Wednesday's New England Patriots Links 5/2

Here are this morning's top stories:

ESPNBOSTON:

Amukamara backs new Patriot Dennard - Mike Reiss
Mike reiss has some excerpts from an Associated Press article with comments from Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard's former teammate Prince Amukamara.

Hightower prefers inside linebacker - Field Yates
Yates has a look at some of the comments from rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who joined Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio during a segment on Tuesday night's edition of PFT Live.

Fanene settles in with Patriots - Field Yates & Mike Rodak
Rodak and Yates have an article on defensive lineman John Fenene, who talked about a variety of topics including what it was like to play football in his native land of Samoa.

Ex-Illinois coach lauds Wilson's versatility - Field Yates
Yates has some comments from Ron Zook, who is a former Illinois head coach and worked with rookie Tavon Wilson during his tenure there.

Highlighting Warren & his value - Mike Reiss
Mike Reiss looks at the re-signing of Gerard Warren, and notes the value he brings to the defense.

ESPN FLORIDA:

NFL Insider Smith Out-thinking the Room - Charlie Bernstein
Bernstein has an article this morning that compares Jaguars general manager Gene Smith and Bill Belichick, who both "march to the beat of their own drummer."

WEEI.COM:

Legend of the Fall: Nate Ebner's 'Special' Story Began with a Bang at Ohio State - Christopher Price
Price has a terrific feature story this morning on rookie Nate Ebner, with the rookie's former defensive coach Paul Haynes revealing to Price just how valuable a player Ebner really was for them.

Jonathan Fanene Talks about being reunited with Chad Ochocinco in New England - Christopher Price
Price has an entry on Fanene, who talked about what it was like to be back with Ochocinco, who apparently has been showing him the ropes here in New England.

ESPN's Todd McShay: Chandler Jones will make big impact for Patriots‎ - WEEI.COM
ESPN's Todd McShay appeared on WEEI this morning, and gave his thoughts on rookie defensive lineman Chandler Jones.

BOSTON GLOBE:

Spygate comment gets Harbaugh backpedaling - Shalise Manza Young
Young has an article this morning on the fact that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said New England's championships were "stained", only to backtrack hours later.

Mangini regrets turning in Patriots, spygate - Zuri Berry
Berry has some interesting comments from former Patriots coach Eric Mangini, who as the Jets head coach was the one who turned in New England to the league and got the whole mess started to begin with.

Tufts Football Program 'Drafting' 8-year-old Riley Roman - Craig Larson
Larson has an article this morning on the fact that Tufts University is holding a "draft day" at Ellis Oval/Zimmerman Field for Riley Roman, an 8-year-old from South Hadley who was recently diagnosed with a primitive neuroectodermal brain tumor. Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich, who met Riley on a hospital visit and has remained in close contact with him ever since, will be in attendance for event.

BOSTON HERALD:

NOTEBOOK: John Harbaugh drops asterisk on Pats - Karen Guregian
Guregian gives her report on Harbaugh's comments, and also has some comments from defensive lineman Jonathan Fanene.

Nate Ebner Earns 'Leonidas' Nickname, Dubbed Ohio State's Most Valuable Player for Strong Work Ethic - Jeff Howe
Howe also has a good feature on Ebner, and looks at more comments from his coach who called him one of the most valuable players for Ohio State all season.

Jonathan Fanene's Samoan Heritage Helped Him Become Hardworking Player Who Will Be Popular With Patriots - Jeff Howe
Howe has an article on Jonathan Fanene and writes that the Patriots defensive lineman joins New England with a strong resume, which includes a reputation as a hard nosed player with a strong work ethic.

Dont'a Hightower, Chandler Jones Should Solidify Patriots Defense and 19 Other NFL Thoughts - Jeff Howe
Howe feels draft picks Dont'a Hightower and Chandler Jones should be a key addition to the defense during this upcoming season, as well as plenty of other interesting thoughts on different topics in this piece.

CSNNE.COM

Fanene's heritage key to success - Jimmy Toscano
Toscano files his story with more on Jonathan Fanene in this piece.

Fanene remembers 2010 injury vs. Patriots - Jimmy Toscano
Toscano has more comments from Fanene, who remembers a hamstring injury he suffered battling Matt Light, which ultimately kept him sidelined and ended him up on injured reserve.

PATCH.COM

New England Patriots vs Wayland Basketball Fundraiser - Patch.com
The Wayland Booster's annual "Patriots vs. Wayland" basketball game will take place tonight at 7pm in the field house, with a general invitation for the public to attend. There was no word in the article on what players will be attending.

Portland Press Herald

Patriots Beat: Patrick Chung greets fans, and just the fans - Mike Lowe
Lowe writes that Chung was at Hadlock Field last night, signing autographs and talking to the fans who were on hand to meet him last night.