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Brent Yarina's Bio: BigTenNetwork.com editor Brent Yarina takes you around Big Ten athletics, on and off the court. |
Big Ten's top 5 game-changing players
| Jul 15 2008, 2:47 PM | Topic: Talking Big Ten | ||
Like any top 5, these lists are subjective. To rank the players, I considered qualities like track record, potential upside and team success, among other things. TOP 5 GAME-CHANGERS 1. Beanie Wells, Ohio State RB I smell a possible Heisman Trophy in Wells' future. Plain and simple, there is no bigger offensive threat currently suiting up in the Big Ten. Last year as a sophomore, the Buckeye back ran all over opponents, averaging 5.9 yards per carry en route to eclipsing the 100-yard plateau nine times, including two 200-yard affairs. With all the offensive weapons around him, expect even gaudier stats down the road. 2008 PREDICTED STATS: 295 att., 1,830 yards, 19 TD; 12 rec., 85 yards, 1 TD 2007 STATS: 274 att., 1,609 yards, 15 TD; 5 rec., 21 yards
2. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State LB The Animal's son shocked quite a few people when he turned down millions in the NFL Draft to return for his senior season. Already considered one of the nation's elite linebackers, Laurinaitis will only get better. Consider these statistics: 118 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 3.5 INTs. Those are the numbers Laurinaitis has averaged as a starter the past two years. Good luck, opposing offenses. 2008 PREDICTED STATS: 138 tackles, 4 sacks, 3 INT 2007 STATS: 121 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 INT 3. Javon Ringer, Michigan State RB It will be interesting to see how Ringer plays without former backfield mate Jehuu Caulcrick, but I'm predicting a smooth transition. After all, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio loves to establish the run, and there aren't many better at carrying the ball than Ringer. One thing's for sure, a majority of those touchdowns Caulcrick scored last year (21, to be exact) should fall right into Ringer's lap this fall. 2008 PREDICTED STATS: 280 att., 1,655 yards, 14 TD; 40 rec., 360 yards, 2 TD 2007 STATS: 245 att., 1,447 yards, 6 TD; 35 rec., 295 yards 4. Travis Beckum, Wisconsin TE Listed as a tight end, Beckum might as well be a wide receiver. Few tight ends have Beckum's athleticism and natural talent, and none possess his ability to stretch a defense. Narrowly missing out on the 1,000-yard mark each of the past two seasons, Beckum has a realistic shot to eclipse that barrier -- even if he doesn't have a starting QB yet. 2008 PREDICTED STATS: 81 rec., 1,105 yards, 8 TD 2007 STATS: 75 rec., 982 yards, 6 TD 5. Arrelious Benn, Illinois WR I know what you're thinking: Benn didn't even have a single 100-yard receiving game last season. You're right. But that doesn't really matter, not when you are as young, big, strong, quick and fast as Benn. Illinois' super sophomore can kill you in a myriad of ways, whether he's receiving (54 rec., 676 yds), running (32 car., 158 yds) or returning (10 KR, 280 yards). 2008 PREDICTED STATS: 68 rec., 885 yards, 6 TD; 35 att., 220 yards, 1 TD 2007 STATS: 54 rec., 676 yards, 2 TD; 32 att., 158 yards |
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