Next Tuesday is Big East media day in Newport, R.I. Each team will bring its head coach and selected players; all the coaches meet with the media in the same room for an hour, followed by an hour with all the players.
Here's the list of players who are coming to Rhode Island for their close-ups (and lobster bibs):
Cincinnati
QB Zach Collaros, WR Armon Binns, LB JK Schaffer
Connecticut
LB Scott Lutrus, OG Zach Hurd, DT Kendall Reyes, FB Anthony Sherman
Louisville
OL Mark Wetterer, LB Brandon Heath
Pittsburgh
RB Dion Lewis, WR Jonathan Baldwin, OT Jason Pinkston, DE Greg Romeus, S Dom DeCicco
Rutgers
RB Joe Martinek, S Joe Lefeged
South Florida
QB B.J. Daniels, C Sampson Genus
Syracuse
LB Derrell Smith, LB Doug Hogue, S Mike Holmes, OL Ryan Bartholomew, P Rob Long
West Virginia
RB Noel Devine, WR Jock Sanders, LB J.T. Thomas
A couple of thoughts:
Obviously, the star power here is from Lewis, Baldwin, Romeus, Devine, Collaros and Daniels. I expect big crowds in front of each of those players.
It would have been nice to have either Tom Savage or Mohamed Sanu from Rutgers, but Greg Schiano has always brought his upperclassmen to these events. Those guys will get their chance.
A tip of the cap to Syracuse for bringing punter Rob Long. Nice to see special-teamers get some recognition, and Long should be up for some awards this year.
Who will eat the most lobsters at the clam bake? My early money is on Hurd, Bartholomew and Genus. When in doubt, go with the offensive linemen.
Anyone else missing from this list you would have liked to see on it? And what questions would you have for some of these guys?