Big Ten Football: 10 Players You Need to Know This Season
As summer fades into fall and those in the Midwest trade flip-flops for hoodies, there’s excitement in the air because Big Ten Football is nearing a return.
The conference lost several impact players to the NFL draft, but with a new season comes emerging stars ready to make names for themselves.
Who’s the next Melvin Gordon, Trae Waynes or Brandon Scherff?
In identifying 10 breakout candidates to watch, the criteria is as follows:
- Excitement
- Potential impact
- Ability
With the start of the season closing in, here are 10 players to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions
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Here are two players who didn’t make the cut.
D.J. Knox, Purdue
With Purdue lacking depth at the running back position, Knox is an ideal candidate for a breakout season. Knox could be limited by his small stature (he's only 5'7"), but he's explosive.
Hendrick Ekpe, Minnesota
Ekpe has size, athleticism and explosion at the defensive end spot. His brother, Scott, plays on the defensive line too, and the brothers are expected to have an impact in 2015.
No. 10: Montae Nicholson
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Montae Nicholson, Michigan State
Mark Dantonio appeared on ESPN’s Championship Drive podcast last week and raved about Nicholson.
"If you asked for one right now, I think Montae is a guy that played for us as a true freshman, started four games. He’s a 13.9 high hurdler and a 25-8 long jumper, 218 pounds, and he’s got a year of experience. He’s a very good tackler with good ball skills.
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At 6-foot-2, Nicholson has tremendous size to go along with his blazing speed. The Spartans have a history of developing NFL-caliber secondary talent; recent examples include Darqueze Dennard and Waynes. Nicholson will be looked upon to carry on the Spartans’ “No Fly Zone."
As a true freshman, Nicholson made valuable contributions and started three games. Co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett told Kyle Austin of MLive Media Group that he expects Nicholson to continue progressing toward stardom.
"I'm expecting him to have a big season, a big season, a special season, because he's a special talent," Barnett said.
No. 9: Godwin Igwebuike
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Godwin Igwebuike, Northwestern
The Northwestern safety showed high upside during his redshirt freshman season. Igwebuike burst into the national spotlight when he helped the Wildcats upset Wisconsin. He intercepted three passes and recorded seven tackles in that game.
He’ll be expected to carry a heavier load in 2015 after starting five games last season.
Despite not recording another interception all year, Igwebuike is a playmaker and should increase that total as he matures. If he can grow from his freshman mistakes, Igwebuike will be a leader of that defense.
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No. 8: Jay Scheel
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Jay Scheel, Iowa
Prior to last season, Scheel underwent knee surgery, which derailed the wide receiver’s 2014 season. This year he has a chance to seize a starting role opposite junior Matt VandeBerg.
In high school, Scheel rotated between receiver and quarterback but has enough size to make an instant impact in 2015.
Coach Kirk Ferentz told Chad Leistikow of Hawk Central that expectations are high for Scheel.
“Last spring’s the first time we actually got to see him close to full speed," Ferentz said. "Kind of like [previously injured tight end] Jon Wisnieski, I think, we’re going to see a different guy in August here. ... We had great feelings about him coming out of high school.”
If healthy, expect Scheel to solidify the Hawkeyes’ receiving corps.
No. 7: Freedom Akinmoladun
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Freedom Akinmoladun, Nebraska
With Nebraska looking to replace Randy Gregory, Akinmoladun could be the answer.
The 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive end has speed and explosiveness. He arrived on campus as a tight end but gained weight and switched to the defensive side of the ball. The Huskers' lack of depth on the defensive line gives Akinmoladun a chance to contribute early and often.
Once he figures out the new position, expect Akinmoladun to be a beast on defense.
No. 6: Boone Myers
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Boone Myers, Iowa
The sophomore wasn’t highly recruited. In fact, he originally made the team as a walk-on before earning a scholarship last season.
Now Myers is expected to fill the shoes of NFL first-round draft pick Brandon Scherff. All eyes are on Myers, who must improve his strength.
The athletic tackle should prosper with experience, and he’ll receive a ton of it because he’s expected to fill a starting position.
No. 5: Madre London
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Madre London, Michigan State
There’s an open competition at running back in East Lansing as the Spartans look to replace Jeremy Langford. London is one of three players vying for the starting job but may provide the biggest spark.
London could have contributed immediately as a true freshman, but Langford’s presence led to him being redshirted.
The Fort Lauderdale native rushed for 813 yards with 16 touchdowns while averaging 7.5 yards per carry during his final high school season, according to Maxpreps.com.
No. 4: Jordan Howard
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Jordan Howard, Indiana
Indiana may have found its replacement for Tevin Coleman in the form of a transfer. Howard is immediately eligible to play after the University of Alabama at Birmingham discontinued its program following the 2014 season.
Howard rushed for 1,587 yards last season and gives the Hoosiers an experienced rusher.
No. 3: Terry McLaurin
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Terry McLaurin, Ohio State
Quarterback isn’t the only competition brewing in Columbus.
The Buckeyes are searching for a deep threat to replace Devin Smith. One name to watch is McLaurin, who redshirted in 2014. The young wide out has blazing speed and comes highly rated. He won Indiana’s Mr. Football award in 2013 and had several scholarship offers from Big Ten schools, according to ESPN.
No. 2: Jabrill Peppers
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Jabrill Peppers, Michigan
Heading into the 2014 season, Peppers was expected to be an impact performer as a true freshman. Unfortunately, leg injuries limited the defensive back to just three games and a redshirt season. Peppers was highly recruited and is considered an elite athlete.
The 6-foot-1 safety has an exciting package of size and speed. It’ll be interesting to see Peppers’ development under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
No. 1: Corey Clement
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Corey Clement, Wisconsin
With Gordon departing for the NFL, Clement becomes the starting tailback for the Badgers. As a junior, he’s older than the rest of the list, but he’s been behind Gordon on the depth chart.
Although he wasn’t the starter last season, he still managed to put up nice statistics. The 5-foot-11 junior had 949 rushing yards in 2014, but he should easily surpass that as he becomes the featured running back in 2015.
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