Michigan kicked off its spring football practice schedule Tuesday with a busy day at Schembechler Hall. Here's a look at what's going on elsewhere this spring around the Big Ten:

1. FROM WALK-ON TO THE NFL?

Michigan State wide receiver Blair White is hoping to show NFL teams that he's more than just a possession receiver.

He moved toward changing that perception at Michigan State's pro day on Wednesday, improving his 40-yard dash time to 4.4 after running a 4.5 at the NFL combine last month. The Detroit Free Press has more on White's improving position.

2. WILD WEEK FOR THE BUCKEYES

It's been a busy week at Ohio State. First, Jim Tressel got a contract extension. Then he became the first-ever Division I-A football coach to grant an interview to a gay-themed publication.

But the biggest development for the Buckeyes may be the five 2011 recruits they signed in a 30-hour span. The verbals give Ohio State seven commitments toward their next class.

3. WISCONSIN'S DEFENSE SHINES 

Freshman Conor O'Neill (apparently has left Ann Arbor?) is looking sharp for the Badgers in the early going. The defensive back broke up two straight plays in practice and has already caught the attention of his coaches.

Meanwhile, cornerback Aaron Henry said he has recovered from three knee surgeries and is ready to make an impact on the Badgers defense.

4. HOOSIERS HAVE SENSE OF OPTIMISM

Anyone who watched the Indiana football team last year knows the school was much more competitive than in past years, even if it didn't always translate into victories, writes Adam Rittenberg at ESPN.com.

Rittenberg has a nice Q&A with Hoosiers coach Bill Lynch about the state of the program entering the spring 2010.

5. BIG CROWD AT PENN STATE PRO DAY

Nearly 20 Nittany Lions were on hand for Penn State's pro day Wednesday, as were representatives for every NFL franchise.

Mike Poorman at statecollege.com has the lowdown on which players rose up the charts and which ones fell during the well-attended workouts. Also, much-maligned former Penn State QB Anthony Morelli is not giving up on his dreams of playing in the NFL, according to Ron Musselman of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.