Top 10 Big 10 Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 19, 2009

Top 10 Big 10 Players

Evan Royster

The Big Ten's leading returning rusher made his presence felt last season despite limited carries. With Penn State's top three receivers gone, the onus will fall on Royster and QB Daryll Clark to generate offense in 2009.

Bryan Bulaga

The 6-foot-6, 312-pounder has drawn comparisons to former Hawkeye and Outland Trophy winner Robert Gallery, and for good reason. A quick learner who can move around the line, Bulaga's run and pass blocking abilities make him a possible top 10 draft pick.

Eric Decker

Decker has excelled since Minnesota switched to a spread offense. An outstanding overall athlete (he's twice been selected in the MLB draft), Decker can stretch the field and outmatch defenders.

Brandon Graham

Michigan's defense got a big boost when Graham decided to forgo the NFL draft. Though undersized for his position (6-foot-2), the All-America candidate is a relentless pass-rusher (18.5 sacks the past two seasons) and possesses great sideline-to-sideline speed.

Daryll Clark

Clark doesn't dazzle like Ohio State's Terrelle Pryor, but he's as dependable as they come. He's excelled in Penn State's Spread HD offense, notching yards on the ground and passing efficiently.

Corey Wootton

If Wootton hadn't torn his ACL in the Alamo Bowl, he'd likely be at NFL camp now. If he retains the pass rushing ability that led to 10 sacks last season, he'll reassert his stock as a first-round NFL draft pick.

Sean Lee

Lee lost 2008 to an ACL tear, but has returned to full health and is ready to reassert himself as one of the nation's most dominant defenders. He pairs with Navorro Bowman to form the conference's fiercest linebacking tandems.

Greg Jones

The 2008 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year boasts exceptional speed and versatility. A middle linebacker on the roster, he can wreak as much havoc on the outside as on the line.

Arrelious Benn

Benn accounted for 1,668 all-purpose yards last season as Juice Williams' main target despite nearly constant double teams and occasional triple teams. The elite receiver should account for even more offensive production in 2009 with Jeff Cumberland and Jarred Fayson drawing the opposition's eye.

Terrelle Pryor

Pryor gained fame as an electric dual-threat recruit, then made good on the hype by stealing the starting QB job from Todd Boeckman and earning Big Ten freshman of the year honors. A physical presence with great speed and a cannon arm, Pryor should become one of the nation's most dominant players.