The 10 best players in the Big Ten
The Big Ten has an impressive array of talented players. Two returning quarterbacks - J.T. Barrett and Connor Cook - were among the 20 most efficient quarterbacks last season. The conference also boasts some incredible defensive lines, anchored by some of the best in the game in Michigan State's Shilique Calhoun and Ohio State's Joey Bosa.
The Buckeyes and Spartans will field all-star-caliber teams while others, like Penn State, have special players that can transform the direction of a season. Here is a look at the 10 best players to watch this year.
Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin
Lost in the shadows of Melvin Gordon's amazing season last year was Clement's performance. He rushed for 949 yards, had nine touchdowns, and averaged 6.5 yards per carry. This season he will become the main focal point of the Badgers' rushing attack, which has been among the nation's best. Along with his consistency, he's versatile, excelling both as a back and receiver. Wisconsin will likely use his versatility to its advantage as it breaks in an inexperienced offensive line.
Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
Though Jones's sample size for game reps is small, it's beyond impressive: Cardale threw for over 200 yards in the Buckeyes' three most important games last season. What's more, he used his linebacker build to punish defenders, picking up important third down conversions against Alabama and Oregon in the College Football Playoff. His effortless ability to launch a ball accurately 60 yards gives Ohio State a new dimension it can use to stretch defenses out, making them more susceptible to running plays.
Jack Conklin, OT, Michigan State
Conklin exudes durability, consistency and intelligence - all key ingredients for a successful offensive lineman. He has 26 career starts and has allowed just 2.5 sacks in 27 total games played. He also has 168.5 knockdowns during his illustrious career. The former walk-on leads a Michigan State offensive line that should be among the league's best this season.
Braxton Miller, WR, Ohio State
In the two seasons Miller played, he earned the Big Ten Player of the Year Award. He's just that good. His transition to wide receiver means he won't have as many touches per game, but that shouldn't matter. With Miller's footwork, speed, and athleticism, he has that rare ability to make any play special.
Anthony Zettel, DT, Penn State
Zettel's versatility makes him one of the most dangerous defensive linemen in the Big Ten. He had three interceptions in 2014 - a team high - making him the first Penn State defensive lineman since 1959 to accomplish this feat. The Athlon All-American will be a focal point of one of the strongest defensive lines in the conference this season.
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Cook has had an extraordinary career at Michigan State, posting a 24-3 record as starter and a 16-1 record against conference foes. In 30 games played, he has 47 touchdown passes and only 15 interceptions. His consistency and experience should help give the Spartans a high-octane offense that will be hard to stop.
J.T. Barrett, QB, Ohio State
If Barrett wins the job, he's the best quarterback in the conference. In just his first year as starter, he broke 19 school and Big Ten records, including Drew Brees' record for most touchdowns in a season. Barrett's poise, maturity and ability to correctly read defenses gives the Buckeyes' offense more balance, making him harder to defend.
Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
The two-time All-American returns to anchor what could be the best defensive line in the Big Ten. Calhoun is a human wrecking ball, disrupting plays with his explosiveness. In 2014, he had 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for a loss.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
Elliott was instrumental in helping the Buckeyes win the national championship last season by rushing for more than 200 yards in their last three games - a school record. Armed with exceptional vision, breakaway speed, and the ability to gain yards after contact, he's one of the most explosive playmakers in the country.
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State
Bosa has a lethal combination of explosiveness out of his stance and nasty hand techniques that make him a nightmare for unfortunate souls that have to try and block him. He possesses the talent to change the way offenses have to prepare for the Buckeyes. Earning All-American honors last season, Bosa led the Big Ten in sacks with 13.5. With another year under his belt, he could cement his legacy as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in Ohio State history.