Big Ten Players To Watch In 2013

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 6, 2013

Big Ten Players To Watch In 2013

QB Braxton Miller

Miller was the driving force behind the Buckeyes' unbeaten 2012 campaign. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year was a skilled runner from the moment he stepped onto Ohio State's campus, but he greatly improved his passing game in his sophomore season, throwing for 2,039 yards. Now that the Buckeyes have something to play for, the buzz surrounding Miller should only increase in 2013.

OT Taylor Lewan

Lewan was a candidate to enter the NFL draft after his junior season. Instead, he's returning to Ann Arbor -- something that could pay major dividends for the Wolverines. The left tackle won the Big Ten's Offensive Lineman of the Year award and was an AP first-team All-America in 2012. Following his decision to come back to campus, Lewan has the chance to become the first player in school history to win the Outland Trophy.

LB Max Bullough

Bullough led Michigan State in tackles for the second straight year in 2012, recording 111, including 12.5 tackles for loss. The first-team All-Big Ten linebacker also notched 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. Still, Bullough's biggest impact -- and arguably the reason his return to Michigan State is most valuable -- is his defensive leadership. He made on-field calls and adjustments for the fourth-ranked total defense in the FBS last season.

WR Jared Abbrederis

Wisconsin's offense has typically been built around its power-running game, and with the NCAA's leader in rushing touchdowns (Montee Ball) in the backfield, last year was no exception. Still, Abbrederis managed to rack up the third-most receiving yards in the Big Ten (837) to go along with five touchdowns. The Badgers may go to the air more in 2013, likely creating more targets for their top wide receiver.

WR Allen Robinson

Robinson came out of nowhere in 2012, shocking fans around the Big Ten by winning the conference's Receiver of the Year award. It was well deserved. Just one year after catching just three passes for 29 yards, Robinson took off in Bill O'Brien's offense, hauling in 77 balls for 1,018 yards and 11 touchdowns. Now, he'll have to try to recreate his breakout year in 2013 without quarterback Matt McGloin.

CB Bradley Roby

Roby was the Big Ten's top cornerback in pass coverage last season, leading the conference with 1.73 passes defended per game. The shutdown corner also had two interceptions, 63 tackles and a fumble recovery. For all the losses the Buckeyes suffered among their front seven, they lose just one starter in the secondary. That leaves Roby surrounded by familiar faces as he sets out to replicate his production in 2013.

RB Venric Mark

At 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds, Mark is easy to overlook -- until he goes whizzing by opposing defenses. In his first full year at running back after switching over from receiver, Mark became the first Northwestern player to top the 1,000-yard mark on the ground since Tyrell Sutton in 2006. Mark is also a dangerous return man. He broke two punt returns for touchdowns, and his 18.7 yards per return average ranked second in the FBS.

QB Taylor Martinez

The three-year starter at Nebraska turned in his best season in 2012, throwing for 2,871 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for 1,019 yards and 10 more scores. Martinez also improved his efficiency as a passer, completing a career-high 62 percent of his attempts. For all the good he can do, however, Martinez still needs to cut down on his mistakes. He led the Big Ten last year with 12 interceptions.

LB Ryan Shazier

Shazier's name ranked among the top eight in five different Big Ten statistical categories in 2012. The linebacker finished second in the conference in tackles, first in tackles for loss, fourth in forced fumbles and eighth in sacks and passes defended, respectively. Incredibly, that production wasn't enough to earn the sophomore first-team All-Big Ten recognition from the coaches, so he'll just have outdo himself in 2013. Ohio State may need even more from him; he's the only returning starter in the Buckeyes' front seven.

LB Jake Ryan

Ryan was among the top run-stopping linebackers in the Big Ten in 2012, racking up 88 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and a conference-best four forced fumbles. The second-team All-Big Ten selection now has 27 tackles for loss in his two-year Michigan career. Ryan will likely take on more of a leadership role among the Wolverines' linebacking corps now that Kenny Demens is gone.