The Michigan Wolverines didn’t make the kind of noise their rivals in South Bend did this weekend, but they did make some very important headway on heavily-recruited defensive back Devin Butler.

Currently rated as only a 3-star recruit by Rivals, Scout and 247, the 6’1″, 185-pound Butler has attracted the attention of a number of major programs and holds roughly 22 offers. The Washington D.C. native visited Penn State earlier this month and it is believe that the Nittany Lions have an early edge.

The stop in Ann Arbor was one of many he plans on making, but he did seem rather taken with the recruiting machine that is Michigan saying (via ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren), “[The visit] helped Michigan a lot. I got to be around some of the players and that was awesome.”

Brady Hoke and the Michigan staff can only hope the impression lasts as Butler, according to 247, is scheduled to visit Wolverine rivals Wisconsin, Notre Dame and Ohio State within the coming week.

Recruiting up in Ann Arbor has gone so well since Hoke’s arrival that the Wolverines can actually be picky if they want to be. The 2013 class already has 16 commits and we have a little over 10 months to go before National Signing Day arrives.

The Wolverines are expected to wind up somewhere in the low 20s when the all the ink dries on incoming letters of intent next February.

Hoke has already earned the pledges of two cornerbacks and one safety for 2013, but depth in the secondary is something Michigan is planning to address in the coming year. Their top-10 2012 class saw only one cornerback sign. 

Michigan currently leads the nation in committed recruits and will look to have most, if not all, of their class committed before the summer even gets into full swing. The method worked for the Wolverines a year ago and it would be surprising, to say the least, if they didn’t get their way after finishing 11-2 and winning a BCS Bowl in 2011.

Whether their way includes Devin Butler remains to be seen, but they definitely made an impression on the coveted recruit this weekend. He’ll continue to gain interest, so expect to hear more about him as the recruiting process progresses.

 

You can catch me talking talking football and throwing seven different kinds of smoke on Twitter.

Welcome to BR5—your daily source for sports and pop-culture news.

Today’s episode of BR5 gets you up to date on everything from a victory for Tiger to Joba’s injury.

Tiger Woods won a Tournament for the first time in about 30 months of PGA tour play. The former No. 1 golfer beat Graeme McDowell by five strokes as he wrapped up the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

Tim Tebow believes he has the power to heal his teammates. In a recent interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio, former teammate Brian Dawkins recalled a team bible study session in which Tim Tebow laid his hands on the Bronco safety in attempt to heal his injured neck.

Gyms and health clubs are good at keeping up with the newest health trends and gimmicks to keep gym-goers entertained and motivated. The film, The Hunger Games, has inspired a new workout class. The New York Sports club is teaching its workout warriors how to “Train Like a Tribute.”

Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain was released from hospital after injuring himself on a trampoline while playing with his son. The one-time great prospect suffered an open dislocation of his right ankle and, according to GM Brian Cashman, will be in a cast for six weeks. 

Taking time off from his acting thing, Philly native Will Smith introduced 76ers coach Doug Collins at the post-game press conference after the coach’s 400th career win.

 

Remember to subscribe to B/R’s YouTube Channel, follow BR5 on Twitter and like BR5 on Facebook!

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday that European Union regulators have accepted its marketing application for lorcaserin, its experimental weight loss drug.

Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Monday that European Union regulators have accepted its marketing application for lorcaserin, its experimental weight loss drug.

Today’s AFC North required reading includes a report on more players the Cleveland Browns lost out on in free agency, moves teams could or should make via the draft or free agency and a recap of the last five years’ worth of Cincinnati Bengals draft picks.

 

Former Baltimore Ravens CB Domonique Foxworth was elected president of the NFLPA over the weekend; Foxworth is expected to formally retire from football soon.

The Philadelphia Eagles are reportedly shopping around cornerback Asante Samuel. Bleacher Report’s Kyle Casey argues that the Baltimore Ravens should make a trade and pick him up.

Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall may be able to play in 2012, according to team general manager Kevin Colbert.

Bleacher Report’s Nick DeWitt breaks down every area of need for the Pittsburgh Steelers that they must address via the upcoming draft.

Apparently, Robert Griffin III isn’t the only player the Cleveland Browns lost out on to the Washington Redskins. According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer, the Browns went after wide receivers Pierre Garçon and Josh Morgan at the start of free agency but both chose the Redskins instead.

Bleacher Report’s Mike Hoag Jr. takes a look at whether the Cleveland Browns will need to trade up to the No. 3 spot in this year’s draft to take quarterback Ryan Tannehill—as crazy as that may sound.

The Cincinnati Bengals made more free agency moves over the weekend, bringing on former Indianapolis Colts defensive end Jamaal Anderson and re-signing defensive tackle Pat Sims.

Bleacher Report NFL draft expert Sigmund Bloom grades the last five years of draft picks by the Cincinnati Bengals.

 

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The first-round selection appears to be locked up, so it’s time to move on. This article requires Detroit Lions fans to vote for the best second-round selection.

It was promised in the original article that they would appear every week. Unfortunately, NFL free agency took control of the sports landscape, so an executive decision was made.

Or somebody went on vacation. 

Either way, listed below are a few likely candidates for the Lions to select from in the second round. Vote in the included poll, and then explain your decision in the comments section if you so desire. If you choose other, please drop the name you believe would make more sense for Detroit.

 

Bobby Wagner LB Utah State 6’0″ 241 lbs. 

Now that the Lions have locked up the entire linebacking unit for a another campaign, this selection may not be as likely. Yet, Wagner is a tackler in the Stephen-Tulloch mold—short, packs a punch and wraps up.

He may not be able to contribute immediately, but there is no doubt he would warrant a look.

 

Zebrie Sanders OT FSU 6’6″ 320 lbs.

Sanders has been linked to the Lions in the first round, but that possibility seems remote. Detroit must know they have a shot at him in the second round and Martin Mayhew doesn’t reach. 

Jeff Backus is closing in on retirement so this pick would bring value and fill a need. 

 

Mitchell Schwartz OT Cal 6’5″ 315 lbs

Schwartz doesn’t quite have the size of Sanders. However, his performance at the Senior Bowl has scouts believing that he can excel at the next level.

Again, this selection provides a possible foundation for the future. Unfortunately, Jason Fox is probably not the player they need, so Mayhew would do well to give the Golden Bear some serious consideration.

 

Brandon Washington OG Mia 6’3″ 320 lbs

Many fans will be down on Washington due to a slightly poor combine showing. But the mountain of a man still has the skills to be a rock on the inside of the line.

Lions fans should welcome anyone that isn’t Stephen Peterman at the guard spot.

 

Ben Jones C GA 6’3″ 315

The SEC label will help Jones’ stock, but the kid has earned his praise. He has started 49 consecutive games and made the protection calls against some of the best defensive lineman in college football.

Dominic Raoila isn’t a young man, and doesn’t have the talent of Jones. This would be a good value pick.

The first-round selection appears to be locked up, so it’s time to move on. This article requires Detroit Lions fans to vote for the best second-round selection.

It was promised in the original article that they would appear every week. Unfortunately, NFL free agency took control of the sports landscape, so an executive decision was made.

Or somebody went on vacation. 

Either way, listed below are a few likely candidates for the Lions to select from in the second round. Vote in the included poll, and then explain your decision in the comments section if you so desire. If you choose other, please drop the name you believe would make more sense for Detroit.

 

Bobby Wagner LB Utah State 6’0″ 241 lbs. 

Now that the Lions have locked up the entire linebacking unit for a another campaign, this selection may not be as likely. Yet, Wagner is a tackler in the Stephen-Tulloch mold—short, packs a punch and wraps up.

He may not be able to contribute immediately, but there is no doubt he would warrant a look.

 

Zebrie Sanders OT FSU 6’6″ 320 lbs.

Sanders has been linked to the Lions in the first round, but that possibility seems remote. Detroit must know they have a shot at him in the second round and Martin Mayhew doesn’t reach. 

Jeff Backus is closing in on retirement so this pick would bring value and fill a need. 

 

Mitchell Schwartz OT Cal 6’5″ 315 lbs

Schwartz doesn’t quite have the size of Sanders. However, his performance at the Senior Bowl has scouts believing that he can excel at the next level.

Again, this selection provides a possible foundation for the future. Unfortunately, Jason Fox is probably not the player they need, so Mayhew would do well to give the Golden Bear some serious consideration.

 

Brandon Washington OG Mia 6’3″ 320 lbs

Many fans will be down on Washington due to a slightly poor combine showing. But the mountain of a man still has the skills to be a rock on the inside of the line.

Lions fans should welcome anyone that isn’t Stephen Peterman at the guard spot.

 

Ben Jones C GA 6’3″ 315

The SEC label will help Jones’ stock, but the kid has earned his praise. He has started 49 consecutive games and made the protection calls against some of the best defensive lineman in college football.

Dominic Raoila isn’t a young man, and doesn’t have the talent of Jones. This would be a good value pick.

Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig has made an impression since joining the team last month. Sunday night in Chicago, Bollig made a definite impression on the face of Nashville’s Jordan Tootoo.

A savage uppercut sent Tootoo to the ice and eventually to the dressing room, from which he did not return. The Nashville Predators went on to rout the ‘Hawks, 6-1. This leads to the question of how useful Bollig has been to the Blackhawks since his recall February 28th.

Bollig has played in 12 games since bringing his pugilistic skills to Chicago. In that time, he has failed to make a dent on the scoreboard. However, he has made a dent or two to the heads of opponents.

There isn’t a lot of pretense in what Bollig is in Chicago to do. He knows the score and has more than held up his end of the arrangement.

Bollig has seven fighting majors to his credit since joining the team. By way of comparison, John Scott has just five in his time this season with the ‘Hawks and now the New York Rangers.

It helps that at 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Bollig draws a bit more interest from dance partners than the gargantuan Scott. Nevertheless, Bollig hasn’t turned down any invites to drop the gloves.

Bollig played 7:29 of the Nashville game, nearly matching the 7:32 he played in Columbus last Tuesday for his largest chunk of ice time. Bollig played just over three minutes against Vancouver the next night. Like Scott, he’s has a number of games in which he has only made a cameo appearance.

Many of Bollig’s fights are of the prearranged variety, as evidenced by a false start that transpired on the first period faceoff before getting down to business with Tootoo. On the other hand, the guy is here to fight and he fights. It’s hard to criticize a guy when he’s doing his job.

Chicago is 9-2-1 with Bollig on the fourth line, though it’s difficult to make the argument that he has provided the primary spark in the ‘Hawks recent run. Coach Joel Quenneville speaks highly of Bollig’s ability to finish checks and ability when his gloves are on.

“I like how he’s playing, and I’m not talking about his fighting,” Quenneville said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Positionally, he’s got an awareness. He brings us energy. He finishes hits, and technically he’s doing the right things.”

It isn’t a surprise that Quenneville would say such things after trumpeting Scott’s limited abilities for almost two full seasons.

Bollig has inherited the enforcer role and the scrutiny that comes with it. Questions of whether Chicago needs what Bollig brings to the table at the price of the minutes piled onto the other forwards are certainly fair ones.

Bollig has been active with his fists and knows why he’s here.

“That (fighting)’s obviously the role I need to fill to stay at the level and to keep a job for years to come,” said Bollig. “I’m looking to make a name for myself, whether it be through fighting or hitting or whatever it may be.”

Is that enough to keep him in the Indian head sweater?

Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig has made an impression since joining the team last month. Sunday night in Chicago, Bollig made a definite impression on the face of Nashville’s Jordan Tootoo.

A savage uppercut sent Tootoo to the ice and eventually to the dressing room, from which he did not return. The Nashville Predators went on to rout the ‘Hawks, 6-1. This leads to the question of how useful Bollig has been to the Blackhawks since his recall February 28th.

Bollig has played in 12 games since bringing his pugilistic skills to Chicago. In that time, he has failed to make a dent on the scoreboard. However, he has made a dent or two to the heads of opponents.

There isn’t a lot of pretense in what Bollig is in Chicago to do. He knows the score and has more than held up his end of the arrangement.

Bollig has seven fighting majors to his credit since joining the team. By way of comparison, John Scott has just five in his time this season with the ‘Hawks and now the New York Rangers.

It helps that at 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Bollig draws a bit more interest from dance partners than the gargantuan Scott. Nevertheless, Bollig hasn’t turned down any invites to drop the gloves.

Bollig played 7:29 of the Nashville game, nearly matching the 7:32 he played in Columbus last Tuesday for his largest chunk of ice time. Bollig played just over three minutes against Vancouver the next night. Like Scott, he’s has a number of games in which he has only made a cameo appearance.

Many of Bollig’s fights are of the prearranged variety, as evidenced by a false start that transpired on the first period faceoff before getting down to business with Tootoo. On the other hand, the guy is here to fight and he fights. It’s hard to criticize a guy when he’s doing his job.

Chicago is 9-2-1 with Bollig on the fourth line, though it’s difficult to make the argument that he has provided the primary spark in the ‘Hawks recent run. Coach Joel Quenneville speaks highly of Bollig’s ability to finish checks and ability when his gloves are on.

“I like how he’s playing, and I’m not talking about his fighting,” Quenneville said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Positionally, he’s got an awareness. He brings us energy. He finishes hits, and technically he’s doing the right things.”

It isn’t a surprise that Quenneville would say such things after trumpeting Scott’s limited abilities for almost two full seasons.

Bollig has inherited the enforcer role and the scrutiny that comes with it. Questions of whether Chicago needs what Bollig brings to the table at the price of the minutes piled onto the other forwards are certainly fair ones.

Bollig has been active with his fists and knows why he’s here.

“That (fighting)’s obviously the role I need to fill to stay at the level and to keep a job for years to come,” said Bollig. “I’m looking to make a name for myself, whether it be through fighting or hitting or whatever it may be.”

Is that enough to keep him in the Indian head sweater?

Chicago Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig has made an impression since joining the team last month. Sunday night in Chicago, Bollig made a definite impression on the face of Nashville’s Jordan Tootoo.

A savage uppercut sent Tootoo to the ice and eventually to the dressing room, from which he did not return. The Nashville Predators went on to rout the ‘Hawks, 6-1. This leads to the question of how useful Bollig has been to the Blackhawks since his recall February 28th.

Bollig has played in 12 games since bringing his pugilistic skills to Chicago. In that time, he has failed to make a dent on the scoreboard. However, he has made a dent or two to the heads of opponents.

There isn’t a lot of pretense in what Bollig is in Chicago to do. He knows the score and has more than held up his end of the arrangement.

Bollig has seven fighting majors to his credit since joining the team. By way of comparison, John Scott has just five in his time this season with the ‘Hawks and now the New York Rangers.

It helps that at 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Bollig draws a bit more interest from dance partners than the gargantuan Scott. Nevertheless, Bollig hasn’t turned down any invites to drop the gloves.

Bollig played 7:29 of the Nashville game, nearly matching the 7:32 he played in Columbus last Tuesday for his largest chunk of ice time. Bollig played just over three minutes against Vancouver the next night. Like Scott, he’s has a number of games in which he has only made a cameo appearance.

Many of Bollig’s fights are of the prearranged variety, as evidenced by a false start that transpired on the first period faceoff before getting down to business with Tootoo. On the other hand, the guy is here to fight and he fights. It’s hard to criticize a guy when he’s doing his job.

Chicago is 9-2-1 with Bollig on the fourth line, though it’s difficult to make the argument that he has provided the primary spark in the ‘Hawks recent run. Coach Joel Quenneville speaks highly of Bollig’s ability to finish checks and ability when his gloves are on.

“I like how he’s playing, and I’m not talking about his fighting,” Quenneville said to the Chicago Sun-Times. “Positionally, he’s got an awareness. He brings us energy. He finishes hits, and technically he’s doing the right things.”

It isn’t a surprise that Quenneville would say such things after trumpeting Scott’s limited abilities for almost two full seasons.

Bollig has inherited the enforcer role and the scrutiny that comes with it. Questions of whether Chicago needs what Bollig brings to the table at the price of the minutes piled onto the other forwards are certainly fair ones.

Bollig has been active with his fists and knows why he’s here.

“That (fighting)’s obviously the role I need to fill to stay at the level and to keep a job for years to come,” said Bollig. “I’m looking to make a name for myself, whether it be through fighting or hitting or whatever it may be.”

Is that enough to keep him in the Indian head sweater?