Reinforcing his concept of turning New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area into “The State of Rutgers,” 10 of Schiano’s 21 signed recruits are from New Jersey, including defensive end Alex Silvestro of Paulsboro in talent-rich southern New Jersey.

He also signed five players from Florida — where he coached as an assistant at Miami in the late 1990s.

Upgrading Lions
Solid, but not flashy. No, it’s not Joe Paterno’s wardrobe of black sneakers and khaki pants.

It’s how analysts are describing the 21 recruits who formally declared their intentions to attend Penn State.

Even so, two major recruiting services — Scout.com and Rivals.com — rated the Nittany Lions’ 2007 haul among the Top 25 in the country.

“It’s a strong class ... not heavy on the skill positions, but that wasn’t an area of need for them,” said Rivals analyst Mike Farrell. “It’s not as talented from top to bottom as last year’s class.”

A top priority was building depth on the maligned offensive line, with three experienced players including standout tackle Levi Brown having graduated.

Among the newcomers are J.B. Walton and in-state products Josh Marks and Stefen Wisniewski.

Wisniewski is the most highly rated and he has a pedigree, too. His father and uncle played at Penn State.

Paterno also uncharacteristically signed two junior college linemen in Ako Poti of Daly City, Calif., and Nerraw McCormack of New York. Analysts said it had been at least two decades since JoePa went the junior college route.

Mum's the word
At a news conference to announce the 21 players Michigan added, including quarterback Ryan Mallett and cornerback Donovan Warren, coach Lloyd Carr was asked about the version of his contract he signed Dec. 21.

Carr can collect a deferred compensation account if he is employed by the school in any capacity until July 1, 2008, according to terms of his contract that The Ann Arbor News published two weeks ago. Previously, Carr had to be the head football coach until July 1, 2007, to receive the deferred compensation.

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The 61-year-old Carr, who has led the Wolverines for 12 seasons, insisted he didn’t recall any recruits questioning his reworked deal.

“At some point here, I’ll have something to say about that,” Carr said. “You’ve got access to what’s in there, and I really don’t have anything to say other than that.”

Despite Carr’s uncertain future, Michigan attracted a class that some analysts rank as the Big Ten’s best and among the top 10 nationally.

If Carr is coaching the Wolverines in 2008, Mallett could be leading his offense.

The 6-foot-6, 235-pound quarterback was Texas’ offensive player of the year after throwing for 3,173 yards and 30 touchdowns.