Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State- It will be interesting to see how Weber progresses this season, he rushed for just over 1,000 yards in 2016 and if he can continue that trend. Ohio State running backs have a history of making the NFL and if Weber can post another season or two he could continue that trend.
Is Rashan Gary Michigan’s next great D-Lineman?
Rashan Gary, DE, Michigan- How Gary plays this season will be very interesting, the Michigan defensive line will need players to step up and play at an elite level with the loss of Taco Charlton and Rashan Gary is a good candidate to do that, he was a five-star recruit in the 2016 class and has the potential to be a first-round pick a few years from now.
Alex Hornibrook, QB, Wisconsin- The Badgers are going to need good quarterback play in able to compete with the likes of Penn State, Michigan, and Ohio State. The Badgers season is very reliant on their success at the quarterback position due to their pro-style offense. Will Hornibrook be the next Russell Wilson or the next Joel Stave?
Marcus Allen, Safety, Penn State– Allen would have been drafted had he declared for the 2017 draft but he decided to stick around. The Nittany Lions will be led by a dynamic offense of Trace McSorley at quarterback and Saquon Barkley at running back but they will need an impact leader on the defensive side of the ball and Allen has the chance to lead that defense to a college football playoff spot.
Donnie Corley, WR, Michigan State- The receiving corps of Michigan State has the potential to be really good in 2017 and the likely number one receiver is Corley. The Michigan State is going to need playmakers in order to improve from their disastrous 2016 season and compete in the Big Ten once again. If Corley can play at an elite level they have a chance to do that.
Antoine Winfield Jr. DB, Minnesota- Coming off a very good season last year Winfield has a chance to take his talent to the next level in 2017. The Gophers offense has lots of potential with new offensive guru P.J. Fleck as their head coach. If the Gophers want to compete in the Big Ten they will need to be well-rounded on both sides of the football and they will need leaders like Winfield to have a major impact.
Nathan Stanley, QB, Iowa- The Hawkeyes are going to feel the loss of quarterback C.J. Beathard and they will need someone to step up and fill that void, Stanley backed up Beathard last season and has a good chance to be their starting quarterback. If Iowa can find anyone at the quarterback position that is anywhere as good as Beathard they will be a dangerous team in the Big Ten.
Giovanni Rescigno, QB, Rutgers- The Scarlet Knights have been the doormat of the Big Ten since they joined the conference and the first part of fixing that will be by finding a quarterback that can compete against the elite defensive play across the conference. The addition of former Minnesota coach Jerry Kill at the offensive coordinator position will hopefully lead to elevated play at football’s most important position for the Scarlet Knights.
Flynn Nagel, WR, Northwestern- Last season Nagel was not just a contributor on the receiving end but also in special teams if he can improve at both he has the potential to be one of the best players on Northwestern in 2017. The Wildcats lost a very valuable asset with Austin Carr leaving for the NFL but Nagel has the potential to immediately make up for that loss. If Nagel can do this the Wildcats offense has the chance to not lose a beat.
Nick Gates, OT, Nebraska- Gates will play a pivotal role in the Nebraska offense this upcoming season. The Cornhuskers don’t know who their starting quarterback will be in 2017 after the loss of Tommy Armstrong and Gates will play one of the most important roles on the Cornhuskers this season which is ensuring that whoever their new quarterback is can have the opportunity to succeed and not be constantly pressured by the intimidating defenses across the Big Ten. The Big Ten is a great conference for offensive tackles and Gates has the chance to be one of its best this upcoming season.
