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Former Akron Garfield standout Whitney Mercilus gets interest as NFL draft approaches

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The Illinois defensive end "became more of a student of the game" and now has scouts looking him over.

WHITNEY-MERCILUS-NFL-DRAFT.JPGView full sizeIllinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, an Akron Garfield graduate, runs a drill at the NFL Scouting Combine in February.

The phone began ringing after the incredible numbers piled up -- 16 sacks, nine forced fumbles last season.

NFL scouts called about Illinois junior defensive end Whitney Mercilus asking the same question: Who is this guy?

Well, maybe not who, but what, as in, "What was the difference between last year and this year?" said Keith Gilmore, his college position coach. "Why all of a sudden he became a great player."

It was as if the 6-4, 261-pound Mercilus suddenly emerged from a cornfield to become a likely first-round pick Thursday in the NFL draft.

The former Akron Garfield standout and Plain Dealer All-Star had started just two games with one sack as a sophomore, and recorded just one sack as a redshirt freshman.

It wasn't a cornfield. It was a weight room, and the football classroom, and intense training to improve his speed and pass-rushing technique.

"I became more of a student of the game," he said by phone recently between stops on a whirlwind tour of NFL team visits. "And also I worked harder in terms of developing my body."

The student's confidence grew with experience and playing time, Gilmore said, and he better understood blocking schemes and how offenses might try to handle him.

"And I would say his finger had a lot to do with it, too," said his younger brother, Donald, a freshman free safety and double business major at Mount Union.

Mercilus lost the tip of his left index finger in a weightlifting accident when he reached in to help a teammate who was losing control of a lift. The fingertip was cut off between the weights and weight stand.

"That just opened his eyes to see that anything could happen any day," his brother said. "I guess he looked at life in a new perspective."

As the season progressed, Gilmore also reminded Mercilus, who plays with a finger splint inside his glove, to worry less and just cut it loose.

"I think early in the year, he was afraid to make a mistake," Gilmore said. "He's such a conscientious kid. It was an ongoing conversation."

The conversation has shifted to how high in the draft Mercilus will go. Most draft analysts project him as a mid-to-late first-rounder.

Seven teams, including the Browns, Chicago and San Diego, brought him in for a visit. Green Bay and Baltimore sent his high school coach questionnaires to learn more about him.

"Where I land is not really a preference to me," said Mercilus, the middle child of Haitian immigrants who settled in Akron by way of New York. "Football is football, no matter how you look at."

But when Garfield High School coach Bob Sax first caught a glimpse, Mercilus was a 6-0, 185-pound freshman without a clue. He hadn't played a down -- at any level.

"He was really raw," Sax said. "You could tell he didn't really know how to block or run routes."

Mercilus, initially a tight end, still remembers his first game.

"I want to say it was against East," he said. "I got a tight end 'pop pass' and caught the ball, but I fumbled it because the kid put his helmet right on the ball and made it come out. That was my first time."

By his junior year of high school, though, he was athletic, big and strong enough to play both ways -- tight end and defensive end -- and colleges paid attention.

"Every time he comes home, he'd be like, 'Dad, mister such and such is going to come down to my school to see me play,' " recalled his father Wilner Mercilus, who works as a caregiver for senior citizens.

"I'd say: 'Are you sure? Are you getting that good? Are you sure they're coming to your school to see you play?' I knew he could do whatever he can on a field to become good, but it was hard for me to believe they were coming to school only to focus on him, you know?"

Some colleges identified his son as a tight end. Illinois, which he chose partly to be closer to home, recruited him for defense.

"I definitely wanted to play defense instead of offense," Mercilus said. "Give the hit, not take it."

Last fall, he was a giver.

The nine forced fumbles are a Big Ten single-season record and just one short of an NCAA record. His 16 sacks tied an Illinois record (NFL Pro Bowler Simeon Rice in 1994).

"We always knew what he could do," said Illinois teammate Justin Staples, a redshirt senior defensive lineman from St. Edward, who was in the same Illini recruiting class with Mercilus, Mayfield's Ashante Williams and Glenville's Cordell Scott. "I've never seen Whitney take a play off."

The accolades poured in. Mercilus was named a first-team All-American by nine news outlets/publications, including the Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America and American Football Coaches Association.

After his record-setting junior season, Mercilus talked to his parents and coaches about whether to go pro, got an estimate from the NFL about his possible draft ranking and declared himself eligible. Because of his athleticism, Mercilus also is being looked at as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Mercilus said it was a tough decision, being a semester short of a community health degree, which he said is important to him and his parents. He also didn't want to declare for the draft and then slip to the late rounds or not get chosen at all. He has heard the "one-hit wonder" whispers.

But the consensus had his value much higher.

"That made me more comfortable about my decision," he said. "Got the NFL grade back, which was a third-round grade, and they usually do it conservatively. So I thought, second round, why not? So I decided to make the jump."

So, on Thursday night, Mercilus, surrounded by family and friends, many coming from out of town, and some on Skype to Haiti, will be in Akron as his football future unfolds on the national stage.

"There is what is called joy, happiness," his father said. "Then at the same time fear, stress, all combined together. That day, we're going to be sitting in front of the TV, you're heart is going to be beeping high."

"No matter what comes," said his mother Yvrose, "it comes."


Amherst Comets soar into 3-way tie for first: High School Roundup

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The topsy-turvy softball season in the Southwestern Conference continued on Monday when defending champ Amherst blanked visiting Westlake, 4-0. The win puts the Comets (11-5, 6-2) into a first-place tie with Westlake and Avon Lake.

The topsy-turvy softball season in the Southwestern Conference continued on Monday when defending champ Amherst blanked visiting Westlake, 4-0.

The win puts the Comets (11-5, 6-2) into a first-place tie with Westlake and Avon Lake.

South Dakota recruit Jennifer Sutton shut down the Demons on four hits, a walk and nine strikeouts. Sophomore Brooklynn Gonzalez gave Amherst all the runs it needed with a three-run home run in the first inning.

Elyria 13, Medina 3

The Pioneers (14-2, 5-0) put the game out of reach early with nine first-inning runs to take over sole possession of first place in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division and hand Medina its second loss in three games. Caitlyn Minney went the distance in the six-inning affair and allowed seven hits and struck out eight. Battery mate Haley Looney had a home run and a triple, good for four RBI and two runs scored. Lex Roseboro also went yard and added a double while driving in two runs and scoring a pair.

North Ridgeville 2, Avon 0

Rangers junior ace Kailey Demarco got the better of Avon senior/Marshall recruit Brittanie Fowler in a key West Shore Conference game. Demarco hurled her first no-hitter of the season with two walks and eight strikeouts for Ridgeville (10-6, 6-2) and junior center fielder Mariah Mattila accounted for a double, an RBI and a stolen base.

Cloverleaf 5, Highland 3

The Colts (15-5, 3-5) assured themselves of their first winning season since 1995 with the Suburban League victory behind pitcher Kristen Kilzer's six-hit, six-strikeout effort. Katie Carino got two of Cloverleaf's seven hits, including a solo home run.

West Geauga 12, Aurora 11 (9 innings)

The much-improved Wolverines (8-5, 5-2) handed visiting Aurora its first Chagrin Valley Conference Chagrin Division loss thanks to a successful suicide squeeze bunt in the bottom of the ninth inning. West Geauga finished with 22 hits as Kayli Doll and Rachel Komar teamed up for six of those hits, along with three RBI and two runs scored.

Padua 11, Beaumont 9

The Bruins (3-8, 1-5) won their first North Coast League North Division game and kept Beaumont winless in the circuit thanks to Anne Burns' RBI on a single and two doubles.

Baseball

Walsh Jesuit 12, Padua 0

The Warriors (13-2, 6-1) remained the team to beat in their first season in the NCL Blue Division thanks to five runs in the top of the fifth inning and six more runs in the sixth. The offensive performances were widespread, led by Ohio Northern recruit Zack Leonatti and Rollins recruit Anthony Nemer, both with a pair of hits and multiple RBI.

Kenston 7, Perry 0

Senior Michael Fearer pitched a no-hitter with a walk and nine strikeouts in the CVC Chagrin Division blanking for the Bombers (11-7-2, 7-0). Kenston countered with 11 hits, led by Ethan Bush's three hits, RBI and stolen base.

Indians vs. Royals: Series preview

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Royals have lost 11 straight games as they come to Progressive Field.

Derek Lowe Derek Lowe starts for the Indians tonight.

When: Tonight through Thursday.

Where: Progressive Field.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100 tonight and Thursday, WMMS FM/100.7 on Wednesday.

Series: The Indians lead the Royals, 3-0, this year. Indians lead, 298-278, overall.

Pitching matchups: RHP Derek Lowe (2-1, 3.50 ERA) vs. LHP Jonathan Sanchez (1-0, 6.39) tonight at 7:05; RHP Josh Tomlin (1-1, 4.86) vs. RHP Luke Hochevar (1-1, 5.87) Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.; and RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (2-0, 4.00) vs. RHP Luis Mendoza (0-2, 6.92) Thursday at 12:05 p.m.

Indians update: They just finished a 7-2 trip, which started with a three-game sweep of the Royals. In that sweep, the Indians outscored Kansas City, 32-19. Lowe won the series opener. The Indians are hitting .333 against the Royals with Casey Kotchman hitting .455 (5-for-11) with two homers and three RBI and Jason Kipnis .364 (4-for-11) with two homers and five RBI.

Royals update: They have lost 11 straight. Hochevar and Mendoza are each 0-1 against the Tribe this year. Sanchez allowed five runs on six hits in 2 2/3 innings. Mike Moustakas is hitting .417 (5-for-12) with four RBI against the Tribe.

Injuries: Indians — CF Grady Sizemore (back) and RHP Carlos Carrasco (right elbow) are on the disabled list. Royals — C Salvador Perez (left knee), RHP Felipe Paulino (right forearm), RHP Joakim Soria (right elbow), RHP Blake Wood (right ulnar nerve), OF Lorenzo Cain (left groin) and RHP Greg Holland (left rib) are on the disabled list.

Next for Indians: The Angels arrive Friday for a three-game series at Progressive Field.


NFL draft 2012: Cleveland Browns and quarterbacks (video)

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Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff of The Plain Dealer break down the top quarterbacks available in this year's draft. Watch video


Plain Dealer reporters Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff break down the Browns and how they figure into the 2012 NFL draft in this seven-day series of videos that ends today.


This year's draft will begin with the first round on Thursday. The second and third rounds are on Friday; with the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday. The Browns own the fourth pick and the 22nd pick in the first round. The top three picks, in order, are held by the Indianapolis Colts, the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings.


See how Mary Kay breaks down the top picks in her latest mock draft.


The series:


Wednesday: Running backs

Thursday: Defensive backs

Friday: Wide receivers

Saturday: Linebackers

Sunday: Offensive line

Monday: Defensive line

Tuesday: Quarterbacks


To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos



Terry Pluto on the NFL draft and Tribe's fast start: Podcast

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What should the Browns do at No. 4? Which wide receiver is worth taking at No. 22 or trading up for? Can the Tribe continue their early success? Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

richardson.JPGView full sizeWill the Browns pick Trent Richardson at No. 4?

What should the Browns do at No. 4? Which wide receiver is worth taking at No. 22 or trading up for? Can the Tribe continue their early success?

Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore.

Among other topics discussed:

• Will Travis Hafner continue to hit like he has?

• Should the Browns consider Ryan Tannehill if he falls to No. 22?

• What went well on the road trip for the Indians?

• Should the Browns pass on Mike Adams?

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

Be sure to also like Terry Pluto on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

What do the Browns need, Indians for real and Tristan's progress : Blog Roundup

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Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.


morris-claiborne5.jpgWill the Browns take Morris Claiborne, right, at No. 4?
Cleveland Browns


Djranell Henderson over at iSportsWeb goes in-depth about what the Cleveland Browns draft strategy should be.
"Mike Holmgrem and Tom Heckert, better known as H&H, have made a few things clear about the how they will build the team, and that is through the draft. No big time free agents have come in under their tenure. No success has come under their tenure either."

Mark Leonard at The Cleveland Sports Report gives his mock draft, which has the Browns taking Morris Claiborne out of LSU.
"4.) Cleveland responds to this by tabbing LSU CB Morris Clairborne, outraging many for the audacity of again shorting the needy offense."

hannahan-spring-2012-bp-cc.jpgJack Hannahan has hit the ball very well to start the season.
Cleveland Indians


Jon of Waiting For Next Year writes about how well Jack Hannahan is playing this season.
"The point is that Jack Hannahan needed a lot of luck to become the Indians’ opening day starter in 2011. He needed Gavin Floyd to break Jason Donald’s hand. He needed a good Spring Training (.860 OPS and no errors). He needed “competition” like Valbuena and Nix. And he needed the Indians’ front office to recognize that Lonnie Chisenhall wasn’t ready for the Big Leagues, despite mashing taters all over the Cactus League (1.451 OPS)."

Lewie Pollis at Wahoo's on First explains why the 2012 Cleveland Indians are for real.
"This isn’t to say there are no valid reasons to be concerned about the Tribe. This is a team full of unproven players, and as Cleveland fans know all too well future faces of the franchises don’t always realize their potential. The roster looks much deeper this year than it did a year ago, but another rash of injuries could still be debilitating. And while there are no real holes in the Indians’ lineup, the lack of any real star power all but precludes this team from reaching true greatness from the get-go."

Cavaliers lose to Grizzlies, 109-101Cavs' guard Donald Sloan has played well enough to earn a spot next season.
Cleveland Cavaliers


Brendan Bowers at Stepien Rules talks about rookie Tristan Thompson's progress throughout this season.
"If you looked at Tristan Thompson's game logs you'd see the same thing I'm about to tell you. His points per game have increased each month, from January, to February, to March, and now here in April. In January Tristan averaged 6.9 points per game, February he bumped that up to 7.8, in March that number improved to 8.4, and now, after going for 12 points last night, Tristan is averaging 9.4 points per game through these 14 he's played during the month of April. He's averaging the most rebounds he has at 7.4 this month too, and his field goal percentage has never been higher than it is right now either."

Sam Amico at Fox Sports Ohio writes about Donald Sloan and how his play can alter the way the Cavs draft this summer.
"Donald Sloan is proving to be a pretty decent pickup when it comes to backing up starting point guard Kyrie Irving. Sloan seems to understand when to push things and when to set up the half-court offense, never forcing the tempo."

Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here.

Indians vs. Royals: Twitter updates and game preview

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The Tribe welcome in the Kansas City Royals for their first home game in almost two weeks. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie.

The Tribe welcome in the Kansas City Royals for their first home game in almost two weeks. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

Note: Hit reload for latest Tweets


eric hosmer.JPGView full sizeEric Hosmer, center, and the Kansas City Royals come into Cleveland to face the Tribe.
(AP) -- A series against the Kansas City Royals provided just what the Cleveland Indians needed to break out of a slow start to this season and get some momentum going for a successful road trip.

When they return home, the Indians will try again to add to the Royals' misery.

Cleveland will seek its eighth win in 10 games Tuesday night by continuing its recent mastery of the Royals, who are coming off the worst homestand in franchise history.

The Indians (8-6) had dropped four of their first five games before facing the Royals on April 13 with the first two losses coming over a combined 28 innings. They emerged from that visit to Kansas City with three wins and eventually finished 7-2 on their first road trip of the season.

Cleveland just missed out on another series sweep Sunday, losing 5-1 to Oakland, but manager Manny Acta was pleased with his team.

"I'm very happy with the way we played on the road," he told the team's website. "It was a very good road trip. Winning three series, that's something that you don't see very often. We came out and played well after starting shaky at home, so I'm happy about that.

"Now we have to go back, enjoy the day off, get the long johns out and play ball at home."

Acta's club is expected to get some help for that return home after Asdrubal Cabrera's activation from the bereavement list Monday. The shortstop was 6 for 16 with three extra-base hits during the sweep of the Royals before leaving for Venezuela following the death of his grandfather.

"I think it's good for us that we won without one of our best players," Acta said.

With Cabrera, the Indians will try to send the Royals to a 12th consecutive defeat for the first time since May 19-30, 2008. That losing streak, which was capped by a 5-4 home loss to Cleveland, is tied for the third longest in franchise history.

Kansas City suffered most of its defeats during an 0-10 season-opening homestand. The Royals (3-13) are the first team to lose their first 10 at home since the Chicago Cubs dropped 12 straight in 1994.

Kansas City has been outscored 69-41 during its skid and 32-18 over its last seven defeats. Eric Hosmer's solo homer was the only run the Royals could push across during a 4-1 loss to Toronto on Monday.

"Talk to us at the end of May and see what our record is," outfielder Jeff Francoeur said. "I still believe we've got plenty of talent in this room to turn it around."

Derek Lowe (2-1, 3.50 ERA) will try to help extend the Royals' woes with another solid outing against them. The veteran right-hander gave up three runs and scattered 11 hits over 6 2-3 innings in an 8-3 victory in Kansas City on April 13, but suffered his first loss of the season Wednesday.

Lowe allowed four runs and walked six while throwing 113 pitches through 4 1-3 innings during a 4-1 defeat in Seattle.

The Royals, 3-3 on the road, will try to end their skid with help from Jonathan Sanchez (1-0, 6.39). The left-hander, though, was tagged for five runs over 2 2-3 innings in an 11-9 home loss to Cleveland on April 14.

He gave up two runs and four hits over five innings during his most recent start Wednesday against Detroit, but the bullpen couldn't hold on to his lead in a 4-3 defeat.

Marie Fielder will retire from Western Reserve Academy at the end of the school year

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HUDSON. O. - Western Reserve Academy field hockey coach Marie Fiedler is retiring from teaching and coaching at the end of the school year after 49 years.  "I have a series of trips scheduled because I want to travel,'' said Fiedler, who compiled a 470-114-69 career record, including a 451-105-63 mark the past 40 years at WRA. "It's just...

HUDSON. O. - Western Reserve Academy field hockey coach Marie Fiedler is retiring from teaching and coaching at the end of the school year after 49 years.


 "I have a series of trips scheduled because I want to travel,'' said Fiedler, who compiled a 470-114-69 career record, including a 451-105-63 mark the past 40 years at WRA. "It's just time to do somethings I've wanted to do.''


 Fiedler, a chemistry teacher and Hudson resident, began her career in Califronia. She coached and taught at Kent State in 1965 until her 1972 arrival at WRA.


 Fiedler, 72, directed last season's Pioneers to a 15-1-1 field hockey record en route to being named The Plain Dealer Coach of the Year.


 It was the program's fifth 15-win season and its one loss is the fewest since 1996. The team’s goal differential of 56 (72 goals scored, 16 goals allowed) was the third-best in school history as the squad posted seven shutouts.


 "We didn’t have that one star player opposing teams could focus on,'' Fiedler said. "We were a very good passing team and were able to quickly pass (the ball) up the field.


 "It will be a while before we have this kind of team again.''


 Fiedler's Pioneers never won a state title because they're not members of the Ohio High School Athletic Assn.


 "I have no regrets concerning that,'' said Fiedler. "There were years we beat the best teams in the state so they knew we had the best team.


 "I know that, our players know that and that's all that matters.''


BCS changes may develop soon

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Conference commissioners will meet and try to work out the BCS mess.

 
lsu-bcs-trophy-ap.jpgSorry LSU, the 2012 Coaches' Trophy went to BCS Champ Alabama.

College football’s newest way to crown a national champion should become a lot clearer in south Florida on Wednesday and Thursday.

The conference commissioners in charge of the Bowl Championship Series will meet for the fourth time this year, trying to sort out the future of the BCS. They are focusing on four options, though within in each plan there are myriad details to be worked.

A memo, first reported by USA Today and obtained by The Associated Press, identified much of what’s on the table.

A final decision isn’t expected to come from this round of meetings, but BCS Executive Director Bill Hancock has said he’d like the conference commissioners and Notre Dame’s athletic director to come out of them with extensive plans for the leagues to chew on over the next month or so.

A playoff is the best bet, but more detailed plans also allow for more reasons to object.

We break down the possibilities and give an educated guess about the chances of each being implemented.

BCS With Adjustments

What is it?: Basically, more of the same with tweaks. No more automatic bids. No more two teams per conference limit. More flexibility for the bowls to swap teams to create better matchups.

Pros: Three SEC teams in the big games.

Cons: Three SEC teams in the big games.

Chance it is chosen: It seems unlikely that the powers that be would tantalize fans with talk of expanding to a format that allows more teams the chance to enter the postseason with a shot to win the national title, and then pull the chair right out from under them. Plus, they now the format has gone stale and needs a makeover to boost the bottom line. But if they can’t agree on how to make big changes, this would be the fallback.

Original "Plus One"

What is it?: Consider this the retro option. Instead of setting the championship game matchup after the regular season and conference title games are over in early December, the title game teams would be selected after the bowls are played. But it’s not No. 1 vs. No. 4 and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in the bowls. Conceivably, all the major bowls could have a team in national title contention participating.

Pros: The bowls are still important, and if you liked the old days when No. 1 could be playing in the Orange Bowl, while No. 2 was in the Cotton and No. 3 was in the Rose, this is for you. It also eliminates those midweek BCS games that often have no buzz.

Cons: Hard to sell this as progress.

Chance it is chosen: Outside chance. It allows the Big Ten and Pac-12 to keep the Rose Bowl as their private domain and injects championship implications into more postseason games, clearing a stumbling block even as it leaves another one in place by failing to create a clear playoff.

Four-team event

What is it?: What we’ve all been waiting for, a playoff. A small one. The top four teams are seeded. No. 1 plays No. 4 while No. 2 plays No. 3. A week later, the winners play for the national title. The conference commissioners want the season to end closer to New Year’s Day than it has been, so semis would likely be a few days before the calendar flips.

But there’s a catch. Actually, there are several catches, most importantly where to play the games.

The Big Ten has been pushing home sites, which sounds cool - especially to Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany - until you start doing logistics on holding a huge sporting event in Manhattan, Kan., or Pullman, Wash.

Also, the prospect of playing outdoors in, say, Madison, Wis., in late December, is not something SEC Commissioner Mike Slive’s members will like.

The games could be played in the traditional bowls, rotating around the way the BCS does now. Or the three new games could be awarded to the highest bidders and be played separate from the bowls. Or possibly some combination of those two. But will fans travel to two neutral site games?

There’s also been the suggestion of picking the four highest-ranked conference champions.

That would raise the stakes on the regular season and league championship games - essentially turning championship weekend into the first round of the playoffs - and take some of the subjectivity out of selecting the teams. However, a possible playoff field featuring Nos. 1, 3, 5, and 7 is going to be tough to sell many fans.

When Hancock talks about coming up with something more specific, he’s talking mostly about this format.

Pros: It’s a playoff.

Cons: No matter how they configure it, people will complain that they screwed it up.

Chance it is chosen: If there is a leader among the formats, and Hancock insists there is not, this is it.

Four Teams Plus

What is it?: The four highest ranked teams meet in the semis, but the Big Ten and Pac-12 always play in the Rose Bowl. This could produce the oddity of three semifinals.

Pros: Delany and Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott get what they want.

Con: Three semifinals?

Chance it is chosen: All you need to know is this quote from Slive: "It’s not one of my favorites. What we’re trying to do is simplify in many ways. I don’t think that adds to the simplification of the postseason." Good luck getting that through.

 

 

Skender Brame brought Marshall Islanders to play softball in Parma: news obituary

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Brame led sports programs in Tripoli until shortly before the U.S. bombed it.

Skender Brame taught softball to Marshall Islanders and brought them to an international tournament back home in Greater Cleveland.

Brame died Monday, April 23, at Kobacker House in Columbus at age 76.

"He was one of the best shortstops ever," said Buddy Langdon, who coordinates the Softball Hall of Fame in Euclid. "He was a very well-liked guy, fun to play with, fun to be around."

Known as Skinner, he was a 5-foot-5 star in baseball and basketball at West Tech High School. In 1953, he told The Plain Dealer, "Little fellows have to be more aggressive to get along in sports. You have to work hard all the time, can't relax a minute. You get more fun out of it that way."

Brame served in the Army at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Reaching 5-foot-7, he played basketball at Wittenberg University, became the baseball team's most valuable player and helped it win conference and regional championships.

In the 1960s, he taught at West Tech and Herrick Junior High School and starred in slow-pitch softball, partly with the Gene's Sunoco team. He was a Plain Dealer all-star.

Then the Department of the Interior made him sports director of Kwajalein, six square miles of land in the Marshalls with U.S. troops. He worked with military and local families. In 1969, he brought a "Kwajalein Athletic Club" team here for several games in Parma. Locals recall that some of them played barefoot.

Brame later led recreational sports at the Oil Companies School in Libya. He and his family stayed on after President Reagan told U.S. citizens to leave.

"I'm not anti-American," he told The Plain Dealer by phone in 1982. "I just wish our governments would talk to each other. There is no animosity against Americans working here."

The Brames finally left in 1986, not long before the U.S. bombed the city. They moved to Lake Tahoe and ran a batting facility and restaurant in Reno, Nevada.

Brame outlived his wife, the former Carol Hahn. Survivors include his only child, Greg, and two grandsons. His arrangements are private.


Ohio State Buckeyes P.M. Links: John Simon; OSU will play Nebraska in primetime; Big Ten sports are expensive to watch; OSU loses out on basketball recruits

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John Simon reminds Urban Meyer of Tebow.

john simon.JPGBuckeyes defensive tackle John Simon.

ESPN's Adam Rittenberg writes how Urban Meyer is so impressed with John Simon that he uses the term "Tebowish," to describe him.

In other words, Meyer is impressed with Simon.

Last year, writes Rittenberg, John Simon led the Buckeyes defense with 16 tackles for a loss and seven sacks.Simon's selflessness is one of many qualities that has stood out to Meyer since he took the Ohio State job. Every new coach looks for players to rely on, and Simon, who has started the past 26 games and last fall earned third-team AP All-America honors, immediately stepped forward.

At times this spring, the coaches had to pull Simon off of the practice field so the offense could get some quality work in without No. 54 blowing up every play. Not surprisingly, Simon barely played in Saturday's spring game because he didn't need to.

"He's revealed himself around here for many years," Meyer said. "This didn't just surface. I'm putting him in a category that, I've only coached one or two like him."

Tebow being one of them.

"I used the term Tebowish," Meyer said. "I've got to be careful not to do that. It should be Simonish. He's a next-level type player: leader, character, toughness, commitment.

"He's elite, elite."

As a freshman, Simon's teammates billed him as a future All-American, writes Rittenberg.

    

 

Ohio State Buckeyes

It's becoming costly to watch games in the Big Ten (The Detroit News).

Samantha Prahalis hopes to rise with the Mercury (The Lantern).

The Buckeyes will play Nebraska in primetime (The Plain Dealer).

Ohio State loses out on two basketball recruits (Columbus Dispatch).

Michael Bennett likes Urban Meyer's approach (Dayton Daily News).

Brady Hoke talks about the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan (Fox Sports).

 

 

Draft playmakers around Colt McCoy and see what he can do - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Listen Browns faithful. Colt McCoy has won on every level but like any other quarterback he must have talent at the skilled positions to allow him to make good decisions. No he's not your prototypical 6'5 230lb QB but that doesn't necessarily translate to your so-called franchise QB. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers have destroyed that myth. So put some talent around the young man & lets see what happens. Until then we cant make a quick rush to judgement on what he can and cannot do." - Lawrence_Mack_106

mccoy-pass-bengals-vert-ap.jpgView full sizeCan Colt McCoy perform will playmakers around him?
In response to the story Cleveland Browns guaranteed an elite player with No. 4 pick, says Dennis Manoloff (SBTV), cleveland.com reader Lawrence_Mack_106 wishes the Browns draft playmakers around Colt McCoy to see if he can succeed. This reader writes,

"Listen Browns faithful. Colt McCoy has won on every level but like any other quarterback he must have talent at the skilled positions to allow him to make good decisions. No he's not your prototypical 6'5 230lb QB but that doesn't necessarily translate to your so-called franchise QB. Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers have destroyed that myth. So put some talent around the young man & lets see what happens. Until then we cant make a quick rush to judgement on what he can and cannot do."

To respond to Lawrence_Mack_106's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Tribe should have made room to keep Nick Hagadone at big league level - Comment of the Day

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"Wheeler has just looked terrible--they have at least 6 right handers in Columbus and Akron who would likely do better. Hagadone looks clearly better than everyone except Pestano, Smith and Chris Perez actually. They are willfully making their bullpen worse. I can't say I'm surprised, but, it's still incredibly dumb." - vladimir

hagadone-vert-tribe2011-cc.jpgView full sizeOne cleveland.com reader wishes Nick Hagadone would have stayed at the big league level.
In response to the story Cleveland Indians activate SS Asdrubal Cabrera, option LHP Nick Hagadone to Triple-A, cleveland.com reader vladimir wishes the Tribe would have kept up Nick Hagadone. This reader writes,

"Or, how about option Sipp to Columbus, since he's been the worst of all of them?

Wheeler has just looked terrible--they have at least 6 right handers in Columbus and Akron who would likely do better. Hagadone looks clearly better than everyone except Pestano, Smith and Chris Perez actually. They are willfully making their bullpen worse. I can't say I'm surprised, but, it's still incredibly dumb."

To respond to vladimir's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Tristan Thompson has shown his worth during rookie year - Cavs Comment of the Day

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"First of all TT came into the league shooting less than 45% from the free throw line. Since he has been starting he has been shooting close to 70 percent from the line. Dwight Howard played his natural position and did not even learn the finer points of the game until he was in the league a few years." - rome

thompson-drives-cavs-wiz-mct.jpgView full sizeOne cleveland.com reader is happy with the way Tristan Thompson has played this season.
In response to the story Tristan Thompson wants to be dependable at the line when game is on the line for Cleveland Cavaliers: Days of Wine-n-Gold, cleveland.com reader rome is happy with the way Tristan Thompson has played this season. This reader writes,

"First of all Tristan Thompson came into the league shooting less than 45% from the free throw line. Since he has been starting he has been shooting close to 70 percent from the line. Dwight Howard played his natural position and did not even learn the finer points of the game until he was in the league a few years. You guys are being over critical of a young player playing out of position, who came in on a shorten season without a training camp and not a long enough season to have much practice time. Look at some of the other power forwards their first year, many of the good ones did not have stats as good as TT. I guess Derek Williams is a bust, because his stats are less then TT, many of you wanted him instead of Irving, although I bet most of you won't admit it."

To respond to rome's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day.

Cleveland Indians CF Michael Brantley gets day off against Kansas City Royals tonight

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The Indians begin a three-game series against Kansas City on Tuesday night at Progressive Field. Watch video

brantley-spring-run-squ-cc.jpgView full sizeMichael Brantley was on the bench with a day off as the Indians opened their six-game homestand Tuesday night.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Whenever a presumed healthy regular does not start the day after a team off day in the first month of the season, eyebrows rise and questions get asked.

Indians manager Manny Acta knew they were coming in the matter of center fielder Michael Brantley sitting for Aaron Cunningham on Tuesday night against the Royals. Acta's response could be summed up thusly: "Nothing to see here.''

"Day off for Brantley,'' he said in response to the opening question in his pregame meeting with reporters.

When asked for a reason why, Acta said: "It's a day off for Brantley.''

The Indians faced a lefty, Jonathan Sanchez, but Sanchez is not Steve Carlton. Brantley is 1-for-2 in his career against Sanchez and entered the night having hit better against lefties (5-for-20) than righties (6-for-36) this season.

Brantley is struggling -- .196 average, .274 on-base percentage, .304 slugging percentage through his first 12 games -- but he stung a number of balls that turned into outs on the recently completed nine-game trip. So the reason for the off day almost certainly centers on Brantley's wrist, which he tweaked during a slide early last week in Seattle. The Indians simply wanted to string 48 hours of rest together after Brantley played Sunday in Oakland.

Acta probably preferred not to mention the wrist in his presser because it is considered off-the-radar minor, or he didn't want to make fans nervous. Acta said Brantley would be available off the bench Tuesday and is expected to start Wednesday.

Getting the word: Cunningham said he learned he was in the lineup upon his arrival at the ballpark. It was his fourth start overall, his third in center. Cunningham batted ninth. Second baseman Jason Kipnis made his debut in Brantley's leadoff spot.

A-Cab is back: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera returned to the lineup after missing six games while on the bereavement list because of the death of his grandfather. The Indians went 4-2.

Cabrera was greeted warmly by teammates, and appeared to be in a good mood in the clubhouse before batting practice. He declined several requests for interviews.

Cabrera entered hitting .337 (96-for-285) with six homers and 45 RBI against Kansas City. To make room for Cabrera being activated Monday, the Indians optioned lefty reliever Nick Hagadone.

"We liked the way Nick's thrown the ball since spring training,'' Acta said. "He's not afraid to compete here. We won't be afraid to have him later on to contribute here. But right now, our bullpen is fine and he needs to continue to work. He'll have his time up here.''

Tunnel vision: Acta does not think the recent burglary of Derek Lowe's home will weigh on the right-hander's mind. Among items stolen from the Fort Myers, Fla., residence sometime between April 16-18 was Lowe's 2004 Red Sox World Series ring.

Lowe started Tuesday night; as an unwritten rule, starters do not talk before games in which they pitch.

"I don't think it's going to affect the way he goes about his business,'' Acta said. "It's been a few days. We talked about it in Oakland. He's fine, his family's fine. It helps that nobody got hurt.''

Damon update: Johnny Damon went 2-for-4 with a run, double and stolen base in an extended spring game in Goodyear, Ariz. Damon is expected to report to Class AAA Columbus this week.

"We haven't picked a date yet,'' Acta said. "He's in a process where he's very comfortable down there. We have not only a coaching staff, but a training staff that's working really close with him.''

Walk in the ballpark: Indians hitters entered Tuesday with 76 walks -- 23 more than the opponent.

"No. 1, Travis (Hafner) is as healthy as he's ever been,'' Acta said. "He's been a big part of it. And some of the younger guys have gained some experience.

"And, when you address certain things, you can affect other stuff without just mandating it. We went to spring training to address the two-strike approach, and to have better at-bats and give ourselves a chance instead of walking back to the dugout without having put the ball in play. That, itself, has helped the amount of walks.''

Designated hitter Hafner entered Tuesday with 12 walks, part of an American League-best .509 OBP. The Indians ranked fourth in the majors with 50 two-out hits.

Lineups:

Royals -- 1. Getz 2b; 2. Gordon lf; 3. Butler dh; 4. Hosmer 1b; 5. Francoeur rf; 6. Moustakas 3b; 7. Quintero c; 8. Maier cf; 9. Escobar ss; and Sanchez lhp.

Indians -- 1. Kipnis 2b; 2. Cabrera ss; 3. Choo rf; 4. Santana c; 5. Hafner dh; 6. Duncan lf; 7. Hannahan 3b; 8. Kotchman 1b; 9. Cunningham cf; and Lowe rhp.


Home finale a likely farewell for Cleveland Cavaliers veterans Antawn Jamison, Anthony Parker

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Coaches, teammates salute leadership efforts of veteran pair.

jamison-protest-cavs-2012-to.jpgView full size"I'm anxious to see the next 4-5 years how things turn out with Kyrie and Tristan," veteran Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison says. "Hopefully I had an impact as far as teaching them some things on and off the court."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In all probability, Antawn Jamison and Anthony Parker will be introduced as Cavaliers for the last time to fans at The Q on Wednesday night.

Jamison, 35, is headed to free agency. Parker, 36, is likely bound for retirement. But the lessons they have taught the Cavaliers' youngsters about professionalism and dealing with adversity will endure for seasons to come. They have fulfilled one of the toughest tasks in pro sports: serving as veteran leaders on losing and rebuilding teams.

Many fans don't want to hear about it -- they want high draft picks to replace past-their-prime players -- but coach Byron Scott and rookies Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson appreciate what Jamison and Parker did for them this season.

"This is one of the few places ... never had to worry about the locker room with those guys," Scott said. "They made sure that the young guys understood every day what we had to do.

"Even going through what we went through last year, those guys kept the locker room intact. Invaluable. If this is their last game here ... I can't say enough about both of those guys."

Irving, the presumptive NBA rookie of the year, entered the league with Parker and Jamison in the locker room. Eight years earlier, LeBron James walked into the same room inhabited by Ricky Davis. The leadership on James' first Cavs team (2003-04) was so bad they made a midseason deal to acquire Eric Williams, who became the team's most respected voice five minutes after he arrived from Boston.

General Manager Chris Grant knew the importance of surrounding Irving and Thompson with the right veterans while not overpaying for them. It's why he re-signed Parker for one season in December. At All-Star weekend in Orlando, the Cavaliers rookies -- who participated in the skills competitions -- were making unsolicited comments about the mentorship of Parker, Jamison and Anderson Varejao.

"[Jamison] has always had my back," Irving said. "We are going to lose some games, but if you play hard every single time out you can look at yourself in the mirror and say you gave it your all. That's what it is about.

"AP taught me how to be a professional and how to carry myself. He's a really humble guy who I like to emulate."

Parker has played through a painful season which saw him sidelined with back and sternum injuries. He's averaged seven points in 25.4 minutes while committing just one turnover per game. The club obviously needs an upgrade at shooting guard, but Parker set a good example for his impressionable teammates.

parker-pass-2012-cavs-vert-to.jpgView full size"Every day Twan and I are the first ones on the court shooting," Cavaliers guard Anthony Parker said of trying to be a role model for the young Cavaliers. "Those kind of things, just being consistent and being professional. Anyone can do it once or twice, but doing it over and over again is why guys have the longevity that they do."

"I'm a big believer in walking the walk before you talk the talk," said Parker, the team's union representative. "That saying actions speak louder than words is true. You can say whatever you want to say, but if somebody looks at you and you're contradicting yourself with your actions ...

"Every day Twan and I are the first ones on the court shooting. Those kind of things, just being consistent and being professional. Anyone can do it once or twice, but doing it over and over again is why guys have the longevity that they do."

Jamison, a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, concedes a 40-106 record since the start of the 2010-11 season has taken its toll. He was billed as a get-over-the-hump piece when the Cavaliers acquired him near the end of the 2009-10 season. But after the club flamed out in the postseason and LeBron James left for Miami, Jamison was left to absorb two years of steady losing.

He entered last off-season unsure of his role. Jamison regretted how he handled his benching early in the 2010-11 season in favor of J.J. Hickson and vowed to help mentor Thompson regardless of his minutes.

In a condensed season when injury and fatigue have victimized many, the club's second-oldest player has started in every game except one. Scott actually rested Jamison during the Cavs' recent back-to-back-to-back games.

He leads the team in playing time (33.4 minutes) and ranks second in scoring (17.4 points). He relieved pressure from Irving by giving the Cavs' a second legitimate scoring option. Jamison also was the club's most outspoken player after losses, the veteran not afraid to chide the team for a lack of effort, focus or urgency.

"I always go back to when I was a rookie and I had guys to help me out," Jamison said. "I realized the importance of that. When I came back and realized what we had and how the young guys were receptive to me and willing to learn and willing to be the best player they could possibly be, it just made it easier for me."

Even as both Parker and Jamison prepare to say goodbye to the organization, they plan to follow the progress of the young players who looked to them under trying circumstances.

"I'm anxious to see the next 4-5 years how things turn out with Kyrie and Tristan," Jamison said. "Hopefully I had an impact as far as teaching them some things on and off the court, how to do things the right way and going out there and competing for 48 minutes."

Dribbles: Cavs did not practice on Tuesday. ... Irving has been named Sporting News Rookie of the Year. ... Varejao ranked as the ninth dirtiest player in NBA, according to an Sports Illustrated poll. SI polled 146 players who were not able to vote for teammates. The Los Angles Clippers' Reggie Evans was voted the dirtiest player.

New England Patriots on the clock: Cleveland.com fans' NFL mock draft 2012 - You vote

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With the 31st pick in the first round, the New England Patriots select....Who do you say? This is another pick -- by voting in a poll -- made by you in Cleveland.com's fans' mock draft.

brandon-boykin.jpgGeorgia cornerback Brandon Boykin stands 5-9, but has excellent speed, strength and instincts, and is a strong tackler.



CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns and NFL fans, who do you say the league's teams should pick in the first round of the draft on Thursday?


So far, you have made 30 picks. Just two polls remain: this, for the New England Patriots' pick; and, going on cleveland.com early Wednesday, the New York Giants' pick. The Giants defeated the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Your two selections will complete the 32-pick first round.


Here's who the fans have selected so far:


1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford


2. Washington Redskins: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor


3: Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT, Southern Cal


4. Cleveland Browns: Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama


5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB, Louisiana State


6. St. Louis Rams: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State


7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame


8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M


9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina


10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa


11. Kansas City Chiefs: David DeCastro, G, Stanford


12. Seattle Seahawks: Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College


13. Arizona Cardinals: Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina


14. Dallas Cowboys: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama


15. Philadelphia Eagles: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State


16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, LB-DE, Alabama


17: Cincinnati Bengals: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama


18. San Diego Chargers: Whitney Mercilus, DE-LB, Illinois


19. Chicago Bears: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor


20. Tennessee Titans: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina


21. Cincinnati Bengals: Cordy Glenn, OT-G, Georgia


22. Cleveland Browns: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech


23. Detroit Lions: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama


24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama


25. Denver Broncos: Michael Brockers, DT, Louisiana State


26. Houston Texans: Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford


27. New England Patriots: Nick Perry, DE, Southern Cal


28. Green Bay Packers: Shea McClellin, DE-LB, Boise State


29. Baltimore Ravens: Peter Konz, C-G, Wisconsin


30. San Francisco 49ers: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford


The 31st pick in the first round of the draft belongs to the New England Patriots. The Patriots finished the 2011 season with a 13-3 record, before defeating the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs, and losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl.


The Patriots' primary needs include defensive end, outside linebacker, maybe a running back, and depth on the offensive line and in the secondary. However, you had New England select Southern Cal defensive end Nick Perry with overall pick No. 27, so we consider the DE situation solved for the Patriots and won't include the position in this poll.


Continue to check The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com for Browns and NFL coverage.




NFL draft 2012 -- Dennis Manoloff's scouting report: Quarterbacks

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After Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, how does this year's QB class line up? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Last in a series assessing the draft talent at various NFL positions. Previously: Running back, defensive back, receivers/tight ends, linebacker, offensive line, defensive line.

Scouting Report / Quarterbacks

Best of the best

Andrew Luck, Stanford

6-4, 234, 4.67



Comment: Top-2 talent. Presumptive No. 1 overall pick by Indianapolis Colts. Has been called most complete QB prospect since John Elway. Release is so smooth and efficient that arm strength seems to be a question, but really isn't. Can power the ball downfield with the best of them. Accurate to both sides of the field. Better athlete than appears; proved it at combine (36-inch vertical, 10-4 broad jump). Can make plays on the run. Threw free and easy at his pro day, which he and QB guru George Whitfield Jr. held outdoors, in the wind. Off-the-charts football IQ. Father is former St. Ignatius High School standout Oliver Luck. 2011: 3,517 passing yards, 37 TD, 10 int.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

6-2 5/8, 223, 4.41



Comment: Top-2 talent. Washington Redskins moved up four spots to No. 2 in trade with St. Louis because they want RG3. Followed up terrific combine (even though he didn't throw) with five-star pro day. Elite athlete with huge arm. Velocity allows him to fit balls into tight spaces. Excellent touch on deep balls. Can escape the pocket and be creative when play breaks down. Even though he has track speed and is dangerous in open space, RG3 rarely leaves pocket too early. Highly intelligent, big personality, natural leader. 2011: Heisman Trophy, 4,293 passing yards, 37 TD, 6 int.

Best of the rest

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

6-4, 222, 4.65



Comment: Projected top-10 talent. Big and strong, but still raw. Made 19 starts at QB with Aggies after playing 31 at receiver. Likely will need a year to grow into starting job. If a team doesn't trade into top five to get him, the Dolphins probably will do so at 8. Dolphins need a QB and Tannehill's coach at Texas A&M, Mike Sherman, is now Miami's offensive coordinator. 2011: 3,744 passing yards, 29 TD, 15 int. Struggled against quality competition.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

6-4, 221, 4.92



Comment: Rocket arm. Ball shoots out of hand, the product of smooth mechanics. Can make all the throws, especially those on West Coast route tree, with accuracy. Former second-round pick of New York Yankees. Spent years in minors; age (turns 29 in October) will prevent him from being top-10 pick and might keep him out of the first round. High football IQ. More athletic than he appears. Where the Browns are concerned, 22nd overall might be too rich for Weeden but 37th is justifiable. 2011: 4,727 passing yards, 37 TD,13 int. Quarterbacks he beat included Griffin III, Luck and Tannehill.

Others to watch

Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

6-2 5/8, 214, 4.93



Comment: Drop off from the arms of Luck/RG3/Tannehill/Weeden is significant. Cousins is smart, tough and loves the game. Needs to do little things well to compensate for lack of arm strength. Draft stock has risen in off-season in part because of good performance at combine. Knows how to throw on the run and in inclement weather.

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

6-7, 242, 4.83



Comment: Osweiler did well enough at pro day that former Cowboys executive Gil Brandt said he thinks first round is a possibility. Many of Brandt's colleagues are not as optimistic about the former basketball standout. Plenty of moving parts in throwing motion. Unorthodox delivery. Huge arm. Can make all the throws outside the numbers. Will need time and coaching. NFL likes height in its quarterbacks, but not too much: Few good ones in the history of the league have been taller than 6-5. 2011: 4,036 passing yards, 26 TD, 13 int.

Ryan Lindley, San Diego State

6-4, 229, 4.90



Comment: Some Aztecs fans grew frustrated with Lindley, thinking he should have been a lot better given his physical tools. Periodically makes questionable decisions and has accuracy issues. Browns figure to have inside info on him because Brian Sipe was his quarterbacks coach at SDSU. If Browns are content with Colt McCoy at least through 2012, Lindley would make sense as a draft-and-develop in rounds 4-5.

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

5-10 5/8, 204, 4.55



Comment: Athletic, with good feel for game. Understands what defenses are trying to do. Strong arm. Superior character. Willingness to learn. Second-fastest 40 at combine among quarterbacks. Lack of size hurts, but he compensates with long arms and big hands. Played three seasons at North Carolina State before joining Badgers. Former baseball standout. 2011: Led Wisconsin to Big Ten title while setting FBS record with 191.8 pass efficiency.

Nick Foles, Arizona

6-5, 243, 5.14



Comment: He is a wild card. Stock has fluctuated for months. For every analyst who likes him, there seems to be an equal number of skeptics. Plus-arm enables him to make all the throws, but consistency is lacking. Did not help himself at combine.

On the Browns

Starter: Colt McCoy.

Backups: Seneca Wallace, Thaddeus Lewis.

Level of need (1-10): Eight.

Comment: Depends on whom you ask. Those in the McCoy camp say their guy simply needs a better supporting cast, which would enable him in year three to finally sustain success. But numerous evaluators are not convinced McCoy possesses the physical tools to be a formidable starter. The Browns are not sold on McCoy, as evidenced by attempt to trade with St. Louis for No. 2 pick, which would have been used to select Robert Griffin III. Entering the draft, McCoy is the starter and Wallace is a backup who believes he can start. If the Browns want someone to push McCoy and possibly start in 2012, Weeden makes sense. If Browns are content with McCoy at least through 2012, prime draft-and-develop candidates are Tannehill (early first round) or Lindley (later rounds).

Will Cleveland Browns take a pass at Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon?

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Blackmon had 232 catches for 3,304 yards and 38 touchdowns the past two seasons with OSU.

blackmon-fiesta-2012-horiz-ap.jpgView full size"I'm going to be somebody who's going to be out there fighting," Justin Blackmon says of what his NFL team can expect. "I'm always going to be dependable and someone that you can count on."

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- One year after passing on receiver Julio Jones in favor of a blockbuster draft day trade with Atlanta, the Browns have a shot at this year's top receiver -- Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon -- at No. 4.

Will they pull the trigger? Or will they opt for another premier player such as LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne or Alabama running back Trent Richardson, whom most experts think they'll pick?

"Last year had nothing to do with the player," said Browns General Manager Tom Heckert at the NFL's annual meetings last month. "It had everything to do with the deal we were able to make. We loved Julio Jones."

But is Blackmon anywhere near as good as Jones, who caught 54 passes for 959 yards and eight TDs for the Falcons in 2011?

Dimitroff said at the NFL Combine in February that Blackmon stacks up not only with Jones, but with Georgia's A.J. Green, who went No. 4 to the Bengals and caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. He also thinks Blackmon will attract trade offers on draft day.

"There are going to be a lot of people contemplating being aggressive about going up and getting a receiver that can be an impact player in this league," Dimitroff said.

Blackmon could be gone by the time the Browns pick. The Vikings at No. 3 have narrowed their choices to USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil, Claiborne and Blackmon -- if they don't trade the pick.

"There are no negatives with any of them," Vikings GM Rick Spielman said in a press conference Tuesday.

Despite some pre-draft criticism of Blackmon's height (6-1/2) and a DUI in 2010, Heckert has no concerns. He cited the story of Blackmon's close friendship over the past few years with a little girl who has leukemia.

"He's a great kid and a great football player in my mind," Heckert said.

Blackmon's Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who coached receivers and quarterbacks for the Jaguars from 2006-09, took exception to the criticism. He responded to a report by Pro Football Weekly's Nolan Nawrocki that Blackmon skipped the team charter home from the Fiesta Bowl to go to Las Vegas instead.

"The reality is, he took a different plane to get to the bowl game," said Monken by phone. "Half our team went on a flight from some other city. The guy was done and he went to Vegas. I would've loved to have gone to Vegas rather than come back on the charter. That's completely unfair."

Monken said Blackmon's 2010 DUI was an isolated incident.

"A group of guys went down to the [Dallas] Cowboys game, and it was a mistake," said Monken. "But it was a one-time thing, not a pattern. This is a great kid with a good heart. ... And I'm not protecting him. If I thought he had some issues, I'd say it."

Blackmon had 232 catches for 3,304 yards and 38 touchdowns the past two seasons with OSU. He's only the second player to win the Biletnikoff award twice for the nation's best receiver (the other was 2009 No. 10 pick Michael Crabtree) and was Big 12 offensive player of the year. He was MVP of the 2012 Fiesta Bowl after catching eight passes for 163 yards and three TDs.

"Justin does all of the hard things easy," said Monken. "He has natural run-after-catch instincts, he plays strong to the ball. He can play the ball down the field, he can bend and he has mental toughness. ... There are some things he needs to work on, but he has the core of what makes a good football player."

Monken compared Blackmon to Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, who he coached at LSU. Bowe has averaged 1,000 yards and seven TDs during his five-year career, including 15 TD catches in 2010.

"Dwayne's a little bit bigger and transitions a little better route-running wise but Justin plays the ball strong and runs after catch like Dwayne does," said Monken. "He also does a few things better. If you'd like to have Dwayne Bowe right now, you're going to like Justin Blackmon, I really believe that."

Blackmon answered any questions about his straight-line speed when he ripped off a 4.46 at his pro day, and has drawn praise from Hall of Fame receivers Michael Irvin and Jerry Rice, who called him "a beast." NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt compared him to Irvin, and he's also been likened to Terrell Owens and Anquan Boldin.

"I'm going to be somebody who's going to be out there fighting," said Blackmon at the combine. "I'm going to be working when no one is watching. I'm always going to be dependable and someone that you can count on."

As for Green and Jones before him, Blackmon isn't conceding anything.

"I'm very competitive, so I'd put myself right up there with them," he said. "I'm not going to down myself and say that I'm not just as good as them."

Do the Browns think so too?

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Among Buckeyes with NFL Draft dreams, Nate Ebner's is rather special

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Little-used safety opened eyes at pro day, and hopes to get a chance on someone's special team.

ebner-mug-osu-2011-ap.jpgView full size"Did I think I'd be in a position to get drafted?" said OSU special teamer Nate Ebner. "No way. But to possibly play on a pro team? I'd like to say that was always maybe the goal."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four Ohio State players should be taken in the NFL Draft this week. There's a chance the former rugby player who doesn't really watch the draft could get picked, too.

Nate Ebner is listed as a safety but played just a handful of defensive snaps as a Buckeye. But after opening eyes at the school's pro day in March, Ohio State's best special teams player from a year ago is completely focused on taking a shot at the NFL and making an international rugby career just a backup plan.

"I'm giving football my 100 percent," Ebner said Tuesday. "I don't want to say, 'If I wasn't messing around with rugby, what would have happened?' It's football all the way, and if that doesn't work out, I'm definitely playing rugby somewhere if I'm not playing football.

"But I'm going to be hitting people with my body as long as it can take it. And rugby's too fun to not play if I'm not playing football."

After walking on with the Buckeyes in 2009, Ebner talking about the NFL might seem odd. But if you're on the field in an OSU uniform, you'll always get a look from the league. At least four Buckeyes have been drafted in five of the last six years, every draft but in 2008. A year ago, five Buckeyes were selected, led by defensive lineman Cameron Heyward going to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.

This year, offensive tackle Mike Adams should go in the first or second round, with center Mike Brewster, receiver DeVier Posey and running back Dan Herron projected as mid-round picks. National Football Post draft analyst Wes Bunting called it a "coin flip" between Brewster and Posey to see who is the next Buckeye off the board after Adams.

"I think they're all in the fourth-fifth round range, maybe even sixth," CBSSports.com draft analyst Dane Brugler said of Brewster, Posey and Herron.

In the Buckeyes' 6-7 season a year ago under interim coach Luke Fickell, with the loss of quarterback Terrelle Pryor hamstringing the offense and the repeated suspensions and constant talk of NCAA sanctions hovering over the program, it was difficult for any Buckeye to perform at his best. As OSU junior center Corey Linsley explained this spring, the team last season "didn't have a concrete foundation."

Adams, Herron and Posey all were wrapped up in the program's tattoo scandal, with Adams suspended for five games, Herron for six and Posey for 10. They all lost chances to prove themselves on the field. Brewster wasn't involved, but didn't have the senior season he hoped for.

"I think Brewster is more of a fourth-round guy," Brugler said. "He doesn't have a Pro Bowl quality to him, but he has the skills to be a potential starter. He didn't have quite the senior season that most expected, but I think he's very solid all around."

Linebacker Andrew Sweat and right tackle J.B. Shugarts are two more Buckeyes who could be late-round picks or free agents in a camp. They, along with Adams, Brewster, Posey and Pryor, were part of Ohio State's heralded 2008 recruiting class, which most thought would be making a bigger draft impact four years later.

Ebner wasn't a recruit at all. But if there's anyone who helped their NFL prospects with the 2011 Buckeyes, it may be Ebner. For a guy who didn't play high school football, now contemplating making a living at the game is a bit surreal. Except Ebner, who competed at an elite level in rugby, couldn't help but believe he'd have a shot.

"Did I think I'd be in a position to get drafted?" Ebner said. "No way. But to possibly play on a pro team? I'd like to say that was always maybe the goal, but I didn't know how realistic it was until this past year."

Ebner was timed as fast as a 4.48 in the 40 at the pro day, showed his agility with a fast time in the three-cone drill and did well in the broad and vertical jumps. He figured he might do well at the tests, and what he proved is that at about 215 pounds, he could be a raw athlete with a lot of room for growth. That should make him worth a look as an across-the-board special teams player, either in the draft or in free agency. He has continued to talk with NFL teams since pro day.

"I'm not getting overly excited about the draft," Ebner said. "I just want a chance with a team. At the end of the day, you have to show up when it comes time to play."

Then you get your body out there and start hitting people.

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