A few leftover thoughts from Wednesday's National Signing Day:
- Who knows how these things will eventually turn out, but all the critics who panned Michigan's class early were quiet in the end. Cornerback Donovan Warren could start as a freshman, and Ryan Mallett is the quarterback the Wolverines have long targeted as their future. Next year, it's imperative Michigan sign a big-time running back like California stud Darrell Scott or Birmingham Detroit Country Day star Jonas Gray. I saw Gray play basketball the other night, by the way. The kid has Barry Sanders-like legs.

- Michigan State's class lacked definite star power, but it's clear new coach Mark Dantonio made recruiting Ohio a priority. The Spartans signed seven players from the Buckeye state, including defensive tackle Antonio Jeremiah and defensive back Chris Rucker. "Coach Dantonio's name means a lot with a lot of high school coaches in the state and he's proven that he can recruit it successfully," Rivals.com analyst Jeremy Crabtree said. "I definitely think they're going to be a fixture in the Buckeye state."

- MSU still hopes to add two players this winter. If they don't, inking a top quarterback and help at linebacker and rush end will be priorities next year.

- I know Illinois had a great class, but word on the street is a couple signees will be academic casualties. There's a couple top-line stars, no doubt, but when we look back in a couple years that and the late loss of quarterback Clint Brewster to Minnesota will make the class look average. I'm not a big Juice Williams guy.

- Brewster was a steal for his dad, new Minnesota coach Tim Brewster. My hunch is that we're going to see a change in offensive philosophy for the Gophers. Brewster is a heck of a recruiter and if he can convince Minnesota prep star Michael Floyd to stay home next year, Minnesota will have a top passing attack when it opens its new stadium in a few years.