Hi all, I'm trying something different today -- at the end of this Linking Laconically will be another entry in the Favorite Spartan Athlete Bracket.  This time All-American running back Javon Ringer will face Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith.  Have your say in the poll at the end of the post. Onto the news!

Onaje Miller granted release - LSJ Blogs: Hey, Joe  Miller was the first to commit in the 2011 class.  He wanted to play running back, and given the depth Michigan State currently has at the position this isn't a surprise.  While many are speculating as to why Miller left, Jeremy Sampson posted a few tweets after talking to Miller's high school coach:

jeremysampson10 Jeremy Sampson

Ok just talked to Dan Boggan Miller's high school coach...his decision was made on wanting to play runningback. #MSU wanted him to play DB.

jeremysampson10 Jeremy Sampson

Miller's core grades were good but he's still a point shy of fully qualifying on the ACT...Miller has talked to schools from the Big 10....

jeremysampson10 Jeremy Sampson

Big East.....SEC....and ACC.....he is hoping to make a decision in the next couple of weeks.

Best of luck to Miller in his future endeavors, and MSU now needs at least one running back in the 2012 class, possibly two if you think Baker might leave after the coming season.

Fenton Grad Tyler Hamilton Finding His Niche on Michigan State Football Team - Fenton, MI Patch  TOC contributor Patrick Hayes has a story on walk-on linebacker Tyler Hamilton.

QB Vento eager to compete for spot on MSU grid roster | Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and Hometown Weeklies | hometownlife.com  While we're on the subject of walk-ons, you'll be delighted to know that there are safeguards in place in case Cousins, Maxwell, Nichol and Cook go down.  I think the Capital One Bowl made us aware of this possibility.

B1G 2011 // Michigan State Cocktail Party Preview - Off Tackle Empire  It's Michigan State week over at OTE!  I'll have a post up there sometime during the week.

Staging hoops game on a flat top a big task  You might be surprised to hear this, but logistics are an issue when playing a basketball game on an aircraft carrier.

SpartanMag.com - It's a Beautiful Day...for U2   Lastly, U2 is coming to Spartan Stadium on Sunday, and we're a bit excited.  Even if you're not a U2 fan, you'll be able to appreciate how the field will be resodded after the concert.