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)
5 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Dan Boss 10 months ago
Good read. I think MarQueis Gray is in some trouble right now with academics and something with his ACT score.
Jake Stoneburner will only see action probably when they are up big like you said. Don't forget Rory Nicol is still there as the starter. Jake Ballard is second on the depth chart followed by Brandon Smith another senior. Smith is starting at fullback against YSU though so if he stays there it will open it up for Stoneburner to step in.
All of these guys will be fun to watch as freshman. I'm looking forward to see what OSU's LB's Sabino and Sweat do on special teams as well as OL Mike Brewster.
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Ryan Jelley 10 months ago
yeah I know OSU has a lot of exciting freshman but I wanted to put those who are acutally gonna get playing time and a little variety. If I was gonna list the best freshmen in the Big Ten it would be al Ohio State and Michigan players
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Jeff Contizano 10 months ago
Yeah Gray is off the team at the moment until that ACT deal is sorted out. My wolverines have a lot of talent, and a lot of inexperience in the form of all these freshmen. But I'm damn excited!
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Ryan Jelley 10 months ago
So am I. I'm going to the game Saturday so I'm gonna write a recap of it when I get back and also an analysis of how the freshmen did. I'm excited to see McGuffie.
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Pete Dymeck 10 months ago
No Stephfon Green?
Otherwise, excellent article.
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