Top five defensive players to watch in the Big Ten this week

The Big Ten is set to have a phenomenal year with Iowa, Ohio State and Wisconsin leading the way.  Defensively, this is probably the best year for the Big Ten since 2005.  Players like Adrian Clayborn, Cameron Heyward, Ollie Ogbu and Greg Jones are capturing the pre-season headlines, but a few other lesser known players will be making a charge in their opening games.  These are the five players to watch this week.

John Simon, DT, Ohio State

Simon turned some heads as a freshman last year playing well in the second half of the season.  He now has the opportunity to shine as a fulltime starter.  Playing alongside seasoned veterans, Cameron Heyward and Dexter Larimore, Simon should have a breakout season beginning against Marshall on Thursday night.  He may not get the accolades from the media, but Simon will be a big reason why Heyward has a monstrous season in 2010.

Chris Borland

Borland was the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year in 2009, and he was named to the FWAA Freshman All-American team.  Can he progress in 2010?  Playing behind a less experienced defensive line may cause an early stumble, but as the season progresses, Borland should be wrecking havoc on opposing offenses again.  UNLV should not pose a serious threat Wisconsin on Saturday, but they have just enough offensive firepower to test Borland and the rest of the Badger defense. 

Martez Wilson

Not much went well for the Fighting Illini in 2009, especially on defense.  Wilson was a terror during his freshman and sophomore seasons, but he suffered a season ending neck injury against Missouri in the opener last year and was lost for the season.  Expectations are high for Wilson to return to his old form, and help lead Illinois back into a bowl game.  Wilson played well against Missouri in 07 and 08, and his play will dictate whether the Illini snap its three game losing streak against the Tigers.

Ryan Kerrigan

Kerrigan does not get the publicity that Clayborn or Heyward might get, but he is one the Big Ten’s elite defensive linemen.  Kerrigan led the conference in sacks in 2009 finishing with 13.  He is also on every watch list for the season ending defensive awards.  Kerrigan should pick up where he left off against Notre Dame this Saturday as the Fighting Irish are breaking in three new offensive linemen.  If he has a big game, the Boilermakers might get a rare win in South Bend.

Quentin Davie

Davie led the Wildcats in tackles and sacks in 2009, perhaps having his best game against Auburn in the Outback Bowl recording nine tackles.  He has been named to the pre-season Butkus Award watch list.  Davie’s play will have a direct impact on whether or not Northwestern makes it to a third straight bowl game.  They open at Vanderbilt, not a heavy weight, but an SEC team nonetheless.  Look for Davie to have a productive day against a very inexperienced Commodore’s offensive line.