Big Ten Football: Michigan's Denard Robinson and the 5 Best Playmakers

Who are the Big Ten's biggest playmakers?

The conference is usually known for its tough defense, but this season several offensive playmakers could steal the show.  Michigan's Denard Robinson is the most famous but there are several others who could lead their teams to the conference title.

Let's take a look at the other players who could have major impacts in 2012...

Denard Robinson, Michigan Quarterback

Any discussion of big-time playmaking in the Big Ten must begin with Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson.

Robinson, now a junior, has grown into the most explosive offensive player in the conference and one of the most dynamic athletes in the whole college game.

He is still a very fast runner, but he now couples his running skills with elusiveness out of the pocket, His accuracy has also improved dramatically.  If he can learn to pass accurately in the pocket while under pressure, Robinson will be unstoppable. 

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska Running Back

Ameer Abdullah may be unknown, but he is the most dangerous player in Nebraska's offense.

All the attention goes to playmaking quarterback Taylor Martinez (No. 5) but Martinez's inconsistency matches his talent.  That will open up opportunities for Abdullah to be the point man in the Cornhuskers' offense.

Marqueis Gray, Minnesota Quarterback

Gray is the best hope Minnesota has of being relevant in 2012.

He is 240 pounds of pure athletic potential.  Gray also showed improvement in his completion rate and accuracy in 2011, which makes Gopher fans very excited to see him this upcoming season.

He won't lead the Gophers to glory in 2011, but he will be exciting and could lead the Big Ten in total offense this year.

Braxton Miller, Ohio State Quarterback

Braxton Miller is supposed to be the next great quarterback at Ohio State.

Last season, Miller looked one dimensional and did not impress in limited attempts. But new coach Urban Meyer will look to develop him and take advantage of his athleticism.

If Miller shows improvement in 2012, the Buckeyes will be a much more dangerous team.

Taylor Martinez, Nebraska Quarterback

Ameer Abdullah may be the future point man for the offense, but Martinez is still the playmaking key to Nebraska's success.

He may be inconsistent but Martinez is explosive as both a runner and a passer. Nebraska needs him to put it all together and work well with Abdullah to contend for the Big Ten title.