Big Ten puts spotlight on Funchess

The first morning of the Big Ten football meetings in Chicago brought forth a list of conference performers to watch this season. Michigan junior receiver Devin Funchess drew notice, like he expects to do all season long.

Funchess, who made the move from tight end to wideout last year, made 49 catches for 748 yards and six touchdowns last season. He's already on the watch lists for several national awards, including the Biletnikoff Award, the Maxwell Award and the Walter Camp Player of the Year.

Other Big Ten East Division players on the list are Maryland wide receiver Stefon Diggs, Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller and Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg. The West Division players to watch are Iowa offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, Nebraska running back Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory, Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon and Wisconsin right tackle Rob Havenstein.

Abdullah, Calhoun and Scherff all earned All-America honors last season. All of those on the list earned All-Big Ten honors in 2013.

All 14 Big Ten coaches are scheduled to speak to the media beginning this morning. The two days of interview sessions culminate in the Big Ten Football Luncheon on Tuesday.