Robinson one to watch in Big Ten

7/28/2011
BY RYAN AUTULLO
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson runs 72 yards for a touchdown against Indiana in this Oct. 2, 2010, file photo.
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson runs 72 yards for a touchdown against Indiana in this Oct. 2, 2010, file photo.

CHICAGO --- Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson was one of a dozen Big Ten players recognized on the conference's Players to Watch list that was released Thursday morning.

Robinson, the reigning Big Ten offensive player of the year, is one of three Wolverines scheduled to attend the Big Ten Football Media Days, held Thursday and Friday at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

The Players to Watch list is new this year, serving as a substitute for the league's preseason offensive and defensive players of the year. Also mentioned on the list, from the Leaders Division, were: Ohio State center Mike Brewster and defensive tackle John Simon; Wisconsin running backs Montee Ball and James White; and Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti. Representing the Legends Division, aside from Robinson, were Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase; Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins; Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick and linebacker Lavonte David; Indiana wide receiver Damarlo Belcher; and Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa.

Unlike in the past, the Big Ten will not reveal a preseason team poll.

Speaking to the media on behalf of Michigan will be new coach Brady Hoke as well as Robinson, tight end Kevin Koger, and defensive tackle Mike Martin. Representing Ohio State will be new coach Luke Fickell along with Brewster, Orhian Johnson, Andrew Sweat.