CHICAGO – Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is set to meet with the media in the Windy City at 10:30 a.m., however before the Buckeye coach, a number of other Big Ten coaches are set to take the podium.
Iowa's Kirk Ferentz kicked the second day of Big Ten Media Days off from Chicago on Tuesday morning, with the remaining conference coaches and Mark Silverman from the Big Ten Network, set to follow. You can get a full schedule of the coaches appearances here.
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
- Said linebacker is the biggest gap on defense after losing four players to graduation. "We've got some work to do," on defense.
- Quarterback Nate Stanley was brought to media days after just one year as a starter, and is just the second non-senior Iowa has brought to Chicago. Ferentz said he has earned the respect and confidence of his teammates with his performance on and off the field.
- When asked about the race for the Big Ten West to catch the East, Ferentz praised the balance and competitiveness of the conference. "Anybody can beat anybody, so you need to be ready every Saturday."
- On losing a pair of underclassmen to the NFL, Ferentz said he believed both players made a good decision to leave early. "They are great success stories. They will both do very well."
- On tight end Noah Fant: "We consider him to be one of our best (players). Hopefully he will be with us this time next year."
Tom Allen, Indiana
- Allen opened by acknowledging the passing of former IU coach Bill Mallory. Said Indiana will wear a decal on their helmets during the 2018 season to honor him.
- Said last season, depth was an issue as Indiana struggled to finish games. The Hoosiers finished 5-7 last season, with four of their losses coming by seven points or less
- Allen said that the Indiana quarterback competition is open. Peyton Ramsey is a returning starter, but has not been named the incumbent for 2018.
- Noted that linebacker is an area of concern for his team. Indiana lost leading tackler Tegray Scales to graduation.
- Asked about the balance of competitiveness in the conference, Allen said he believes the entire Big Ten features "great football, all the way around."
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
- Said he wanted LJ Scott to experience media days, especially after announcing he was coming back for his senior year. "I want him to grow as a person. This is another scope."
- Praised quarterback Brian Lewerke for his ability to make plays with both his arm and his feet. "I think he has a great future ahead of him. He is a rising star."
- Said there is an "ongoing process" in whether or not linebacker Jon Reschke will be reinstated back onto the team. Reschke was removed from the team following an insensitive remark made to a teammate. Hinted at the fact that players will ultimately make the decision as to whether or not he will be reinstated. If he is, will not be on scholarship. Reschke is currently on the roster, but has been given no promises of playing time.
- When discussing the 2017 season, Dantonio said he was most proud of his team's resilience and bouncing back from losses and tough situations.
- Said he is happy that Michigan State now has stability in athletic director Bill Beekman. "I have been impressed."
Lovie Smith, Illinois
- Said he is excited about their schedule this season. Illini play just one game outside of Illinois until late October.
- On recruiting, Smith said recruiting Chicago is one of Illinois' top priority areas. "The University of Illinois is the right place for a lot of people. We will continue to recruit (Chicago) hard."
- On getting wide receiver Mike Dudek back, Smith said he is finally healthy after a pair of ACL injuries. "Mike has had an excellent offseason. In our new offense, he will have the opportunity to be a featured guy."
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
- On quarterback Alex Hornibrook, Chryst said he carries himself well as a veteran. Hornibrook is entering his third year as a starter. "He is fun to be around. I look forward to this year."
- When asked about whether or not the Badgers are ready to compete for a national title: "The goals inside our room have always been very high." Added Wisconsin has to earn the right to make the playoff, which the Badgers have yet to reach.
- "We are starting to get some depth at the receiver spot, and we are really happy Johnathan Taylor is our running back," Chryst said when asked about the talent Wisconsin has at the skill positions.
- Agreed with the rest of the coaches in his thoughts on the competitive balance in the conference. "You have to be ready every week."
- Praised the ability of Jeff Brohm and Scott Frost to coach at their respective schools following a question about possible new schemes in the Big Ten West.
Mark Silverman, President of Fox Sports Networks and BTN
- Announced a training camp show following Purdue football program, called "Gold and Black Days."
- Also announced a new "Big Ten Elite" episode that will feature the 1997 Nebraska football team.
- Discussed that Big Ten Network could possibly be dropped by Comcast cable at the end of August. Added BTN is attempting to renegotiate with Comcast to keep the network.
DJ Durkin, Maryland
- Opened by honoring offensive lineman Jordan McNair who passed away in the offseason. "We are playing for Jordan this year." Added McNair's family will continue to be around the program.
- Said he feels like Maryland is located in one of the best areas for recruiting in the country. Praised the high school coaches for developing the high school prospects in the area.
- On the quarterback competition, Durkin said it will carry into training camp. Both Tyrrell Pigrome and Kasim Hill suffered ACL injuries last season and missed the majority of the 2018 campaign. Mentioned Max Bortenschlager is also competing for the job. "We will make a decision when the time is right."
