Big Ten Football Top 150 Players: No. 141, Curtis Grant, Ohio State LB

141. Curtis Grant, No. 14, LB, Ohio State

2011 stats: 2 tackles

Strengths

There aren't many (see: any) other linebackers in the Big Ten that would merit consideration on a top 150 list after registering two tackles in special teams duty in 2011. However, Grant would be the exception. He's a former 5-star linebacker, the jewel of the Buckeyes' 2011 class and has already worked his way into the starting role with (ineffectual) returning starter Storm Klein nursing an injury this spring.

Grant's measurables are impeccable at 6'3" and 235 pounds. He's extremely athletic and his potential is through the roof.

Weaknesses

It should be noted that Grant's ascension to the top of the middle linebacker depth chart is due every bit as much to Klein's shortcomings and a relative dearth of other qualified candidates as his own growth.

Middle linebacker is a tough position to master and Urban Meyer said himself that Grant struggled to learn the position as a true freshman. Obviously, that has to change.

2012 Prediction

It would be a surprise if Grant didn't work his way into at least a platoon role at MLB and considering the relative weakness of his competition, he should have a shot at wresting Klein's starting role away in the fall.

It would be good news for OSU if that happened, as it would give the Buckeyes two young, extremely talented linebackers (Grant and Ryan Shazier) leading the linebacking corps and progressing normally through their careers. Expect something close to that and a floor of 70 tackles for Grant in 2012.