|
|
|
NFL, here we come!
Should I stay or should I go? It's a question Big Ten football players confront on a daily basis this time of year as the NFL Draft looms. In a power conference such as the Big Ten, most every team can expect to lose one player, if not more, sooner than expected to the NFL. This offseason will be no different. To help you keep track of all the players who elect to forgo their remaining eligibility, we've compiled this Big Ten Draft Tracker.
| Indiana WR James Hardy |
||
Career accolades: He came to the Hoosiers as a basketball recruit but Hardy immediately began compiling gaudy football numbers en route to 191 receptions, 2,740 yards and 36 TDs. Coach Bill Lynch: "It has been amazing watching him grow not only as a football player, but also as a man. James leaves Indiana as the greatest wide receiver in school history and we wish him all of the best in the NFL." |
||
| Michigan State WR Devin Thomas |
||
Career accolades: Set a single-season Big Ten record with 1,135 yards on kickoff returns, averaging 29 yards per return. His 79 receptions surpassed the likes of Plaxico Burress and Andre Rison and gave him 1,260 yards for the third-highest total in school history. Coach Mark Dantonio: "In one aspect, I feel like a failure as a coach because I didn't keep the team together. But on the other end of things, I feel like a success because he had a great year so he had that opportunity." |
||
| Michigan WR Mario Manningham |
||
Career accolades: Hauled in 137 receptions for 2,310 yards and 27 touchdowns during his remarkable three-year career for the Wolverines. |
||
| Michigan WR Adrian Arrington |
||
Career accolades: Caught 109 passes for 1,438 yards and 16 TDs despite missing nearly all of his sophomore season due to injury. Coach Lloyd Carr: "Adrian had an outstanding season at Michigan. He was one of our most consistent players and he capped off his career with his greatest single performance against Florida." |
||
| Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall |
||
Career accolades: Also set records for rushing TDs (17), total TDs (19), 100-yard games (eight), all-purpose yards (1,999) and scoring (114 points) in his first season as the Illini's featured back. Coach Ron Zook: "I am excited for Rashard as he enters this next phase of his football career. I can't thank him enough for his dedication to the Illinois football program and wish him nothing but the best in the NFL." |
||
.jpg)
| Ohio State DE Vernon Gholston |
||
Career accolades: Named second-team All-American and Big Ten defensive lineman of the year. A converted linebacker, Gholston set the OSU record for most sacks in a season (13) and in a game (4) en route to becoming one of th nation's biggest playmakers. |
||
| Penn State CB Justin King |
||
Career accolades: Tallied 49 of his 90 career tackles and two of his three INTs during junior season. As a freshman, King played both ways, amassing 393 yards and 2 TDs on just 31 touches. |
||
Staying in school
To date, here are the Big Ten football players coming back to the teams for another season, according to school releases:
To date, here are the Big Ten football players coming back to the teams for another season, according to school releases:
- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Which Big Ten team has the best helmet?
