Big Ten Football: 13 Dynamic Players to Watch in 2011

College football's stodgy, old Big Ten Conference will have a new look in 2011 with the addition of a 12th team in Nebraska, going to divisional play, adding in a championship game and re-branding itself as the B1G Conference.

But ultimately what matters to fans is what happens between the white lines on Saturdays, and that comes down to the players on the field. So let's take a look at the most dynamic players from each team in the B1G Conference.

Illinois: Nathan Scheelhaase, QB

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini passes the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/

As a redshirt freshman, Scheelhaase was tabbed to replace the Illini's total offense leader, Juice Williams.

He did so admirably, combining speed and elusiveness on the ground with a big-time arm to lead Illinois to a winning record and a 38-14 rout of Baylor in the Texas Bowl.

Indiana: Darius Willis Jr., RB

Willis was tabbed to carry the load for the Hoosiers in 2010, but injuries throughout the year got in his way. With a full offseason to get healthy, Willis should be the leading light for Indiana's offense in 2011.

Photo originally located here.

Iowa: Marcus Coker, RB

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IOWA CITY, IA - NOVEMBER 20: Running back Marcus Coker #34 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes drives the ball past linebacker Ross Homan #51 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of play at Kinnick Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Iowa City, I

The Hawkeyes lose a lot of skilled players on offense to graduation, but Coker's break-out Insight Bowl against Missouri means head Hawkeye Kirk Ferentz should have a running game to build upon.

Iowa will be breaking in a new starting quarterback, but Coker should give them a solid ground game while their new quarterback gets acclimated.

Michigan: Denard Robinson, QB

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

This one's a no-brainer.

Robinson might be the most dangerous offensive player in the entire B1G Conference, when healthy. New head coach Brady Hoke will have a challenge fitting the dynamic Robinson into his offensive scheme, but Robinson's skills make Michigan dangerous every time he touches the ball.

Michigan State: Edwin Baker, RB

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Running back Edwin Baker #4 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on November 27, 2010 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/

The Spartans' offense doesn't exactly ooze dynamism, but Baker's power and production put him in the discussion as the B1G's best running back in 2011.

Between Baker and returning starter Kirk Cousins, Michigan State's offense will bring balance and consistency, and will be a tough matchup for any foe.

Minnesota: MarQueis Gray, QB

Well, say this for new head Gopher Jerry Kill: He's not afraid to think outside the box.

Kill took Gray, a wide receiver who had eight passing attempts out of the Wildcat in 2010, and made him Minnesota's starting quarterback for 2011. The Gophers might not lead the B1G Conference in passing efficiency, but this experiment will be fascinating to watch.

Photo originally located here.

Nebraska: Taylor Martinez, QB

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LINCOLN, NE - SEPTEMBER 04: Taylor Matinez #3 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers scores his first touchdown as a Cornhusker during the first half of their game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebra

When Martinez is good, Nebraska's offense is very good, and when mixed with a stout Blackshirts defense, the Cornhuskers become formidable.

When Martinez isn't good, either through injury or defensive schemes, the Cornhuskers struggle. With a full offseason to rest a gimpy ankle and a new offensive coordinator calling the shots, a return of Martinez to his T-Magic ways could propel Nebraska to heights not seen in Lincoln for some time.

Northwestern: Dan Persa, QB

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EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 23: Dan Persa #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats runs against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field on October 23, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 35-27. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Don't let Northwestern's purple fool you.

Persa is in the frame for best quarterback in the B1G Conference, bringing a solid arm, elusiveness and decision-making to the table. An injury against Iowa derailed Persa's season and hamstrung the Wildcats' chances for greater glory in 2010.

With a full offseason to recover though, look for Persa to log great numbers in 2011.

Ohio State: Terrelle Pryor, QB

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates the Buckeyes 31-26 victory against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Loui

Whoops! How'd he get in here...

Ohio State: DeVier Posey, WR

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: DeVier Posey #8 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on before taking on the Arkansas Razorbacks in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

With Terrelle Pryor's decision to leave school, it could be argued Posey is Ohio State's best player, but is also serving a five-game suspension for the tattoos-for-memorabilia scandal that has engulfed Columbus.

When Posey returns though, he has the kind of offensive talent that can instantly improve Ohio State's offense.

Penn State: Derek Moye, WR

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Wide receiver Derek Moye #6 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up for play against the Florida Gators January 1, 2010 in the 25th Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

No question, the Nittany Lions struggled at quarterback in 2010, and there are questions still to be answered for 2011.

But Moye brings consistency and stability as a target for Penn State's signal-caller, and he has the skills to be one of the B1G Conference's top receivers in 2011.

Purdue: Rob Henry, QB

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Rob Henry #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Henry was Purdue's "Mr. Do-It-All" in 2010, leading the Boilermakers in rushing and passing as a freshman.

With a year's experience under his belt and some improved offensive talent around him, Henry could be one of the surprise break-out stars from the B1G Conference in 2011.

Wisconsin: Montee Ball, RB

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Running back Montee Ball #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes with the ball against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

It seems fitting that Wisconsin's offensive linchpin in 2011 is a player like Ball—a powerful, downhill runner with enough speed to be dangerous.

With Wisconsin breaking in a new quarterback, head Badger Bret Bielema will be leaning on Ball's strength in 2011.

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