Columbus: Acquired from the Giants for Orlando Cabrera. Slowed last year by right shoulder injury.

• OF Weglarz, 24, L/L, .179, 3, 12 at Class AA Akron: Has power and discipline at the plate, but can't stay healthy.

• OF Cunningham, 25, R/R, .178, 3, 9: Appeared in 52 games for San Diego last year, playing 18 in right, 13 in left.

• OF Pie, 26, L/L, .220, 0, 7: Played 85 games with Baltimore last year including 67 in left, six in center and three in right.

• OF Huffman, 26, R/R, .246, 13, 58 at Columbus: Could help as an extra outfielder.

• OF Lewis, 31, L/R, .230, 3, 19: Played 81 games with the Reds last year. He was 2-for-7 in stolen base attempts, but he can run.

• OF Spilborghs, 32, R/R, .210, 3, 22: A valuable utility player for years with the Rockies, Spilborghs' 2011 season was hindered by plantar fasciitis. Has a career OPS vs. LHP of .799.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

A slice of Cleveland sports history is captured in "The Mighty Scarabs," a bittersweet tale of men peaking too soon and living their glory days.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III, The Plain Dealer"The team was so revered," said '67 East Tech grad Cornell Calhoun III, the playwright of 'The Mighty Scarabs, "if you were part of the East Tech basketball team, you were something. And that's what the play is about."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- He laid out the tattered, yellowed newspaper with the screaming front page headline, "EAST TECH WINS STATE TITLE."

The date was March 26, 1972, when East Tech boys basketball was the Boston Celtics of Ohio high school sports.

From 1958 to 1972, under the direction of three different head coaches, East Tech reached the state playoffs 10 times, winning titles in 1958, '59 and '72. Sweetening the back-to-back state championships was a run of 51 straight wins.

Back then, East Tech basketball games were community events, a source of pride for Cleveland's declining Central neighborhood and, frankly, for the city itself. Remember, the Cavs didn't come around until 1970.

"The team was so revered," said '67 East Tech grad Cornell Calhoun III, "if you were part of the East Tech basketball team, you were something. And that's what the play is about."

Calhoun has captured a slice of Cleveland sports history in a play called "The Mighty Scarabs," a bittersweet tale of men peaking too soon and living their glory days. The play opens Friday night at Cleveland Heights' Dobama Theatre.

Named for school's nickname, Scarabs, an Egyptian beetle and an ancient symbol of rebirth, the play rides the line between truth and fiction. The story is set in 1965, 20 years after a mythical state championship, because that was an era Calhoun knew so well, growing up on East 43rd Street and Cedar Road.

Members of "The Mighty Scarabs" win the state title, but never go on to what he considers any great success. Some fall into drug addiction or numbers running. Others wind up in everyday jobs. But no one makes the big-time.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons III, The Plain DealerEast Tech's glory days lingered for several generations.

"As a whole," he said, "after that success, everyone was stagnant."

But it was a magical time for anyone associated with East Tech basketball. Calhoun was barely a sub on a star-studded team his senior year. But he wore his basketball jacket everywhere, and strangers would approach him and shake his hand. When he carried his East Tech basketball gym bag, getting a ride somewhere was never a problem.

Calhoun, 62, is a former English and theater teacher at Glenville and former girls basketball coach at Glenville and Collinwood. He's written 30 Cleveland-centric plays, including three others that have been produced. Basketball appears in every one.

One of the nine cast members in "The Mighty Scarabs" is a former JFK basketball player he faced in high school. Another is a former Glenville student.

He's dedicated the production to the late Troy Lee James, a former long-standing state representative who ran a popular corner convenience store in his old neighborhood and was a second father to him.

"A lot of us are dying out," he said. "That's another reason why I wanted to do the play."

The 27-year-old defenseman is playing his sixth season in the American Hockey League, his second with the Monsters.

View full sizeMonsters/NHLMonsters defenseman David Liffiton had three goals and two assists entering Thursday night's game against Toronto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The 27-year-old defenseman is playing his sixth season in the American Hockey League, his second with the Monsters. He has seven games of NHL experience.

Born: Oct. 18, 1984, Windsor, Ontario.

Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 210.

Shoots: Left.

Q: If not a hockey player, what would you be?

A: Someone working in health or fitness.

Q: Who's going to win the Super Bowl?

A: I'd have to go with the Giants. They're the hot team. They're on a roll right now. And the Patriots didn't look too impressive last week.

Q: Your best friend on the team is Hugh Jessiman. What is one thing about him he wouldn't want us to know?

A: That he's going bald faster than he thinks.

Q: What do you need to do to get back to NHL?

A: Be more consistent.

Q: Superstitions/rituals before game?

A: Starbucks grande coffee on my way to the arena.

Q: Favorite hockey city?

A: Toronto.

Q: Favorite hockey venue?

A: Madison Square Garden. I played there when I was with the Rangers. It's a great place to play a game and watch a game.

Q: You spent the 2008-2009 season in Denmark. What was it like?

A: A great life experience. I went into it with an open mind and embraced the culture. I found my wife, Rikke, there, so I guess it worked out pretty well.

Q: Preferred sports outside of hockey?

A: It was baseball growing up. Now I'm starting to take a liking to surfing. It's a full-body workout and it's nice to be on the water.

Q: Where do you surf?

A: My wife and I have a cottage in Denmark, on the North Sea.

Q: Favorite class in school?

A: History.

Q: Best hockey advice received?

A: Have fun.

With former Packers coach Mike Sherman close to taking the Dolphins' offensive coordinator job, former Vikings coach Brad Childress is the front-runner for that position with the Browns.

View full sizeAP fileA lengthy history as peers on the Philadelphia Eagles staff could be helping Brad Childress land the Browns' offensive coordinator position under head coach Pat Shurmur.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Mike Sherman close to becoming offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins, former Vikings coach Brad Childress is the frontrunner for the Browns' vacancy at that position, a league source told The Plain Dealer.

The Browns had narrowed their choices to Sherman, the former Packers coach, and Childress, the former Vikings coach, the source said. But Sherman spent Thursday with the Dolphins and came close to taking the job, where he would replace former Browns coordinator Brian Daboll.

That means Childress -- the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia from 2003-05 when Pat Shurmur was quarterbacks coach there -- will likely become the Browns first coordinator under Shurmur. The hiring could happen in the next few days.

Shurmur was his own coordinator in 2011 and called the plays. The Browns finished 29th in offense and 30th in points per game, scoring just one more point (218) than the 1999 expansion team.

Shurmur and Childress spent seven years together on the Eagles staff under Andy Reid before Childress left to take over as head coach of the Vikings from 2006-10.

But if Childress is hired, will Shurmur relinquish his play-calling duties?

Shurmur said during his season-ending press conference that he'd be willing to do that if the right coordinator came along. He acknowledged that he's good friends with Childress and respects his ability.

Childress, 55, did not call the plays under Reid in Philadelphia, but was on the staff for three consecutive NFC title games and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2004. Childress was the quarterbacks coach from 1999-2002, as quarterback Donovan McNabb earned three of his six trips to the Pro Bowl.

Childress was fired by the Vikings after 10 games of 2010 season after going 39-35 in his four-plus years, and 1-2 in postseason. The Browns did not interview him for the coordinator job last season.

Both Childress and Sherman are represented by agent Bob LaMonte, who also represents Browns President Mike Holmgren and Shurmur.

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

The Big Ten will be watching, as the conference always does, as Ohio State finalizes its roster numbers and recruiting class while dealing with an NCAA-mandated reduction in scholarships.

View full sizeLynn Ischay, The Plain DealerWith 23 recruits having given oral commitments to Ohio State, Urban Meyer is currently at the school's scholarship limit of 82. But the Buckeyes continue to pursue additional recruits, which means something will have to change on the roster to accommodate them.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The magic number for Urban Meyer right now is 82.

As Ohio State's first-year head coach finalizes the equation for his first recruiting class, creating a roster that will include 82 scholarship players, three under the normal limit because of NCAA sanctions, the Big Ten may ask the Buckeyes to show their work.

National Signing Day is Wednesday, with the Buckeyes currently holding 23 oral commitments for the Class of 2012. (Rules limit classes to 25 players, though the Big Ten allows teams to oversign by three, to 28 players, if overall roster space allows. Ohio State can also count some of the 2012 recruits that already enrolled in January with last year's class, freeing up more space.)

Ohio State is also in the running for several other recruits who could raise that number, including Cleveland Heights offensive lineman Kyle Dodson. There are unofficially 59 players on the current roster, if backup fullback David Durham, who has declared his intent to transfer, is removed.

This math is pretty easy -- 59 plus 23 equals 82. So for every recruit the Buckeyes sign over 23 on Wednesday, another player on the current roster must depart. That's true for every school in the Big Ten, though the other programs are working with 85 -- the Buckeyes were penalized three scholarships per season over the next three years in a decision announced by the NCAA's Committee on Infractions in December.

Roster management is an issue for every coach, but the reduction to 82 plus the fact that Meyer is trying to reshape the roster to fit his style while getting a late start on this recruiting class, may make for a tighter squeeze this season.

"There's no more leeway given," Big Ten associate commissioner for compliance Chad Hawley said last week of a new coach facing an uncertain roster.

The final number crunch won't occur until the start of preseason practice in August, when the Buckeyes must have their scholarship number at 82. That's when the numbers really matter. But next Thursday, the day after signing day, Hawley said schools over their number must inform the Big Ten about how and why they'll be getting down to the right number by August. In fact, Hawley said last week that he had just taken the opportunity to remind schools that they must report to the conference if they plan to be over their number at this point.

"They need to let us know if they intend to over-offer, and they need to let us know how many spaces they have available," Hawley said.

While the Big Ten has had monitoring in place to prevent schools from signing players above-and-beyond conference rules, which has been a recent issue in some other conferences, Hawley said every situation is different.

"You can set general principles in place and be clear on expectations, but when it's down to the nitty gritty, it's pretty fluid," Hawley said. "It's like anything else, you set cultural expectations and you put in whatever oversight you can and at the end of the day, if someone's not living up to cultural expectations, you let them know."

Asked what the penalties there may be for violating the good faith nature of the conference's monitoring, Hawley said he wasn't sure because it hasn't happened before.

So while the number is the issue, the Big Ten also cares how teams get there.

Attrition is normal during coaching changes. Current players leave. It happens all the time. So far, since Meyer was hired, defensive back Jeremy Cash transferred to Duke, quarterback Taylor Graham transferred to Hawaii, Durham said he plans to leave and DerJuan Gambrell and Dominic Clarke were released from their scholarships for violations of team rules after facing off-field legal problems.

Cash's family, for instance, issued a statement through Buckeye Sports Bulletin saying they were no hard feelings toward Ohio State.

While former OSU coach Jim Tressel often had an extra scholarship or two each fall that he used to reward deserving walk-ons, former OSU receiver James Jackson also told the Associated Press last summer that Tressel suggested he transfer after the 2010 season because, Jackson believes, the Buckeyes needed the roster space.

Hawley said the conference has an interest in making sure no team, in any situation, is forcing unwanted players to leave.

"If you asked folks in the conference, 'Is it proper to run kids off?' the answer would be no," Hawley said. "If you ask them, in particular in a coaching change, do you see situations where it's not going to work out for an athlete to remain on the team, so it's in his best interest to transfer, I don't think any of us could be naive enough to say that does not happen.

"The purpose of having the monitoring in situations where an institution has oversigned is just to make sure that there is some transparency there."

In the end, the reduction to 82 scholarships for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons shouldn't drastically change how the Buckeyes recruit.

"It makes you a little bit more picky," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said. "You make sure you hit the positions you need, but you may not take that best player available down the stretch if you don't have room for him."

So Meyer will continue to work. Massachusetts cornerback Armani Reeves and Florida receiver Stefon Diggs, who is visiting Ohio State this weekend, are among the potential additions. Meanwhile, both Rivals.com and Scout.com reported Thursday night that Columbus-area receiver Roger Lewis, currently among the 23 oral commitments, has re-opened his recruiting and is planning to visit Ohio University.

There are five more days to finalize the players. But the Buckeyes know their number. The Big Ten will double-check their addition.

Buckeyes hire assistant: Former Michigan assistant Bill Sheridan has been hired by Ohio State, filling the position vacated when cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson left Ohio State for Arkansas almost two weeks ago. The hiring was first reported by The Lantern, Ohio State's student newspaper.

Sheridan most recently was the linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins and prior to that served as the New York Giants defensive coordinator. He coached under Lloyd Carr at Michigan from 2002-2004 and also is the father of former Michigan quarterback Nick Sheridan.

The Marlies scored five goals on eight shots in the first as the foundation for a 6-2 victory at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Monsters goalies Gerald Coleman and James Reid made a mess of the position in the first period Thursday night. It cost their club a game.

The Toronto Marlies scored five goals on eight shots in the first as the foundation for a 6-2 victory at The Q.

"We just gave up too many easy goals," Monsters coach David Quinn said.

The Marlies (23-15-3-2) are in first place in the Western Conference North Division. They snapped a four-game losing streak against Lake Erie. The Monsters (19-22-2-1) missed an opportunity to move from a tie for last place into third in the tightly packed North.

Coleman and Reid are Lake Erie's goalies because No. 1 Cedrick Desjardins and No. 2 Trevor Cann remain sidelined because of injuries. Coleman was signed out of the ECHL on Jan. 11; Reid was brought back from the CHL on Jan. 23.

Coleman was coming off a superb performance Tuesday, having made 37 saves in a 4-1 victory over Hamilton at The Q. But he never seemed comfortable in his second straight start.

At 2:05, Marlies winger Matt Frattin scored from the right circle. From that point, the 6-5 Coleman struggled with his footwork. During a Monsters power play at 3:31, Marlies center Mike Zigomanis simply wanted to put the puck on net from behind the goal line. The puck banked off Coleman's skate and into the cage.

Lake Erie pulled within 2-1 with a power-play tally by center Brad Malone at 4:45. Toronto scored a particularly soft goal at 15:43, but the Monsters answered less than a minute later when center Adrian Foster kept poking away near the right post until he jammed thepuck past goalie Ben Scrivens.

Just when it appeared Lake Erie had righted itself, Coleman wobbled again. Frattin beat him from the top of the left circle for a 4-2 advantage at 17:37.

Reid replaced Coleman, who faced seven shots.

"Everybody has a bad day at work," Quinn said. "It happens. The last thing we can complain about is our goaltending. They've bailed us out throughout the season."

With the Monsters on the power play in the final minute of the first, Reid made an ill-advised decision. He wandered far out of the cage to play a puck along the boards to his left, then attempted a pass back to defenseman Mike Brennan. The pass had nowhere near enough zip. Marlies winger Jerry D'Amigo picked it off and eventually slid the puck past a scrambling Reid.

"They go the other way and we stand still, thinking nothing bad can happen because we're on the power play," Quinn said. "It was laziness."

Reid rebounded with a strong second period. Scrivens matched him.

Any chance the Monsters had for a stirring comeback evaporated at 7:03 of the third. Winger Will Acton received a perfect pass and scored from in tight; there was not much Reid could do.

The rest of the third period amounted to Fight Night at The Q. The officials struggled to control the game as skaters continued to square off.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Unseasonably warm weather so far this winter has resulted in some of the best steelhead trout fishing in Northeast Ohio rivers and streams in recent years. The bulk of the 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout released this week were placed in Wallace Lake in Berea.

The Plain DealerSteelhead trout.

Ex-Penn State coach 'left this world with a clear conscience,' son says.

Former NFL running back Franco Harris arrives at a memorial service for former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno at Penn State's Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pa., on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012. A capacity crowd of more than 12,000 is expected to pack the Bryce Jordan Center for one more tribute to Paterno, the Hall of Fame football coach who died Sunday from lung cancer. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa.  — Jay Paterno leaned over his dying father, gave him a kiss, and whispered in his ear.

"Dad, you won," he said. "You did all you could do. You've done enough. We all love you. We won. You can go home now."

Joe Paterno died Sunday of lung cancer at age 85.

At a memorial service Thursday that drew some 12,000 people to the Penn State basketball arena, Jay Paterno reflected on what he called the "magnificent daylight" of his legendary father's life. It was primarily a glowing tribute to Paterno and his accomplishments during 46 years as Penn State's football coach — but also an opportunity to defend his legacy against criticism that he failed to do more when told about an alleged child sexual assault involving one of his former assistants.

Nike founder and CEO Phil Knight won a thunderous standing ovation when he defended Paterno's handling of the 2002 allegations against former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. Paterno, he hinted, had been made a scapegoat.

"If there is a villain in this tragedy, it lies in that investigation and not in Joe Paterno's response," Knight said. Paterno's widow, Sue, was among those rising to their feet.

Capping three days of mourning on campus, the 2½-hour ceremony was filled with lavish praise for the man called "JoePa." Paterno racked up more wins — 409 — than any other major-college football coach, led his team to two national championships, and preached "success with honor" while insisting his athletes focus on academics. The Paternos donated millions to Penn State.

Though the campus and surrounding community have been torn with anger over the Sandusky scandal and Paterno's summary dismissal by the board of trustees two months before his death, Jay Paterno said his father didn't hold a grudge.

"Despite all that had happened to him, he never wavered in his belief, in his dream, of Penn State. He told me he wanted to use his remaining time on earth to see Penn State continue to thrive. He never spoke ill and never wanted anyone to feel badly for him," Paterno said.

Players from each decade of Paterno's career as the Nittany Lions' coach spoke in loving terms about their mentor, saying he rode them hard, but always had their best interests at heart and encouraged them to complete their educations and become productive members of their communities.

Among the speakers were Michael Robinson, who played for Paterno from 2002 to 2005 and flew in from Hawaii, where he was practicing for his first Pro Bowl; star quarterback Todd Blackledge from the 1980s; and Jimmy Cefalo, a star in the 1970s. Like Robinson, Blackledge and Cefalo went on to play in the NFL.

Former NFL player Charles V. Pittman, speaking for players from the 1960s, called Paterno a lifelong influence and inspiration.

Pittman said Paterno challenged his young players, once bringing Pittman to tears in his sophomore year. He said he realized later that the coach was molding him into the man he would become.

"What I now know is that Joe wasn't trying to build perfection. That doesn't exist and he knew it. He was, bit by bit, building a habit of excellence," said Pittman, now a media executive on the board of The Associated Press.

Paterno was fired Nov. 9 after he was criticized for not going to police in 2002 when he was told that Sandusky had been seen sexually assaulting a boy in the showers. Sandusky was arrested in November and is awaiting trial on charges that he molested 10 boys over a 15-year span.

As the scandal erupted, Pennsylvania's state police commissioner said Paterno may have met his legal duty but not his moral one. Penn State president Graham Spanier was also fired in the fallout.

Knight, appearing about midway through the memorial, became the first speaker to explicitly address the scandal. He said the coach "gave full disclosure to his superiors, information that went up the chains to the head of the campus police and the president of the school. The matter was in the hands of a world-class university, and by a president with an outstanding national reputation."

Lanny J. Davis, an attorney for the board, responded after the service by saying: "All the reasons for the board's difficult and anguished decision — made unanimously, including former football players and everyone who still loves Coach Paterno and his memory — reached a decision which was heartfelt. All 32."

"The facts speak for themselves" and include the grand jury testimony, he said.

Chris Marrone, another former player who eulogized Paterno, said Knight was his "new hero" for expressing the "pent-up frustration" of Paterno's supporters.

"I think the response that he got is indicative of how folks feel," Marrone said.

Only one member of the university administration — the dean of the college of liberal arts — and no one from the board of trustees spoke at the memorial, which was arranged primarily by the Paterno family.

People said it felt good to remember and celebrate the good times.

Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak, who played for Paterno, said he attended the service "because I'm a part of his legacy."

"It was not only about football," Munchak said. "It was about life and how he affected all of us as men."

What if the Browns sign the free-agent Packers backup, and then go defense with the No. 4 pick?

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerGreen Bay's backup QB Matt Flynn remains a real option for the Browns -- especially if they want to use their two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft to upgrade other spots on the roster.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Dan Shonka has a theory about the Browns, and it starts with Matt Flynn.

The former scout for three NFL teams now runs Ourlads.com, which handicaps the draft each year. Shonka has quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III rated as the top two players in the draft -- and he believes they are likely to be the first two picks, with someone trading up with St. Louis to grab Griffin.

So where does that leave the Browns?

"Let's start with the fact that I think RG III has played almost all of his career in the [shot]gun," said Shonka. "But he's a rare individual. He can learn to take snaps under center. He has the intelligence and ability to learn any system. He's an excellent athlete, he has great feet. I think he could learn the West Coast offense."

But Shonka believes Griffin will be so attractive that the Rams will pull a huge deal for their No. 2 pick. It won't be with the Browns.

"They need too many players," he said.

So what will the Browns do?

"Matt Flynn is a perfect fit for their offense," Shonka said. "The book on him is not big. He started one year at LSU, and I admit we had him as a fifth- or sixth-rounder. In the NFL, he has two good games -- against New England and the Lions. He has great receivers in Green Bay. But I think he can play, and he is already in a West Coast offense."

Flynn was a seventh-round pick by Green Bay in 2008. He has backed up Aaron Rodgers, and he's heading toward free agency. The Browns should have plenty of salary cap room.

"If they sign Flynn, then they have all those picks to fill other needs," he said.

Then Shonka offered this thought -- what if the Browns went defense with the No. 4 pick, as in LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne?

"He's a terrific player, and they can use a cornerback," he said.

Of course, the Browns can use a lot of things. Can they pass up receiver Justin Blackmon for a cornerback? It certainly wouldn't be greeted with a standing ovation from the Browns' faithful.

"They have the 22nd pick," he said. "They can get a receiver at 22. I like [Baylor's] Kendall Wright, because he gives them the speed at receiver that they need. He can play outside, in the slot, everywhere. He's as close to [Panthers receiver] Steve Smith as I've seen in a while. I expect him to be there at No. 22."

Shonka doesn't claim to know what the Browns will do. Who knows if the Browns know what they'll do? His point is that by signing Flynn, it opens up options for trades and to fill other needs.

"They can use picks on a running back, a right tackle and I really hope they get another defensive end across from [Jabaal] Sheard," he said. "I like [Boise State running back] Doug Martin as guy for them in the second or third round."

There will be lots of stories like this before the April 26th draft. But Shonka's theory goes to the heart of a major decision for the Browns. If they want to address their quarterback -- and it seems they do -- then they either trade up for Griffin, or sign Flynn.

Griffin will probably cost picks in a trade, signing Flynn means the picks can be used for other positions.

Yes, they can take a quarterback lower in the draft, and stay with Colt McCoy for another year. But if they want to make an immediate impact at quarterback, it appears the decision will come down to Griffin or Flynn, and what each would cost the Browns.

Gee has gained notoriety for his offensive contributions off the bench. What might keep him in the NBA, however, is his defense.

View full sizeDavid Santiago, Miami HeraldDriving against LeBron James during Tuesday's loss in Miami, Alonzo Gee is averaging nearly eight points a game but is really earning notice with strong defensive efforts. "Defense is my main focus," says Gee. "I think that's what's going to keep me on the floor."

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- LeBron James established position in the low block during the second quarter of Tuesday's game in Miami. Or, at least he thought he did.

Cavaliers' reserve Alonzo Gee would not surrender the spot without a joust. As James waited for an entry pass, he was uprooted by the 6-6, 219-pound swingman, who used his powerful frame to push and maneuver the superstar about eight feet from the basket.

By the time James turned to shoot a contested jumper, he resembled a man falling backward into a swimming pool -- attempting to create space for a fade-away which clanged off the rim.

The Heat won, 92-85, but the former Cavaliers forward had an ineffective shooting night (8-of-21) thanks to the work of Gee and Anthony Parker. The play offered just a snapshot of the developing defensive prowess of Gee.

"I was just trying to be as physical as I can," Gee said. "LeBron is a good post-up player. He's very physical and I was trying to be physical with him."

Gee has gained notoriety for his offensive contributions off the bench and his occasional SportsCenter-worthy dunks. What might keep him in the NBA, however, is his defense. He has the strength to defend small forwards and the quickness and length to stick with shooting guards.

A season ago, the 24-year-old was sitting at the end of benches in Washington and San Antonio before Cavaliers management signed him. In the past two weeks, he has guarded Kobe Bryant, James and Carmelo Anthony.

"He has great potential," Parker said. "He's athletic and he's smart in the way he guards guys and, the most important thing, is he puts the effort and desire into it. It starts with that."

Coach Byron Scott said Gee could turn into a shutdown defender like former San Antonio Spurs stopper Bruce Bowen. That's remarkably high praise, considering the Spurs will retire Bowen's No. 12 in March. Gee does share one similarity with the eight-time, NBA all-defensive team member: Neither had a direct path from college to an NBA roster. The bow-tied ESPN analyst played four seasons in France and the CBA before making it with the Miami Heat.

Bowen won three titles with the Spurs.

"The more I play and the more I get into the season I'm feeling more comfortable and confident," said Gee, who's averaging 7.9 points, 3.5 rebounds in 25 minutes per game. "Defense is my main focus. I think that's what's going to keep me on the floor."

View full sizeTony Dejak, Associated PressNew York's Carmelo Anthony (7) made only five of 14 shots in the Knicks' loss to the Cavaliers on Wednesday night -- at least partly due to the defensive work of Gee. "He has great potential," teammate Anthony Parker says. "He's athletic and he's smart in the way he guards guys and, the most important thing, is he puts the effort and desire into it. It starts with that."

The Alabama product was an undrafted free agent in 2009 and earned NBA D-League Rookie of the Year honors the following season with the Austin Toros, where he averaged 21 points.

"Every team I've been on, everybody was telling me about the defensive end because they knew I could do it," Gee said. "I think I was always a pretty good defensive player, but being in the D-League, being the leading player on the team and leading scorer and then coming to this team, you have to adjust to [defense] being your main focus."

He's doing it with the Cavaliers.

Charge time: The Cavaliers assigned forward Luke Harangody to the Canton Charge of the NBA D-League on Thursday. He has appeared in just five games this season, averaging 2.6 points and 7.6 minutes. The 24-year-old Notre Dame product simply needs some playing time.

The Cavs recently recalled Christian Eyenga from Canton after he played nine games. Don't be surprised if they rotate those final spots on the bench as much as possible. Players can be sent to the D-League as many as three times a season. Next season, teams will be able to send players there on an unlimited basis.

One of the advantages of owning a D-League team as the Cavaliers do is they can control who gets minutes. Harangody figures to play a lot once the Charge get him in the lineup. Harangody played in 49 games last season splitting time with Cavs and Boston Celtics.

Commercial appeal: Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving is appearing in an ESPN commercial in which he's pulled from the seat cushions of an RV like he was spare change.

It's the latest in a series of NBA on ESPN spots which feature the broadcast team of Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Jon Barry traveling across the nation in the RV and interacting with players. In recent seasons, they have included a "rookie gag" commercial where the crew pokes fun at Kevin Love and Blake Griffin.

The ad was filmed in New York on Dec. 8. It also includes New Jersey star point guard Deron Williams.

"It was really fun [doing] the commercial and interacting with them," Irving said.

Dribbles: The Cavs did not practice Thursday. ... They play 12 of the next 16 games at home starting Friday against New Jersey.

Something more than basketball is happening on this team, says columnist Terry Pluto.

View full sizeGus Chan, The Plain DealerJohn F. Kennedy coach William Marrow calls together the Eagles after practice Monday. The Plain Dealer's No. 12 team, JFK is 11-1 overall and 8-0 in the Senate Athletic League.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — At the end of practice, eight players came together at midcourt.

A young man in a John F. Kennedy sweatshirt spoke. His name is Robin Lewis, and he's the boys basketball team manager.

"You guys have been like brothers to me," he said. "You mean a lot."

It was just a midweek practice, nothing special. But JFK coach William Marrow wanted the team manager to speak. He tried out for the team a few years ago, but wasn't physically gifted enough to play for the Eagles, who are 11-1 and ranked 12th in The Plain Dealer Top 25.

"But I tell kids that if they want to be around the team and work hard, they can be a manager," Marrow said. "Robin is great. He is very emotional. He loves being part of the team, and we let him talk to the guys once in a while."

That's because he matters, because something more than basketball is happening on this team.

Consider Anthony Howard, ranked No. 2.

That's No. 2 in the senior class -- academically.

View full sizePDJFK's Saivon Jefferson defends against teammate Anthony Howard during practice.

Then there's Jordan Marrow, son of the coach, who is ranked No. 4.

That's No. 4 in the senior class -- academically -- and Jordan Marrow is taking classes at Cuyahoga Community College-Metro this semester.

"Our starters have about a 3.5 GPA," William Marrow said. "It's the best in my 13 years here. We have two kids on the National Honor Society, lots of others doing well."

Ten is enough

The Division I squad is small, 10 players on the varsity. There were only eight present for practice the day I watched them. Coach Marrow prefers a few good players who are willing to show up on time, play hard and go to class. Many of the players come to his Maple Heights home to eat pizza and play video games.

In the summer, he takes some of the players on a camping trip. He makes pancakes for the team.

"Coach is like another dad to us," Howard said. "He opens up his house . . . we are real close because of that."

The coach's wife, Karla, keeps the scorebook for road games and works the concession stand when the Eagles play at home.

"This is such a good group," she said. "I enjoy having them over to the house. You should hear them talk to each other when someone gets a bad grade. They really push for A's and B's. I went to JFK, and people say [bad] things about Cleveland schools. But you can get a good education if you want it."

Karla rides the team bus and finds it "just fun" to be a part of this special time in the lives of her husband and son. She works for the defense department during the day, and has taken pleasure in the attention JFK is receiving this season.

The Eagles are 8-0 in the Senate Athletic League. Their lone loss was in overtime at fourth-ranked Garfield Heights on Jan. 7. They host East Tech tonight with varsity tipping off at 5:30.

William Marrow is a hard-working coach who has also taught physical education at the school for 13 years. The 54-year-old is quiet and doesn't seek much attention.

As John Hay coach Chris Sanders said, "He is an excellent role model. I know his kids, and they are strong academically. He has paid his dues in the Senate for a long time, so it's nice to see him having a good year."

With his shaved head and muscular frame, Marrow looks a little like somebody getting ready to run boot camp. But he seldom raises his voice during practice, using a stare that can shake cement as a way of sending his players a message.

"If you yell a lot, after a while, they tune you out," he said.

Neighborhood school

The Harvard Avenue school on the East Side was built in 1967. In the gym, there are four side backboards -- the old metal, half-moon type. The place is clean and functional -- a neighborhood gym for a neighborhood school.

And the Eagles look like a neighborhood team, no one is taller than 6-2.

There's Saivon Jefferson, who is a load inside at 6-2 and 285 pounds. He was a center and a defensive lineman for coach Scott Wodtly's football team that reached the playoffs for the second year in a row.

Jefferson is being recruited for football by colleges such as Robert Morris, Bryant, Savannah State and Prairie View. He says he has a 3.2 grade-point average.

"People look at us being small, and figure they'll blow us out," he said. "That works for us. We have some football players, and we come at you."

One of those is Howard, the No. 2 man in the senior class. He's the 6-2 power forward, a safety on the football team being recruited by Wayne State, Findlay and Lake Erie College.

"It really does come down to heart," he said.

Karla Marrow praised the players' mental toughness. She mentioned a game in Columbus "where everyone was calling Saivon 'Fatso and Fat Albert.' He didn't let it get to him. On the way home, the guys were laughing and joking with Saivon about it."

Jefferson is a member of the school's ROTC program, so the discipline comes in handy.

Jordan Marrow is a lean 6-footer who leads the team in scoring at 18 points per game. He said he's being recruited by schools such as Elon, North Carolina Central and Columbia.

"Most of us have played together since the sixth grade," he said. "This season means a lot to us."

To reach Terry Pluto: terrypluto2003@yahoo.com, 216-999-4674

Here's today's sports listings on TV and the radio for the Cleveland area.

Associated PressCavaliers forward Antawn Jamison drives to the basket during Cleveland's 98-82 homecourt win over the New Jersey Nets on Jan. 1. The Cavs host the Nets again tonight, in a game televised by Fox Sports Ohio and broadcast by WTAM/1100 AM.

Cleveland, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

BOXING

9 p.m. Ruslan Provodnikov vs. David Torres, ESPN2

EXTREME SPORTS

10:30 p.m. Winter X Games, ESPN

2 a.m. (Saturday) Winter X Games (tape), ESPN2

GOLF

3 p.m. Farmers Insurance Open, Golf Channel

4 a.m. (Saturday) Abu Dhabi Championship, Golf Channel

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Brookside at Oberlin, AM/1320

11 p.m. Valley Forge at Elyria (tape), NEON

COLLEGE HOCKEY

7:30 p.m. Colgate at Cornell, CBS Sports Network

7:30 p.m.  Yale at Harvard, NBC Sports Network*

(*Formerly Versus) 

8 p.m. St. Cloud State at Minnesota, Big Ten Network 

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

7 p.m. Iona at Fairfield, ESPNU

9 p.m. Boston University at Stony Brook, ESPNU

NBA

7:30 p.m. New Jersey at CAVALIERS, Fox Sports Ohio; AM/1100

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage) 

8 p.m. New York at Miami, ESPN

TENNIS

3 a.m. (Sat.) Australian Open, women's final, ESPN2

5:30 a.m. (Sat.) Australian Open, men's doubles final, Tennis Channel

With padded practices for the Senior Bowl completed, nearly all NFL types have left. The game is not until Saturday, but for pro scouts, the three padded practices carry the most weight.

By Russ Lande
Sporting News

With padded practices for the Senior Bowl completed, nearly all NFL types have left. The game is not until Saturday, but for pro scouts, the three padded practices carry the most weight. Below is a breakdown of the eight players who shined the most this week, in alphabetical order:

View full sizeMarvin Fong / The Plain DealerOhio State's offensive lineman Mike Adams has moved up some draft boards with his strong performance at Senior Bowl workouts.

2. Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia, 5-9, 183, 4.35; projected late first-round, early second-round pick. It is widely accepted that Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick will be the first two cornerbacks drafted, but the battle to be the third cornerback picked is up for grabs. After an excellent week in Mobile, Boykin has definitely let it be known that he needs to be in that discussion. He showed natural instincts covering receivers, rare foot quickness, loose hips and the speed to run with receivers all over the field. Best of all was that Boykin seemed to enjoy being physical with the big receivers and not only held his own, but was able to consistently keep his man from catching passes.

3. Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina, 6-6, 281, 4.75; projected Top 20 pick. Coples was viewed as the best 4-3 defensive end prospect in the country coming to Mobile, and he showed why all week. For a 280-plus pound defensive end, he displayed an uncommon burst off the ball and quick hands to defeat pass blocks. He also showed good hand use and great strength to be a dominant power rusher. He displayed versatility, producing when lining up outside as an end and inside when he slid over to tackle. SN came away from Mobile convinced that Coples is as physically talented as former teammate Robert Quinn, who was a first-round pick in 2011.

4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State, 6-2, 209, 4.85; projected second-round pick. After a senior season in which he flashed elite play but made too many mistakes, Cousins stepped up this week and drastically improved his draft stock. While he no doubt looks very thin at 209 pounds, he displayed very good arm strength to make every NFL throw with excellent zip. He got rid of the ball quickly and decisively and was able to fit passes between defenders into tight spots. Many had serious questions about him before this week, but he answered them in a big way and has begun what SN, along with many NFL scouts, believe will be a fast rise up draft boards, similar to what Andy Dalton did a season ago.

For more Cinesport video, go here.