Big Ten players to watch in 2016
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Big Ten players to watch in 2016
Brian Allen, Michigan State G
In his sophomore season, Allen was named second-team All-Big Ten and started at both left guard and center. He'll face bigger expectations in 2016 now that standout linemen Jack Allen and Jack Conklin are off to the NFL.
Saquon Barkley, Penn State RB
Barkley rushed for 1,076 yards and seven touchdowns as a true freshman at Penn State. He was the only true freshman to earn AP first- or second-team All-Big Ten honors.
J.T. Barrett, Ohio State QB
After splitting time with Cardale Jones last season, Barrett will finally have the quarterback position to himself for the first time since he helped get the Buckeyes to the national championship in 2014. He only threw for 992 yards and 11 touchdowns in all of last season after throwing for 2,834 yards and 34 touchdowns in ’14.
C.J. Beathard, Iowa QB
In his first full year as the starting quarterback, Beathard led Iowa to a 12–2 record, including appearances in both the Big Ten title game and the Rose Bowl. He threw for 2,570 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Dan Feeney, Indiana G
After earning All-America honors last fall, Feeney decided to return to Bloomington for the 2016 season. He has allowed just one sack in 37 career starts.
Desmond King, Iowa CB
The cornerback delighted Iowa fans by announcing he would return for his senior year after reigning in eight interceptions (second most in the FBS) and winning the Jim Thorpe Award during his junior campaign. His dominant 2015 season earned him consensus All-America honors in addition to a first-team all-Big Ten selection.
Jourdan Lewis, Michigan CB
Lewis was named to first-team All-Big Ten after recording 52 tackles and two interceptions last fall. He helped lead a Wolverines defense that ranked fifth in the country in yards allowed per play.
Will Likely, Maryland CB
The versatile senior from Maryland holds several Terrapins records, including most interception return yards in a season and single-game punt and kickoff return yards. He spent most of his time as a cornerback and returner, but he also started at wide receiver against Wisconsin. Big Ten coaches listed him first-team All-Big Ten as both a corner and returner, and he was an All-America punt returner.
Jabrill Peppers, Michigan LB
Peppers was named second-team All-Big Ten as an all-purpose performer last season, when he recorded 45 tackles, deflected 10 passes and was featured as a return man. Now the do-it-all performer is taking on a new role—linebacker, a switch from the defensive back role he filled last season.
Anthony Walker, Northwestern LB
The third-leading tackler in the Big Ten was a force for the Wildcats in 2015, finishing with 120 tackles and appearing in all 13 games. He added four sacks, one interception and one forced fumble en route to a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Walker led Northwestern to a 13th-ranked scoring defense and a 10–3 record despite the offense that averaged just 22.5 points per game.