The 18 Big Ten Freshmen to Watch in 2008

As we're counting down the minutes until kickoff for the Big Ten, we should take a look at what freshmen could have an impact in the conference.  Although Michigan, Ohio State, and surprisingly Minnesota were the only ones who could pull in top 25 recruiting classes, there are plenty of other freshmen who could make their mark in 2008.

Offense

Quarterback

1. Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State)

They are calling him the "chosen one" in Columbus.  He is being compared to LeBron James, and people think he will be the next Vince Young.  Although Todd Boeckman is the starter for Ohio State right now, Pryor could still see some playing time.

Pryor came out of high school as the number one recruit in the nation and was well-deserving of that honor.  He had the strongest arm of the whole class, and his scrambling abilities make him a very good asset for Jim Tressel's Buckeyes.

Watch for Pryor to be put into randomly throughout the season, not just when the Buckeyes are up by four touchdowns—even though that is going to happen often.

2. MarQueis Grey (Minnesota)

Minnesota needed a new quarterback to run their offensive scheme, and Grey might be their guy.  A four-star recruit out of Indiana, Grey has better scrambling abilities than any other quarterback in this class.

Grey could start right away, and it wouldn't be a mistake.  Getting him some experience might give Minnesota a chance to become a Big Ten power again.

Running Back

1. Sam McGuffie (Michigan)

McGuffie had a lights-out junior year that earned him the nickname of "White Lightning" and scholarship offers from elite programs like USC, Notre Dame, and Texas, but in the end he chose Michigan.  You can see this speed demon's moves on YouTube if you search for McGuffie's mixtape.

McGuffie is currently listed as the number one running back on the Michigan depth chart, and come Saturday you are going to see this kid get at least 20 carries.  Don't be surprised if he breaks a few tackles and takes one all the way to the end zone.

2. Michael Shaw (Michigan)

Also a Michigan commitment, Shaw first committed to Penn State.  However, when signing day came around and teammates Brandon Moore and Roy Roundtree both signed with Michigan, Shaw followed.

Shaw is listed as number two on the Michigan depth chart and could get as many carries as McGuffie does.  He is a huge home run threat and can make the big plays when needed.

Tight End

1. Jake Stoneburner (Ohio State)

In Stoneburner's senior season, he caught 74 passes for 1,271 yards.  Although Jake Ballard has the starting position for the Buckeyes, Stoneburner could get some playing time.  When he does, watch for him to shine.

2. Kevin Kroger (Michigan)

Kroger had a fantastic fall camp showing off his great hands, which are greatly needed in Rich Rodriguez's offensive scheme.  Junior Carson Butler is a very up and down player, making a big play one snap and getting called for a false start the next, so Kroger could definitely get some playing time.

Wide Receiver

1. DeVier Posey (Ohio State)

Posey committed early to Ohio State and never wavered.  Posey has great speed, and although the Buckeyes already have Brian Hartline, Brian Robiskie, and Brandon Saine pulling in the passes, Posey will get on the field too.  Once he gets downfield, nobody will be able to catch him.

2. Fred Smith (Michigan State)

Smith had scholarship offers from most of the Big Ten schools, but in the end he chose the Spartans, where he figured he could get some early playing time.  Smith has great route-running ability and could become a factor in the Spartans offense quickly.

Offensive Line

1. Mike Adams (Ohio State)

Ohio State's class included three amazing linemen, headlined by Adams.  He is ranked as the number one lineman in the nation and is being called the best lineman to come out of Ohio in years.  Adams could start right away, but like most offensive tackles he might have to wait a year.

2. Dann O'Neill (Michigan)

O'Neill was the best player coming out of Michigan this year.  He has the size of Jake Long, and his quick feet could get him playing time right away.  He also had a very strong fall camp, showing that he is a great run blocker, which makes him ideal for Rodriguez's offense.

3. Graham Pocic (Illinois)

Graham is a 6'7", 316-lb. beast who is very quick on his feet.  He had a strong fall camp, and Illinois quarterback Juice Williams is going to need all the protection he can get now that Rashard Mendenhall has departed for the NFL.  Pocic could start right away or could get redshirted like most offensive linemen.

Defense

Defensive Line

1. Tyler Westhal (Wisconsin)

Westhal is a huge weakside defensive end who has a quick first step and is a great pass-rusher.  Wisconsin's secondary isn't the best in the conference, so they are in desperate need of some pressure on the quarterback.  Westhal might be the key.

2. Mike Martin (Michigan)

Martin isn't the best defensive tackle in his class, but Michigan is desperate to get freshmen playing time, and we could see Martin get in there when Terrance Taylor needs a break.  Martin, also a nationally-ranked wrestler, is very quick and can get to the quarterback fast.

Linebackers

1. Marcus Witherspoon (Michigan)

Obi Ezeh is the only returning starter at this position for Michigan, so Witherspoon could see some quick playing time.  Witherspoon is a very smart player who is also able to make great stops against the run.  Michigan signed four linebackers, so Witherspoon could share playing time with other freshmen like Taylor Hill, Kenny Demens, and J.B. Fitzgerald.

2. Brandon Bechum (Penn State)

Bechum was Penn State's top signee in this class and could start right away.  With the departure of All-American Dan Connor, Bechum could fill his spot as the hard-hitting leader of the Penn State defense.

Secondary

1. Boubacar Cissoko (Michigan)

Cissoko, a standout at the Army All-American game, should get some early playing time.  He has the build of former first-round draft pick Leon Hall.  Cissoko is a small hard-hitting corner and will play alongside potential All-Americans Morgan Trent and Donovan Warren.

2. Cortez Smith (Indiana)

Smith, a teammate of Cissoko, is thought to be an even better cornerback by most coaches in Detroit but did not get as much attention as Cissoko.  Smith has great speed and hands and could play either corner or wide receiver.  Whatever he plays, he will definitely get some early playing time.

3. Brandon Smith (Michigan)

Smith played quarterback in high school, but as much as the Wolverines need a QB, Smith will play safety in college.  Smith is a hard-hitting athlete with good hands and at fall camp is adapting quickly to college play under the mentoring of Donovan Warren. 

The way it is panning out, Michigan is going to have to rely on their freshmen to carry them.  Also keep your eye on Ohio State, because once they lead by more than 20, they will begin to throw freshmen in, and they will often be up by that much.