Eifert quietly became nation's top tight end: Notre Dame TE Tyler Eifert had a breakout junior season in 2011, despite playing opposite first-round draft choice Michael Floyd. But it is not Eifert's play that's most impressive; his cool demeanor and work ethic, instead, is what impresses his coaches. When asked by Rivals.com if he ever thought he'd be considered the best tight end in the country, he responded, simply, "Uh, no."
Rutgers LB Greene ready for contact: Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene was injured in the Pinstripe Bowl in late December and wasn't cleared for contact until Monday, when the Scarlet Knights opened preseason practice. "Me, personally, I'm very excited," he told the Newark (NJ) Star Ledger. "I haven't been on the field since Dec. 30 when I got hurt. I'm just ready to go."
Monster in the middle: Eric Crume (6-0, 332 pounds) will start at nose tackle for the Syracuse Orange once the season begins. A true sophomore, Croome missed the last two games of 2012 due to inury, but he returned for spring practice to win the starting job.
Daniels, Nassib candidates for Unitas Award: Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib and South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels are both finalists for the 2012 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. The award goes to the nation's top senior quarterback.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Big East, follow bloggers Evan Hilbert and Matt Rybaltowski @CBSBigEast.
