Power Ranking the New Big Ten in Recruiting Prowess

With Nebraska set to join the Big Ten in 2011 and the conference soon to be split into divisions, there has been a ton of talk about the future for all of the programs involved.

But of course, what fun would any of this be if we didn't throw recruiting into the mix.

How does Nebraska's arrival change the recruiting dynamic?

The Cornhuskers are on their way to a top 15 recruiting class in 2011 and has historically been a very strong recruiting school, but how do they stack up against their new competition?

To celebrate their awaited arrival in the Big Ten, it's time to re-rank the conference's twelve school's by recruiting prowess.

The majority of the focus will be on 2010 and 2011 recruiting classes, but historical rankings will be taken into consideration when the decision is close.

Of course, with Nebraska entering the conference next year, 2011recruiting classes become all the more important in the Big Ten (12).

12. Indiana Hoosiers

2011 Commitments: 17

Indiana had the worst recruiting class in the Big Ten a year ago, but they're on their way toward making up for that this year with a nice group of talent committed at this point.

Of their 17 recruits, 10 have earned a three star rating and two, linebacker Zack Shaw and athlete Raymon Taylor are the four star prizes of their class.

When you rank 92nd in the country in 2010, getting your hands on two of Rivals top 250 prospects is a huge step in the right direction.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Marlandez Harris, OG

A tackle in high school, Harris is projected as a guard in college because of his ability to drive through contact and reach the second level. He'll be a force as a pulling guard as long as he can continue to get stronger and work on his technique at the point of attack.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Zack Shaw, LB

Shaw is a a bit undersized and needs to bulk up in order to stay at linebacker at the next level, but he's got a ton of potential and should be a solid contributor for years to come.

He's got the size to possibly transition to safety, but his speed is an issue and might make him a candidate to step in as a freshman on passing downs at linebacker.

11. Minnesota Golden Gophers

2011 Commitments: Five

Minnesota has generally been among the middle to lower end of the pack when it comes to recruiting in the Big Ten and there's not much about their 2011 class to make you think differently about the team this year.

They did get two four star recruits and nearly 20 three star recruits in 2010 though, so if they're going to finish 2011 near the top 50 again, they'll need to improve on their 2011 class a bit to get to that point.

Of their five commitments so far, offensive lineman Tommy Olson and quarterback Max Shortell are the only three star recruits to this point, but there's some debate about Olson's value.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Jimmy Gjere, OT

Gjere has great size for a tackle. His long arms, big feet and 6'7" frame are perfect building blocks to develop an elite college offensive tackle. He needs to work on his technique and get a lot stronger, but the pieces are there for a lot of success.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Max Shortell, QB

One of the top quarterbacks in Kansas, Shortell has consistently been a solid performer at camps and really got national attention at the Elite 11 Forth Worth in the spring.

He's a solid fit at Minnesota and provides them with a pro-style QB that fits their offense perfectly.

10. Purdue Boilermakers

2011 Commitments: Five

Purdue had the 54th ranked recruiting class in 2010 with one four star recruit and a baker's dozen three star prospects. That's basically the way things go for the Boilmakers year-in and year-out.

They've ranked between 50-75 for the last few years and typically get comparable talent in any give year.

All five of their 2011 commits are rated as three star prospects and if you follow history, it will be more of the same for Purdue going forward.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: O.J. Ross, WR

Ross was one of the best receivers in Florida coming out of high school and if he was bigger would have been a higher rated prospect. He's got great speed and change of direction ability and that leads to a lot of downfield opportunities.

He needs to work on his strength and route-running to be a consistent threat at the next level.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Russell Bellomy, QB

Bellomy is a dual-threat quarterback with decent potential, but the problem is he doesn't run too fast and doesn't throw too well. He simply gets the job done at each.

That might be enough for him to develop into a solid contributor down the line, but it might mean he never really sees the field.

9. Northwestern Wildcats

2011 Commitments: five

Northwestern had the 77th ranked recruiting class in 2010 and failed to get a single four or five star recruit. This year, they haven't been able to surpass that, but at least they're bringing in quality talent.

Of their five commitments,two of them are three star defensive backs who should help bolster the team's secondary over the next few years.

Sean Cotton and Jarrell Williams both have potential at safety and cornerback respectively, but are limited prospects who need a lot of work in order to make a smooth transition to the next level.

Northwestern doesn't have one of the strongest classes in the Big Ten to this point, but it's not bad.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Will Hampton, DT

He's not your ideally-sized defensive tackle, but he's very strong and plays bigger than he is. He's good in run support and can overpower smaller players with his strength or frustrate bigger one's with his speed.

Hampton is a versatile lineman that can line up on the outside at time if needed to.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Sean Cotton, S

Cotton played primarily at quarterback in high school but he projects as a safety because his size, speed, physical playing style, and quick lateral and hip movement.

He's a versatile athlete with a lot to like about his game.

8. Illinois Fighting Illini

2011 Commitments: Three

Illinois has struggled to recruit last season and their 2011 recruiting class to this point is a direct reflection of that.

That's why it's no surprise they have only three commitments to this point, all of which have received the three star rating.

Its actually ahead of schedule from what they were able to accomplish last season when they got the 70th ranked recruiting class that consisted of one four star recruit and 11 three star recruits.

In previous years they managed to rack in top 20-30 classes all the way up to their 35th ranked class of 2009, but they're in a funk now.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Chandler Whitmer, QB

Whitmer is a "wow" quarterback. He doesn't have the strongest arm, or prototypical size, and isn't very fast, but he's a smart quarterback and a leader on the field.

He's accurate, makes good decisions, knows when to stay in the pocket and when to leave. Witmer maximizes his talent and that's what you love to see.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Zeph Grimes, S

Grimes projects as a strong safety because of his ability to tackle and get into the backfield. He registered 18 sacks his junior season as well as regularly causing turnovers in a multitude of ways.

He's an underrated playmaker who would be rated much higher if his coverage skills and hip movement were better.

7. Wisconsin Badgers

2011 Commitments: 4

The Badgers might not be a powerhouse recruiter like some of the other schools on this list, but when you go 10-3 in 2009 and finish in the top 25 in the nation, ranking 87th in recruiting is simply unacceptable.

That's exactly what they did in 2010 though.

They have hopes to make up for last year's lackluster recruiting class with more success this time around, but so far the results have been mixed. Of their four prospects three are three star graded and only one has received four stars from major media outlet.

That would be linebacker Jake Keefer from Baldwin, WI.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Beau Allen, DT

Allen is a strong player with a good natural base that allows him to hold his ground against the run and take up space. He's a great plug in the middle, but lacks the pursuit capabilities of elite prospects and relying heavily on bull-rush technique.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Jake Keefer, OLB

Keefer is one of the better pass coverage linebackers of the 2011 class and also does well in run support. He's a good tackler, but needs to bulk up as well as work on his consistency.

Nothing against Keefer's game, but If he stands as the best recruit the Badgers are able to sign, they're in for a world of trouble.

6. Iowa Hawkeyes

2011 Commitments: 5

Iowa has proven throughout the years that they can develop talent, will get players to the NFL and will compete with the best of them on any given year. But that hasn't resulted in high recruiting grades, and that's what this list is about.

The Hawkeyes might develop good talent and know how to find players that fit their system, but imagine what they'd do if they were bringing in the type of players Ohio State was.

They ranked 42nd nationally a year ago and so far have the makings of a comparable class this year, headlined by four star offensive tackle Austin Blythe; Rivals No. 5 tackle.

One thing you can't deny is that their offensive line is looking up.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Andrew Donnal, OT

He's a bit on the raw side, but is a very athletic big man who moves well and has the natural frame and quickness to be a very good left tackle. His blocking technique is amateurish and there's a lot of work to be done in the weight room, but a redshirt year from now you could be looking at an elite left tackle prospect.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Austin Blythe, OT

Blythe has the chance to be an impact player as a freshman if he can add some bulk over the next year. He's a natural blocker and does a great job of staying balanced and controlling his man at the line of scrimmage. His footwork needs to be polished, but the talent is there for this kid to be a big-time college football player.

5. Penn State Nittany Lions

2011 Commitments: One

Penn State had the 12th ranked recruiting class in the country in 2010 with three five star recruits and 12 four star recruits to headline a very successful haul. Of all the players they got their hands on, Paul Jones might be the one to be most excited about down the line.

Their 2011 class is coming along very slowly to say the least.

Penn State's recruiting class doesn't consist of anyone besides tight end Kyle Carter from New Castle, DE. There is some debate about where he ranks among tight end prospects in the country, but there isn't much debate about the fact that he's an average prospect at best.

You have to assume they'll pick it up at some point though; at least you'd hope so if you're a Nittany Lions fan.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Paul Jones, QB

Jones has a great arm attached to his shoulder and can really get the ball downfield when you let him throw deep, but its the variety of throws he's capable of making that really turn heads.

He can move well, throw on the run, and has an NFL-type arm. He'll have to wait his turn to quarterback this team, but when he gets on the field; fans should be excited.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Kyle Carter, TE

There's really not much to say about Carter. He's mainly a blocking tight end with limited upside and only slightly above average skills catching the ball.

Obviously this name won't stand, but for now there's nothing else to replace it with.

4. Michigan State Spartans

2011 Commitments: Six

Michigan State's 2010 recruiting class was ranked 30th with only one five star recruit and four four star recruits. It's not too unlike the Spartans to get their hands on a stud prospect though.

Regardless of how the rest of the recruiting year goes, Michigan State is walking away one of the nation's winners in 2011. Of their five prospects, four of them are three star grade, but the fifth, Lawrence Thomas, is one of the highest rated prospects in the country.

They're not going to dominate recruiting on the national stage like Ohio State does, but the Spartans get lots of quality talent and a some star power; you have to like that.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: William Gholston, DE

At 6'7" and 250 lbs, Gholston has a great natural frame and elite athletic ability to match. He's a wrecking ball in run support and will chance ball carriers down all over the field, and that same motor applies to his pass-rushing as well.

He never quits. Never.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Lawrence Thomas, OLB

Thomas has the versatility to play in the middle or on the outside depending on how the coaches decide to use him. He's an all-around solid prospect with nothing not to like about his game.

All he needs to do is bulk up a little and Michigan State is potentially looking at the next Greg Jones.

3. Michigan Wolverines

2011 Commitments: Five

Michigan has struggled to live up to expectations in the Rich Rodriguez era, and that goes for their 201 recruiting class as well. Add in the loss of Demar Dorsey to academic inneligibility and the class looks even worse.

After bringing in top ten classes in 2008 and 2009, the Wolverines slipped to No. 20 this year and it's hard to figure out exactly why they aren't convincing more names to sign on.

Michigan's 2011 recruiting class is shaping up to be pretty good with four star prospects Brennen Beyer at defensive end and Delonte Hollowell at defensive back, though. Based on what we've seen thus far, the Wolverines are on track to do at least as well as they did last year.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Devin Gardner, QB

Dorsey would have been here, but he's headed to Louisville now so the honor goes to Gardner. He's Scout's No. 5 quarterback from the 2010 class. He's an elusive rusher who can make plays with his legs, but has soft touch on his passes.

Gardner's a play-maker who'll fit in nicely behind Tate Forcier before he gets the chance to take the reigns himself.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Brennen Beyer, DE

Beyer is a solid defensive end with great initial burst off the line of scrimmage. He's got great balance and body control, which helps him get around blockers in any number of ways.

At 212 lbs, he's a bit undersized and needs to bulk up in order to make an impact at the next level.

2. Nebraska Cornhuskers

2011 Commitments: 12

Nebraska will become the newest member of the Big Ten and they're starting off with a solid recruiting class to make up for a down year in 2010.

They've struggled to remain relevant the last few years, but their 2009 campaign that ended with a 10-3 record got them back on track and raised expectations for the future. They were still only to get the twenty-second ranked recruiting class in the country.

The turnaround effort has 12 recruits on the books, seven of which have earned the four star label. It looks they might be on pace for a top 10-15 recruiting class in 2011.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Corey Cooper, S

Cooper was Scout's 12th ranked safety and has a propensity for big hits. He plays with a physical style and his time at receiver give him the ability to switch gears when the balls in the air and try to make a play for it.

He's got the versatility to play either safety position and gives the Cornhuskers another solid piece to add to their secondary.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Jamal Turner, QB / Bubba Starling, QB

You can't have just one of these players on the list, you have to go with both. Turner and Starling are both top 10 quarterbacks of the 2011 recruiting class and both offer solid dual-threat ability.

Starting, at 6'5", has the makings of an NFL QB.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes

2011 Commitments: 15

Ohio State had a disappointing class in 2010, ranking 25th in the country despite their strong finish to the season and high expectations moving forward. They landed only a single five star prospect, which is a rare thing for the Buckyeyes.

Well, they're looking to be much higher up in the rankings this year with a very strong class of athletes committed to this point. Of the Buckeyes' 15 commits, six are four star prospects, and two are blue chip diamonds in five star quarterback Braxton Miller and five star defensive end Steve Miller.

The way things are going, the world will soon forget the disappointment of 2010 and mark it up as a fluke.

Biggest 2010 Recruit: Andrew Norwell, OT

Norwell was Scout's No. 2 offensive tackle from the 2010 class and the highlight of Ohio State's decent, but not great recruiting haul. He's a coach's dream and a very well developed and advanced prospect who can step in immediately and produce.

If OSU somehow steals away USC's Sentreal Henderson, they'd have a scary set of bookends for their O-line.

Biggest 2011 Recruit: Braxton Miller, QB

Miller is the best quarterback of the 2011 class and the heir-apparent to Terrelle Pryor. He's not quite as highly touted as Pryor was coming out of high school, but isn't too far behind.

The Buckeyes have the makings of a top five recruiting class and Miller is a great centerpiece to move forward with.