Happened to catch ESPN’s College Football Live today. I hadn’t really watched since the end of the regular season. So, isn’t it fitting that today’s show was devoted solely to the Big Ten?

Buckeye linebacker alum Chris Spielman was the guest analyst for the day. Even better.

Towards the end of the show, talk turned to the Big Ten’s representation in this weekend’s Senior Bowl. Todd McShay said he was shocked that James isn’t participating because top rival prospects Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing — both from USC — are. As a result, he thinks James’ absence from Mobile could hurt his draft stock.

I don’t think it will. I can’t think of another LB prospect, entering the draft, who has been as productive and consistent as James over the past 3 seasons. His body of work speaks for itself. Besides, it’s not like he won’t be able to attend the NFL Scouting Combine or OSU Pro Day. I think those factor more heavily into one’s draft stock than the Senior Bowl, which is presented by ESPN. Need we say more?

Also, the reason that James declined his invite, according to Marcus Freeman, is that he’s been fighting off a bout of the flu. I think that having a poor showing, due to illness (that scouts may not be made aware of) would be more harmful to his draft stock than not showing up at all.

Feel better, James!

O/T: During the show, Todd McShay kept referring to Malcolm Jenkins as Michael Jenkins. It really irritated me. Michael Jenkins is already in the NFL, Todd. Check the Atlanta Falcons roster, buddy. Anyway, McShay releases his first Mock Draft on Thursday. And since he thinks James’ status has been damaged, look for him to rank him lower than other scouting analysts.