Download a chart of where area high school seniors will play football next season in NCAA Division I or Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) college programs. Wednesday was National Signing Day. Watch video

View full sizeDownload this chart in PDF form.

Download a chart of where area high school seniors will play football next season in NCAA Division I or Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) college programs. Wednesday was National Signing Day. The stars category is the average of recruiting ratings from rivals.com and scout.com. NR denotes not rated.

• Cleveland Heights' Kyle Dodson to Ohio State

• Glenville High School's Justin Hardee to Illinois

• St. Edward High School's Darryl Render to Pittsburgh

• Aurora High School's Matt Stepahek to Dayton

• Maple Heights High's Aaron Pipkins to Eastern Michigan

• St. Edward High School's Greg Kuhar to Northwestern

• St. Edward's Quincy Jones to Eastern Michigan

• Aurora High's Anthony Melchiori to Kent State

• Chagrin Falls High's Kurt Vidmer to Davidson

• Madison High's Jason O'Bryan to Kent State

• Maple Heights High School's Alex Jones to Eastern Michigan

• Bedford High School's Myles Hilliard to Syracuse

• Kirtland High School's Christian Hauber to Air Force

• Shaker Heights High School's Connor Hall to Davidson

• Maple Heights High School's Jeremy Graves to Cincinnati

• St. Edward High School's Sam Grant to Oklahoma

• St. Edward High School's Sean Connolly to Kansas

• Cleveland Heights High's Bryce Jones to Boston College

• St. Edward High's Kyle Kalis to Michigan

• St. Edward's Kirkland Bryant to Eastern Michigan

• St. Edward High's Chris Connors to Columbia

• Shaw High's William Woods IV to Kent State

• Orange High School's Julian Turner to Lehigh University

• St. Edward's Sam Martello to Duquesne

• Aurora's Troy Watson to Ohio University

• North Olmsted High School's Marc Remy to Toledo

• Bedford High's Tyvis Powell to Ohio State

• Brush High School's Carlutorbantu Zaramo to Ball State

• Akron East High School's Joshmere Dawson to St. Francis

• St. Edward High School's Tyler Orlosky to West Virginia

• St. Ignatius High School's Eric Williams to Yale

• Shaker Heigths High's Antonio Johnson to Minnesota

• Mentor High School's Tom Strobel to Michigan

• North Olmsted High School's Marc Remy to Toledo

• Rhodes High School's LaKeith Walls to Illinois

• Solon High School's Cory Stuart to Dayton

• Buchtel's Jarrod Wilson to Michigan

• St. Ignatius High School's Blake Thomas to Ohio State

• Walsh Jesuit High School's Nick Wargo to Youngstown State

• Streetsboro High School's Alex Todd to Indiana

• St. Ignatius High School's Tim Shenk to Air Force

• Walsh Jesuit High School's Dane O'Driscoll to Duquesne

• Green High School's Andrew Pratt to Akron

• Bedford defensive end Myles Hilliard signs with Syracuse instead of Pittsburgh

• Westlake High School's Anthony Zappone to Eastern Michigan

• Solon High School's Cory Stuart to Dayton

• Holy Name High School's Dan Dreher to Princeton

• Solon High School's Austin Stock to Columbia

• St. Ignatius High School's Tim Shenk to Air Force

• Avon Lake High School's Mac Wightman to Youngstown State

• Medina High School's Mason Schreck to Buffalo

• Avon High School's Greg Harrison to Dayton

• Wadsworth High School's Jack Snowball to Miami (Ohio)

• Walsh Jesuit High School's Kevin Enright to Duquesne

• Solon High School's Nate Hoff to Navy

• Glenville High School's Willie Henry to Michigan

• Archbishop Hoban High School's LaTroy Lewis to Tennessee

• Mentor High School's Jack Hanley to Army

• Avon Lake High School's Jake Young to Dartmouth

• Elyria High School's Tad France to Kent State

• Glenville High School's Alex Pace to Cincinnati

• Elyria Catholic High School's Alex Nielsen to Kent State

• Hudson High School's Quaison Osborne to Akron

• Mentor High School's Kurt Laseak to Ohio University

• St. Vincent-St. Mary's Matthew Perry to Harvard

• Manchester High School's Tony Matteo to West Virginia

• Midview's Arlington McClinton to Akron

• Glenville High School's Sean Draper to Iowa

• Villa Angela-St. Joseph's Chevian Nolcox to Youngstown State

• Benedictine's Mike Roberts to Ohio University

• Medina High School's Benny Cunningham to Akron

• John Hay's Chris Collins to Toledo

• Walsh Jesuit's Ross Martin to Duke

• Glenville High School's Denzell Burton to Kent

• Brush High School's Pharaoh Brown to Oregon

• Rhodes High's tailback LaKeith Walls signs with Illinois

• Glenville High School's De'Van Bogard to Ohio State

• Archbishop Hoban's Greg McMullen to Nebraska

• Akron North's DeShawn Dowdy to Cincinnati

• Rhodes High's tailback LaKeith Walls signs with Illinois

• Kent Roosevelt's Curtis Black heads to Akron

• Glenville High School's V'Angelo Bentley to Illinois

Related stories:

• St. Ignatius' Svetina follows Toledo's Beckman to Illinois: Recruiting seen and heard

• Urban Meyer defends his aggressive recruiting for Ohio State's Class of 2012

• Urban Meyer talks recruiting odds and ends: Ohio State Insider

• Urban Meyer's passion for recruiting brightens Ohio State's football winter

• Akron, Kent State claim new recruits help fill roster weaknesses

Tim Tebow will not come to an Ohio church event.

Associated PressDenver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow.

Tim Tebow has canceled an appearance at a revival organized by a controversial Ohio preacher, a spokesman for the star athlete said Wednesday.

The Denver Broncos quarterback and dedicated Christian had been scheduled to speak at a three-day Columbus event in March led by televangelist Rod Parsley.

Tebow’s brother Robbie said in a phone interview that he was canceling the talk. Robbie Tebow said his brother’s speakers’ bureau hadn’t researched the event before saying yes to the invitation.

“I know for a fact that Tim is not going to be a part of it,” Robbie Tebow said. “That’s being resolved.”

Parsley teaches that God wants the faithful to be rich. Last year, he asked followers to donate more than $1 million to ward off satanic attacks. In the 2008 presidential election, Republican Sen. John McCain disowned an endorsement from Parsley after learning the pastor called Islam an “anti-Christ” religion.

Parsley’s gathering is called “Contending for the Faith Weekend.” Texas televangelist Kenneth Copeland, who also preaches the prosperity gospel, is another featured speaker, according to the event website.

Mark Youngkin, a spokesman for Parsley, said the quarterback has a contract with the event organizers, who have asked Tebow to reconsider. Youngkin said national advertising for the event had just been approved Tuesday.

“The ball’s in their court at this point,” Youngkin said.

Get your questions ready and join Cleveland Cavaliers' beat writer Tom Reed today at 10:30 A.M. as he talks Cavs basketball.

Tom Reed takes your questions live every Thursday at 10:30 A.M.

Get your questions ready and join Cleveland Cavaliers' beat writer Tom Reed today at 10:30 A.M. as he talks Cavs basketball.

Has it been a surprise that Kyrie Irving is having this much success so early this season? Who are some players that could be on their way out via trade? Is Anderson Varejao the only worthy All-Star? Will we see Mychel Thompson's role increase?

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Tom's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

Angelo Dundee, trainer for Ali, Leornard and 15 other boxing champions, died.

APAngelo Dundee and Muhammad Ali.

Steve Springer writes in The Los Angeles Times about former Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leornard trainer Angelo Dundee.

Dundee, who died at 90 last night,  developed a blood clot that developed during a flight back to his Florida home after visiting Ali in Louisville, Ky., for the boxer's 70th birthday last month.

Dundee was in Ali's corner for the Fight of the Century, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila, and in Leonard's corner for his No Mas match against Roberto Duran as well as his memorable fights against Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

Other boxers trained by Dundee included George Foreman, Carmen Basilio and Willie Pastrano.

Springer writes how in a sport of drama and explosiveness, dealing with fighters spouting hyperbole and filled with emotion, Dundee was the perfect complement, always calm, always analytical, ever able to maintain his cool, whether in the sweltering heat of Manila or the fury of Zaire.

Should the Cavaliers move Antawn Jamsion? Is February a make-or-break month with tough schedule? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Tom Reed takes your questions live every Thursday at 10:30 A.M.

Should the Cavaliers move Antawn Jamsion? Is February a make-or-break month with tough schedule?

Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• His take on the Cavaliers play so far this season.

• Happy with the play of Kyrie Irving and how he makes his teammates better.

• How much Anderson Varejao means to this team and if the Cavs will move him.

• Having role players like Mychel Thompson available when starters are hurt.

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to also like Tom Reed on Twitter.

Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel will become vice president of strategic engagement at the University of Akron. Watch video

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerFormer Ohio State head football coach Jim Tressel answers questions after being named vice president for strategic engagement at the University of Akron. UA President Luis M. Proenza looks on at Thursday morning press conference.

AKRON, Ohio -- Former Ohio State University football coach Jim Tressel, introduced this morning as the University of Akron's new vice president of strategic engagement, said he was drawn to the job by the chance to continue working with students.

Tressel met with 28 leaders at the student union at 8 a.m. to talk about his job, a new post that was created for him.  He told students that he wants to use his connections to build relationships between the university and community.

Tressel also told students that he wants to learn from them what the university needs and then will help find the resources to support those programs. 

Tressel, who will report directly to university President Luis Proenza,  is scheduled to start work on May 1, at a base salary of $200,000, pending approval by university trustees.

He will focus on student success and the Akron Experience program, which will offer students learning opportunities outside the classroom such as service projects or opportunities in their field of interest.

He said he plans to develop connections throughout the region by reaching out to alumni, friends of the university, future students, local schools and businesses.

Tressel -- already wearing a lapel pin depicting Akron's mascot, Zippy the kangaroo -- was accompanied this morning by his wife, Ellen, and Proenza.

After the meeting with students, Tressel and Proenza appeared at a news conference. Tressel said he and the president started talking about a possible role at the university when Tressel and others advised Proenza on a search for a new football coach late last year.

Tressel also has a close connection to Akron's provost, William "Mike" Sherman. Sherman, who started the Akron job in 2010, previously had been vice provost for academic planning and professor of sport and exercise science at OSU, where he had worked for 25 years.

"Jim has touched thousands of lives in positive ways," said Proenza. "He has incredible energy and demonstrates leadership, passion and compassion for students. We feel fortunate that he has decided to bring that dedication here to the University of Akron. Our students will be the beneficiaries."

Tressel said: "I have great memories of my time at UA and, more importantly, I feel a real sense of family when I'm on this campus. I am inspired by the vision of President Proenza.  I admire what he, the leadership team and the faculty have accomplished over the last decade to build the reputation of the University and lay a strong foundation for student success.  I'm looking forward to being part of the spirit of innovation that drives the University of Akron."

Tressel had met with the Indianapolis Colts last month about the head coaching job, and acknowledged today that he had talked to officials at Baldwin-Wallace College and Wittenberg University about their presidential searches. Tressel declined to say how far those talks had progressed.

One of the most successful football coaches in Ohio State history, Tressel's 2002 Buckeye team won a national championship. Under Tressel, Ohio State went 8-1 against archrival Michigan -- and he is the only OSU coach to win seven straight games against Michigan.

Tressel resigned from the OSU job in May amid an NCAA investigation of rules violations.

Tressel's first college coaching job, as a graduate assistant, was at Akron, where he earned a master's degree in education in 1977. He first made his mark as a head coach at Youngstown State, where he won four national championships at the Division I-AA level.

Tressel, 59, is scheduled to appear this afternoon at Berea High School, his alma mater. He earned his bachelor's degree from Baldwin-Wallace College.

He also coached at Miami and Syracuse universities.

Thanks to Urban Meyer, Ohio State comes out on top with this recruiting class.

AP PhotoUrban Meyer

Columnist Marla Ridenour of Ohio.com writes how coach Urban Meyer has scrambled for recruits despite a one-year bowl band.

In the wake of that blow, writers Ridenour, Meyer proved he could adapt, think fast on his feet and, above all, counter-punch.

How so?

On signing day Wednesday, Ohio State announced a 25-man class of 2012 that was ranked No. 3 by Rivals.com and Scout.com and No. 6 by ESPN. Meyer said the roster stands at 81, one below the NCAA’s Aug. 1 limit, with OSU losing three scholarships for three consecutive years.

“I keep hearing top five, top three, top two, that doesn’t mean a whole lot to me personally,” Meyer said of the class ranking. “At the end of the day, it’s what happens two to three years from now.”

Ridenour also writes how the ban will rob the 2012 class of valuable bowl practices, when youngsters have made their mark in the past.

But that didn't stop four defensive linemen considered five- or four-star recruits.

More Ohio State Buckeyes

Don't blame the coach when high school players decide to flip the script, writes Rob Oller of The Columbus Dispatch.

Urban Meyer talks odds and ends with Doug Lesmerises of The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Urban Meyer closes deals on top five recruiting class, writes Todd Porter of CantonRep.com. 

The Ohio State Buckeyes sign an impressive class, writes Jim Naveau of The Lima News.

OSU recruit Noah Spence tells CBSSports.com why he chose the Buckeyes.

Ohio State ranks No. 1 in the Big Ten, but Michigan isn't far behind, writes Detroit News reporter Tom Markowski.

Akron has hired former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel as vice president for strategic engagement.

Marvin Fong/ The Plain DealerFormer OSU coach Jim Tressel.

Former Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel is not going back to school to coach, but he's going to Akron as vice president for strategic engagement.

University officials say he will work with alumni, community organizations and friends of the school to develop strategies and efforts to help students succeed.

Tressel resigned under pressure from his coaching job at Ohio State after the program went under NCAA investigation for the tattoo/memorabilia scandal and his failure to report it to OSU athletic department officials.

If Tressel does return to coaching, the school trying to hire him will have to deal with a five-year show-cause penalty from the NCAA.

That means any NCAA member that wants to hire him would have to "show cause" for why it shouldn't be sanctioned for hiring him, and could face severe penalties if he commits any further violations during that time.

With all this as a backdrop and the damage that has been done to Tressel's reputation, was it a good move for the University of Akron to bring him on board?

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera is the only unsigned Indians player still eligible for arbitration.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerRafael Perez avoids arbitration by signing one-year deal with the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Left-hander Rafael Perez has signed a one-year deal with the Indians to avoid arbitration.

Perez, entering his fifth big-league season with the Indians, will receive $2.005 million and has a chance to earn another $25,000 in performance bonuses. Perez's signing leaves shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera as the Indians only player still eligible for arbitration.

Cabrera has a hearing date scheduled in St. Petersburg, Fla., to argue money with the Indians. He's seeking $5.2 million and the Indians have offered $3.75 million. He made $2.025 million last year.

Perez signed for just over the midpoint of what he requested and the Indians offered. Perez was seeking $2.4 million and the Indians offered $1.6 million. The midpoint was $2 million.

He made $1.33 million last year.

The midpoint for Cabrera is $4.475 million.

Perez, 29, went 5-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 71 appearances last year. He struck out 33, walked 19 and allowed 59 hits in 63 innings. The opposition hit .253 against him with an on base percentage of .307.

Lefties hit .237 (28-for-118) with one homer off Perez. Righties hit .270 (31-for-115) with one homer against him. He allowed just seven of 44 inherited runners to score.

Perez has made 70 or more appearances in three of his last four seasons. To earn all of his $25,000 in incentives, Perez needs to make 55 appearances this year.

Last year he had a 1.91 ERA in the first half compared to a 4.62 ERA after the All-Star break.

Finally: Indians equipment trucks leave for Goodyear, Ariz., and spring training Friday. Pitchers and catchers report Feb. 20 and the first workout is Feb. 22. . .Indians negotiations with veteran infielder Julio Lugo on a minor league deal fell through.  

Bill Livingston says Jim Tressel has been successful at every position, so he doesn't see anything different at Akron. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Today's guest, columnist Bill Livingston, says Akron hiring Jim Tressel is very good for Tressel, especially since he's been successful at everything he has done.

Livingston also talks about what the Akron job could possibly lead to. Livingston is impressed with Ohio State's recruiting class and he's even more impressed with Urban Meyer.

Livingston also gives us his Super Bowl prediction.

SBTV will return Friday with a speicial guest.

Is National Signing day too much?

Kyle Roberston, Columbus DispatchUrban Meyer

National signing day is here and gone. It is either the most hyped and overblown spectacle or, if you ask the student athletes, one of the most exciting events ever created.

The high school athletes love it. The alumni from the various institutions get the chance to see which top players are signing with their respective schools. But are we giving too much hype to an event we can find out via fax (or email?).

Should Brad Childress call the plays for the Browns? Do the Browns bring back Peyton Hillis? If Eli Manning wins this Sunday's Super Bowl, does he make the list of all-time great quarterbacks? Watch today's show for answers. Watch video

Should Brad Childress call the plays for the Browns? Do the Browns bring back Peyton Hillis? If Eli Manning wins this Sunday's Super Bowl, does he make the list of all-time great quarterbacks?

On today's "PD Sports Insider: Browns Edition," Dennis Manoloff and Bud Shaw talked about those topics and answered your chat room questions.

Click on play to watch the show as the PD Sports Insiders also discuss:

- PD writer Bill Lubinger joined the guys talking about Jim Tressel being hired at the University of Akron.

- Thoughts on Scene Magazine's interview with Randy Lerner

- Should the Browns bring back Peyton Hillis and if so, what role will he have?

- The effect of bringing in Brad Childress as offensive coordinator.

- The Super Bowl and the storylines within.

- plus a whole lot more!

About the show: "PD Sports Insider" airs live every Monday and Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also Skype in or email their video questions during the week.

You'd be hard-pressed to find someone with more presence in the state of Ohio, PD columnist says. Watch video

What does Jim Tressel bring to the University of Akron?

A lot.

Tressel is the university's new Vice President of Strategic Engagement. His salary is $200,000, less than he made for coaching one game at Ohio State. In terms of attention-grabbing and fund-raising power, Tressel will soon pay for his salary and far more.

Think about it for a moment.

Is there anyone else in Ohio -- college president, college coach, college anything -- who can consistently draw bigger crowds as a speaker than Tressel? He puts an instant and bright spotlight on an ambitious urban university and its struggling football program -- even though he can't coach the team.

Nationally, some will ask how any university could hire Tressel after he lost his OSU coaching job because he lied to the NCAA.

Locally, most people will say, "We know Jim Tressel better than you do, and he's one of our guys."

Tressel coached at various Ohio colleges from 1975-2010 for all but two seasons (1981-82 at Syracuse). His father, Lee Tressel, was a legendary football coach at Baldwin-Wallace College. While many of Tressel's friends and supporters were upset and disappointed by his problems with the NCAA, very few abandoned him.

Most people in Ohio believe in Tressel.

As Akron president Luis Proenza said: "Look at the man, look at what he has done. Look at the thousands of lives he has impacted. We knew that was the asset. The opportunity. And we wanted that to be available."

Tressel stressed that he will not have any direct involvement with the football team and athletics.

But here is a former Ohio State coach who was 8-1 against Michigan, won a national NCAA title with the Buckeyes -- and four NCAA Division I-AA championships at Youngstown State. He has raised millions for various charities across the state, written thousands of notes to high school coaches over the years. He has spoken at hundreds of clubs, clinics and other events -- and shaken tens of thousands of hands.

"This is a great move for the university, and he really does have a special place in his heart for Akron," said Jim Dennison.

Dennison was the Zips' football coach in 1975 when Tressel was hired as a Zips graduate assistant. He spent four years on Dennison's staff. Now the head coach at Walsh University in North Canton, Dennison said he talks to Tressel "every few weeks." He was not aware that Tressel was headed to Akron until Wednesday.

"Jim has said he wants to work with young people, and he really does love to teach," said Dennison. "There are a lot of things Jim can do at this point in his life."

The 59-year-old Tressel was given a five-year "show cause" scarlet letter by the NCAA, making it very hard for any university to hire him as a coach. Part of the reason for the heavy penalty was the NCAA is strict about coaches supplying false information, and a general sense that Tressel didn't seem deeply remorseful for his actions.

Tressel's backers believe losing the Ohio State job -- the only job that Tressel ever wanted -- was more than enough of a penalty. He deserves a second chance along with a heavy dose of benefit of the doubt.

Can Tressel help the football program?

How can he hurt a team that is 2-22 in the last two football seasons, and 5-13 at home since the beautiful $61 million stadium opened in 2009. The Zips' final home game of 2011 was a 35-3 embarrassment to rival Kent State on Nov. 12, 2011. The school announced an average attendance of 15,734 -- but there were fewer than 5,000 in the seats for some games.

Those paying attention to the Zips knew coach Rob Ianello would be fired at the end of the season.

But who knew that former Auburn coach Terry Bowden would replace Ianello? Or that Tressel would become one of the major faces of the university?

Tressel can meet with alumni, raise funds and do public speaking -- all under the Akron banner. And he can certainly say nice things about how Bowden can turn around the football program. Given Tressel's credibility among Ohio high school coaches, his blessing should open doors all over the state for Bowden and his staff.

And that does nothing but help a program that desperately needs it.

Tressel became a national figure during his coaching career at Ohio State, before the big news of his forced resignation last spring in the aftermath of the football program's NCAA rules violations. Links to stories about Tressel going to Akron.

Scott Shaw, The Plain DealerJim Tressel (left) during a news conference at the University of Akron on Thursday, when he was introduced as the school's vice president of strategic engagement, effective May 1.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Tressel, the ultra-successful head football coach at Youngstown State and, of course, Ohio State, has been hired by the University of Akron as vice president of strategic engagement, as reported by The Plain Dealer's Karen Farkas.

Tressel was forced to resign as Ohio State's coach on May 30, after it became clear that he didn't inform the university and the NCAA of his knowledge that OSU players had traded memorabilia for tattoos and/or cash -- a violation of NCAA rules.

Tressel's resignation and the events that led to it made national headlines. The response to the news of his new job with Akron isn't as dramatic, but is certainly significant.

Bob Finnan's story for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal includes a touch of humor about Tressel's path to the Akron job: 

Tressel went from working 18 hours a day, seven days a week with the Buckeyes to puttering around the house. He admits his wife was getting tired of looking at him.

“My wife said, ‘You have to find a job,’ ” he said. “ ‘How many times can you cut the grass?’ ”

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com coverage of Tressel's hiring by Akron includes, besides Farkas' report, Terry Pluto's column that Tressel will raise the University of Akron's profile; Bill Livingston's interview on Starting Blocks TV, saying the move is a good one for Tressel; the story by PD Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmeries on Tressel's visit to Berea High School, his alma mater, on Thursday; Bill Lubinger's story on Tressel taking on a new challenge at Akron; a timeline of Tressel's football playing and coaching career; and more. 

More Tressel-Akron

From the Akron Beacon Journal and Ohio.com, University of Akron president Luis M. Proenza's letter to Jim Tressel offering Tressel the position, with Tressel's acceptance signature at the bottom.

Tressel's hiring by Akron is reported on USAToday.com by Erick Smith.

Before going to Akron, what Jim Tressel's next career move would be was "somewhat of a mystery," writes Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com. 

Matt Hinton of Yahoo! Sports implies some cynicism about Tressel taking the job at Akron.

It's not clear to James Brady, writing for SB Nation, just what Tressel will do at Akron.

Tressel named an Akron vice president, from the Columbus Dispatch.

What Tressel's job at Akron will entail hasn't been clearly defined, Carol Biliczky writes for the Akron Beacon Journal.

Jim Tressel is going back to school. An ESPN.com report including information from the Associated Press.

Akron hires Jim Tressel. By Timothy Magaw for Crain's Cleveland Business.

On Sports Illustrated's SI.com, an Associated Press story on Akron's hiring of Jim Tressel.

Asdrubal Cabrera named Cleveland's top pro athlete for 2011.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerJoe Tait and his wife, Jean, at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission banquet. Tait's farewell as the radio voice of the Cavaliers was voted the city's best sports moment of 2011.

The subject is anathema to Browns cornerback Joe Haden.

Rebuilding. Specifically, lengthy rebuilding.

Haden does not want to hear that the Browns, coming off yet another ugly season, might be in the early stages of a rebuild under President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert.

"As players, we can't think like that," he said during one of several interviews Thursday night at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. "We can't be hearing about three, five, seven years down the road because we might not be here. We want to win as soon as possible."

No surprise here: The ever-optimistic Haden is convinced a significant turnaround can happen next season.

"I'm not going to make any guarantees," he said with a chuckle. "I'm not going to be that guy. I won't go there. . . . But I will say this: I expect us to be much better in 2012. I expect us to have a strong year, and I know my teammates do, as well."

The Browns went 4-12 this season, including a six-game skid to close. They kept finding new ways to lose; six of the defeats were by seven or fewer points.

A two-year pro, Haden already is sick of losing, the Browns having gone 5-11 in his rookie year. He feels Browns fans' pain. But he will take the relative competitiveness of 2011 and run with it into training camp this summer.

"We felt like we were always a couple of plays from winning," Haden said. "We weren't really getting blown out. If we had been getting blown out by 30, then I would have to say we need a rebuild. But we've got a lot of pieces in place -- I don't care what anybody says. I'm telling you: We're not that far away.

"What we need is a winning mentality. We need it so that, when we get in close games, we're going to say: 'Who's going to make a play?' instead of 'Who's going to mess it up?'"

Haden finished a season in which he posted more sacks (one) than interceptions in 15 games, all starts. Nonetheless, he more than held his own against the opposition's best receivers.

Haden had six picks in 16 games as a rookie.

"The interception numbers weren't there this year, but I became a whole lot better player," he said. "We were in man-to-man 90 percent of the time; in zone, you can read the quarterback's eyes. I didn't get any picks, but the Browns know what I was doing, and that's all that matters."

Haden said he has not spoken with the Browns new defensive backs coach, Tim Hauck.

"I'm sure he'll do a great job," Haden said.

•Haden was a finalist, along with Indians right-hander Justin Masterson and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission's professional Athlete of the Year. Cabrera won.

Cabrera is the Tribe's last remaining arbitration-eligible player without a deal.

"Nothing yet," he said. "We're talking right now. I want a long contract. We'll see."

The GCSA, an annual event held at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, was emceed by ESPN personality Erin Andrews. Haden and Andrews, University of Florida products, spoke at length before the banquet.

•Among other notables in attendance was Cleveland native Harrison Dillard, who won two golds in the 1948 London Olympics (100m, 4x100) and two more at the 1952 Helsinki Games (110m hurdles, 4x100).

Former Baldwin-Wallace star Dillard, fit and trim at 88, has been invited to attend the London Games this summer. He will be accompanied by family.

"I'm very excited to be going back to a place with so many great memories," he said.

GCSA winners:

•High School Athlete of the Year: Mitch Trubisky, football, Mentor.

•Collegiate Athlete: University of Akron men's soccer team.

•Amateur Athlete: Jessica Beard, USA Track and Field, Euclid.

•Pro Athlete: Asdrubal Cabrera, shortstop, Indians.

•Courage Award: Brandee Kelly.

•Lifetime Achievement: Austin Carr.

•Sports Development Gold Medalist: Ron & Joan Ganim, USA Gymnastics.

•2011 Best Moment in Cleveland Sports: Joe Tait's Farewell.

Akron is hoping it will benefit from the positives that Tressel brought to Columbus while he was coach of the Buckeyes.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerJim Tressel answers questions Thursday after being named vice president for strategic engagement at the University of Akron.

Leslie H. Wexner, chairman of The Ohio State University Board of Trustees, was talking about the Buckeyes football coach and the right way to win.

"[It's] that fact that the coach is really interested in the community, interested in broader success, interested in the life success of the athletes. . . . I'm really proud of any educator that is concerned with the university and that says we're connected to teaching and we're connected to helping students with their lives. I think he's unique."

The coach was Jim Tressel, and Wexner was speaking in summer 2010, before any of the NCAA scandal had hit Ohio State. It's that Jim Tressel who Akron is hoping it hired Thursday in a non-athletics administrative position.

Because there's also the Jim Tressel whom the NCAA found, in its final December ruling on Ohio State, "failed to comport himself in accordance with the honesty and integrity normally associated with the conduct and administration of intercollegiate athletics as required by NCAA legislation."

Both exist in the public record and the public perception. But at his peak, Tressel was viewed by the Ohio State community as much more than a coach, much greater than a coach, much more intertwined with the fabric of the overall mission than just a coach would be. Few, in any, at the university, found fault with Tressel the man then. And then, Tressel the coach broke the rules.

There is risk involved with Akron in this hire, if Tressel even once wanders into athletics, where his show-cause penalty from the NCAA places strict guidelines on his interactions. But if Tressel sticks to his role, there's a lot that he learned as Tressel the coach that could help him in his new job.

Everything in college football that isn't X's and O's is relationships. In recruiting. In managing your coaching staff. In fundraising. In dealing with high school coaches. In speaking to alumni groups.

There are two distinct parts of the job for every college coach, and the potential jobs Tressel talked about in the past month would have left him with half his former position but not the other.

He interviewed for the head coaching job with the Indianapolis Colts. That would have been all football.

He talked to Akron about this job. It's not football.

For Tressel, this seems to make more sense.

He's more of a down-and-dirty football guy, ready to draw up an offensive game plan and take on a defense than most ever gave him credit for. But he was the other things, too. A hospital administrator, talking of the OSU team visits, told me two years ago "that the human side of coach Tressel really comes out when he's helping these boys understand what impact they have on patients."

Tressel is detail-oriented and organized, the kind of guy who picked up trash in the parking lot, and he looks as comfortable in a suit as he does in a whistle, which not all coaches can say. He played a large role in the fundraising for the $21 million expansion of Woody Hayes Athletic Center, and when he wanted lights for his practice field, he sat in a prospective donor's living room and got a $5 million donation that wouldn't have been made without Tressel.

And Akron will be getting at least some of the shine from Ohio State football, though there's a tarnish that wasn't there two years ago. Some of the students Tressel will be dealing with will remember Ohio State's 2002 national championship and think it's cool to talk to the coach.

And though he's 59 and not particularly flashy, Tressel still knows kids. At an assembly at Berea High School on Thursday, he opened an hourlong session with middle school and high school students by getting them to clap and raise their hands for important guests at the proper time. When the students messed it up the first few times, Tressel wrinkled his face and mocked them a bit. They laughed -- and then when Tressel started on his message, they seemed to be paying attention.

He can't coach for Akron. But because he was a coach, he may be able to help.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Entering Thursday, the Monsters were four points out of the conference's eighth and final playoff spot.

View full sizePDLake Erie Monsters coach David Quinn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Monsters entered Thursday ranked last in the 15-team Western Conference with a .478 winning percentage (20-22-2-1). They were tied for last with 43 points.

Yet Monsters coach David Quinn is not firing pucks against the refrigerator. This particular coach of a last-place club has a distinct calm about him.

Quinn is not in denial, or otherwise playing fast and loose with the facts. He simply is crunching the numbers that appear in his daily briefing packet. Doing so has left him anything but pessimistic.

"When you look at our record, and the reality that we're in last place, you'd think the season is slipping away," Quinn said. "But the bottom line is, we're right in the middle of it. I know it sounds crazy, but look at the standings."

Entering Thursday, the Monsters were four points out of the conference's eighth and final playoff spot, held by Peoria. Where the North Division is concerned, Lake Erie was eight points behind leader Toronto and three points behind second-place Rochester.

The Western and Eastern Conferences feature three, five-team divisions. Each conference sends to the Calder Cup playoffs its division winners, plus the next five teams with the highest point totals.

The regular season consists of 76 games. The Monsters begin a stretch of four road games tonight when they face San Antonio.

"Obviously, we'd like to be in a better position," Quinn said. "But if we play the way we're capable and put together a streak, we're right there. We've done a nice job of hanging around, but we haven't really put together a legit hot streak. I truly believe we're ready to go on a run."

Quinn's reason for optimism centers on his club's health. With the notable exception of his top two goalies, the Monsters are as strong at the top, and deep at the bottom, as they have been all season.

"All we need is for guys to play to their abilities for long periods," Quinn said. "To this point, it's been in spurts -- up and down. Teamwide consistency is bound to happen, and now is as good of a time as any."

Lack of consistency is the reason the Monsters don't have a bona fide first line.

"It's been elusive," Quinn said. "We have three pretty good lines, sometimes four, but the first one needs to be defined and it needs to be better."

Ced's close: The Monsters finally have a timetable for the return of their top goalie, Cedrick Desjardins, who has not played since Dec. 28 because of a lower-body injury. Quinn said he hopes Desjardins will be between the pipes Feb. 10 at Peoria.

No. 2 goalie Trevor Cann remains out indefinitely because of a lower-body injury. Cann has not played since Jan. 19.

Gerald Coleman and James Reid are the Monsters' active goalies.

"Goaltending hasn't been an issue for us all year," Quinn said. "We've been fortunate. Guys have picked up each other."

Trade winds: The Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals completed a trade Thursday that will send Monsters center Mike Carman to Washington's affiliate, the Hershey (Pa.) Bears, in exchange for defenseman Danny Richmond. Carman was in his second year and had three goals and three assists through 28 games this season.

Finally: Center Adrian Foster, who was limited to eight games primarily because of injuries, was released earlier this week and will play in Europe.

"It was pretty much a mutual agreement," Quinn said. "It's a chance for him to go over there and make some money. He just couldn't create a niche for himself because of the injuries, and we didn't want to hold him back."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

Tressel's duties will include developing programs to align the university with the needs of neighborhoods and the region; increasing internships and other opportunities for students; and creating partnerships with other organizations or businesses.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerJim Tressel's duties at Akron likely will include developing programs to align the university with the needs of the region; increasing internships and other opportunities for students; and creating partnerships with other organizations or businesses.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jim Tressel's new job -- vice president of strategic engagement at the University of Akron -- is evidence of an emerging trend in higher education, according to an official at the American Council on Education.

The council represents more than 1,600 campus presidents and chancellors at nonprofit and for-profit public and private colleges and universities.

Akron created the position for Tressel, the former Ohio State University football coach, who was introduced at a news conference on Thursday.

With much less fanfare, Cleveland State University last week announced it had named Byron White, a former vice chancellor for the Ohio Board of Regents, to a new position as vice president for university engagement.

White's and Tressel's duties appear similar -- develop programs to align the university with the needs of neighborhoods and the region; increase internships and other opportunities for students; and create partnerships with other organizations or businesses.

An "engagement" position combines duties from several areas, said Gretchen Bataille, senior vice president for leadership and lifelong learning at the education council in Washington, D.C.

"I think it's a function that has been around for a really long time," she said. "There have been vice presidents charged with external relations [to work with people or groups outside the university]. Some are in advancement in terms of donors and sometimes they are in a research office."

Sometimes the person works in student affairs, Bataille said.

"Every institution is cognizant of the need to develop students prepared for the work force," she said. "It is an interesting variation on the usual strategic engagement. And specifically naming a vice president in this area is a new trend."

She said the position is likely top be tied to the goals of a college president.

"My guess is both Cleveland State University and the University of Akron are really paying attention to ensuring their students are successful when they are out," she said.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: kfarkas@plaind.com, 216-999-5079

Fishing is slow on the lakes and ponds of Northeast Ohio despite the lack of ice cover.

View full sizeAP file photo

Area fishing is very slow on lakes and ponds, despite the lack of ice cover. Steelhead trout streams have settled down, but are off color. Smaller, clear-water tributaries have been the best bet.

Stocked trout around Cleveland Metroparks are providing action, with Berea's Wallace Lake the top location. Trout were also released at Shadow, Ledge, Judges and Ranger lakes.

There are sketchy reports of a few Lake Erie walleye being caught around the reefs west of Port Clinton when the waters are calm. When near-shore water is clear, some Lake Erie piers are giving up smelt on tiny ice jigs and bait.

This week's outdoor events

Today through Sunday: Great Akron Sportsman's Show & Sale, Summit County Fairgrounds, Tallmadge. For information, visit fishnfieldreport.com

Saturday: Rory Frank Tournament Bass Meetings, 1 p.m., Rodmaker's Shop, 20884 Royalton Road, Strongsville. Meetings for Northern Open Anglers Association, Electric Elite Series and LaDo Bass Circuit.

Saturday: Antique Outboard Motor Show, Orchard Hills Park Lodge, 11340 Caves Road, Chester Township. Free. Hosted by the Western Reserve Chapter of the Antique Outboard Motor Club of America. Call Steve Adzema, 216-408-7684.

Sunday: All-Breed Hunter's Trial, Fin Fur Feather Outfitters, 8 a.m., 652 Ohio 250 East at I-71, Ashland.

Feb. 12: Gus Ferencak Memorial and Del Shamp/Chuck Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter's Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Ohio 224, Sullivan Township. Entries close Thursday night. Call Ginny Reznik, 330-723-1679. Season schedule at hunterstrial.com

Ohio hunting seasons

Archery deer season -- through Feb. 15.

Cottontail rabbit season -- through Feb. 29.

Crow season -- through March 12.

Coyote, Woodchuck -- no closed season.

Trapping seasons

Mink, Muskrat, Beaver, River Otter -- through Feb. 29.

Shalonda Winton leads CSU with 22 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Butler 68, Cleveland State 62 The Vikings (8-13, 3-7 Horizon League) shot just 37 percent from the floor (20-for-53) and lost at the Wolstein Center to the Bulldogs (9-12, 5-5). Shalonda Winton led CSU with 22 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.