Big Ten Football Top 150 Players: No. 135, Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State

No. 135: Darqueze Dennard, No. 31, CB, Michigan State
2011 stats: 42 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 passes broken up, 1 TFL, 1 blocked kick 

Strengths

Dennard brings 13 career starts and an honorable mention All-Big Ten designation to the table for 2012. With Johnny Adams also returning, Michigan State could have the best cornerback tandem in the Big Ten. Dennard registered 42 tackles and three interceptions in 2011 and came through in big games last year. He recorded two interceptions in Michigan State’s Outback Bowl win against Georgia and blocked a field goal in Michigan State’s Hail Mary victory over No. 4 Wisconsin.

Weaknesses

Dennard hurt his shoulder a couple weeks ago and missed the rest of the spring session. So, while nobody's talking about him missing any actual playing time in the fall, that's something to keep an eye on. Also, Dennard struggled at times keeping in front of his receiver, and he doesn't have the lockdown skills you want to see from a No. 1 cornerback. Not yet, anyway.

2012 Prediction

With Michigan State's front seven absolutely loaded, Dennard is going to be tested early and often as teams try to find ways to move the ball. This isn't a great year for accurate throwers in the Big Ten to begin with, so between that and the elite Michigan State pass rush, there's a real opportunity for Dennard to make big plays on bad throws. If he takes a big step forward in 2012, the Spartan defense should be nightmarish for opposing teams.