Big Ten Notebook: Three Wolverine seniors have NFL aspirations

No one knows exactly what position Michigan's Denard Robinson would play in the NFL. (US Presswire)

News and notes from around the Big Ten: 

• Michigan seniors Denard Robinson, WR Roy Roundtree and DT Will Campbell all have NFL aspirations and will begin preparing for the draft following the Outback Bowl against South Carolina on New Year’s Day. Robinson’s position at the next level is still unclear. Would he be a special teams ace, a hybrid RB-WR or maybe even a defensive back? The other two are less NFL ready, but have a chance to showcase their ability at various postseason gatherings, according mlive.com. Campbell, who emerged this season as a more-than-reliable tackle, was invited to the East-West Shrine game in Florida on Jan 19. He plans to play. Roundtree was invited to the Raycom Classic in Alabama on Jan. 19, but hasn’t declared whether he’ll play or not.  

• Michigan State DB Johnny Adams was limited in practice on Tuesday with a turf toe, but he’s expected to play in Saturday’s Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU, according to the Detroit Free Press. Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said having him healthy for the game is pivotal given the Horned Frogs’ abundance of skill receivers. TCU has six receivers with at least 20 catches on the year, led by Josh Boyce (61 catches, seven touchdowns). Adams, along with fellow corner Darqueze Dennard, are skilled enough to handle TCU’s top receivers, while the defense focuses on limiting opponents’ rushing attack.

• Wisconsin has a talented junior class and with all the upheaval regarding the coaching changes, it has forced players like LB Chris Borland, WR Jared Abbrederis and T Ryan Groy to consider entering their names in the NFL Draft. “For us [juniors], it makes us a little bit nervous, because you don’t know [new hire Gary Andersen’s] coaching style yet,” Groy said. “Then again, you have to trust Coach [Barry] Alvarez and who he brings in.” All three, along with T Travis Frederick, have filed for an evaluation from the NFL to help decide whether it’s prudent to leave Madison early. “I would just like to know where I stand,” Borland said to Madison.com.    

• On the surface, the fact that the Gophers won more games this year (6) than last year (3) would seem like undeniable progress. Star Tribune beat writer Phil Miller thinks Minnesota's body of work can be viewed from a number of different angles, though. “Believe that the so-called success is a fraud, that these are the same old underachievers, cleverly disguised by a feather-pillow-soft schedule? That works, too,” he wrote. If Minnesota can find a way to beat Texas Tech in the Meineke Car Care Bowl on Friday, the Gophers will have achieved their best record since 2005.