As we put a bow on spring football in the Big Ten, here's a look back at several things that stood out from the past few weeks.
Best comeback: Michigan State offensive lineman Arthur Ray Jr., who beat leg cancer at the start of his college career, got the green light April 8 to practice with his teammates for the first time. Ray had been cleared in the winter but needed the go-ahead from the NCAA. "It was great, one of the best days of my life," Ray told ESPN.com.
Best hype-building performance:: Ohio State freshman quarterback Braxton Miller won over a chunk of the Buckeyes' faithful at the spring game by leading three scoring drives and completing 7 of 12 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. The Buckeyes saw little separation among the men vying to replace Terrelle Pryor for the first five games, but Miller remains right in the mix.
Top flip: Nebraska freshman receiver Jamal Turner flipped into the end zone after scoring an electrifying 49-yard touchdown catch and run in the spring game. Sure, he drew a penalty, but it was fun to watch. Turner starred in the game with four receptions for 93 yards to go along with returns of 59 yards (punt) and 54 yards (kickoff). Turner finished with 228 all-purpose yards.
Top T-shirt: New Minnesota coach Jerry Kill introduced the "Minnesota Loafer" T-shirts, worn by players who missed a class, showed up late to a workout or erred in some other way. The front of the shirt reads: "I let my teammates down." The back: "Minnesota Loafers." All the lettering is pink. "That brown shirt with those pink letters doesn't look too good," Gophers quarterback MarQueis Gray said.
Best quarterback race: Several teams ended the spring with no clear No. 1 quarterback, while others had players take charge (Purdue’s Rob Henry, Iowa's James Vandenberg). Penn State didn't name a starter before spring ball concluded, but the coaches were pleased with Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin throughout the session. Bolden and McGloin not only looked more comfortable in the offense but displayed the type of leadership Penn State lacked in 2010. "As far as the quarterbacks, I think we're in good shape," coach Joe Paterno said.
Best position switch: Turner's move from quarterback to receiver certainly seemed to work out well. Michigan's Cameron Gordon was on the move once again, this time to linebacker, and like last spring, he drew impressive reviews. Michigan State's Dan France switched from defense to offense and landed the starting left tackle position.
Best two-way performer: Michigan State's Tony Lippett generated a ton of buzz this spring, as he played both cornerback and receiver. The Spartans' coordinators are fighting over him, and a near roster switch in the spring game draft caused uproar. Expect the redshirt freshman to see the field a lot this fall.
Best quote: "Like Mickey told Rocky, 'The worst thing that can happen to a fighter is to get civilized. You've got to get back to old school.' In my opinion, we've got to get back to a little bit of old school. That's what we've got the rest of spring practice to do." -- Illinois defensive coordinator Vic Koenning, on the team's linebackers
Best fashion revelation: New Michigan coach Brady Hoke told ESPN.com that he never wore red, "Ohio's color," when he coached at both Ball State, his alma mater, or at San Diego State. Cardinal is one of Ball State's school colors, and red is one of San Diego State's. "People understood," Hoke said. "They got the message, I guess. Right, wrong or different, that's me."