Every now and again I will appear on Mark Rogers’ show and we’ll talk about the Buckeyes and college football in general. It’s a good time and we cover quite a bit of ground.
In preparation for an upcoming appearance, Mark asked me for my top five players (in order) at each position in the Big Ten.
After spending quite a bit of time putting half of a list together, I thought I should at least turn this into content for The-Ozone and see what the readers thought (and disagreed with).
Don’t worry, this will not replace my annual summer Big Ten positional ratings that always lets you know who will be playing in Indianapolis in December.
This was not an easy list to put together — and I’ve only done the offense so far. The defense will be coming another day.
Let’s get it started.
Quarterbacks
Shea Patterson, Michigan – He should look even better in UM’s new offense.
Adrian Martinez, Nebraska – Could eventually be a 3,000/1,000 guy.
Justin Fields, Ohio State – Good bet to lead the B1G in total offense, but too unproven to put at the top just yet.
Brian Lewerke, Michigan State – Healthy again, he should be set to return to 2017 form.
Nate Stanley, Iowa – Could be in for a step back without his First Round tight ends.
One more to watch: Hunter Johnson, Northwestern/Peyton Ramsey, Indiana
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin — With an improved passing game, his numbers may dip, but his effectiveness will grow.
JK Dobbins, Ohio State — Looking for a return to freshman form when he was averaging over 7 ypc.
Anthony McFarland, Maryland — One of the most explosive players in the conference.
Stevie Scott, Indiana — Workhorse for Indiana last season as a freshman; rushed for 100+ against PSU, UM.
Reggie Corbin — Had seven rushes of 50+ yards last year, and four of 70+, but nobody has ever seen him play.
One more to watch: Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
Wide Receivers
Rondale Moore, Purdue — Led the Big Ten with 114 catches and 45 broken ankles responsible for.
Tyler Johnson, Minnesota — Second in the B1G with 1,169 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns … without a QB.
JD Spielman, Nebraska — Missed the final two games, but still finished with 66-818-8; makes big plays.
KJ Hill, Ohio State — Best hands on the OSU squad; finds nooks and crannies, then moves the chains.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan — Underutilized in the offense over his first two years, but is capable of so much more.
One more to watch: Tarik Black, Michigan
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin — Finished second on the team in receptions (36), yards (456), and touchdowns (4) as a freshman.
Luke Farrell, Ohio State — Complete tight end who can excel at whatever is asked of him.
Brycen Hopkins, Purdue — Leading returning TE receiver in the B1G, but made most of his noise against Mizzou and Nebraska.
Pat Freiermuth, Penn State — Consistent with downfield potential; scored eight touchdowns in 26 catches.
Sean McKeon, Michigan/Jeremy Ruckert, Ohio State — McKeon could be ready for an uptick; Ruckert may make some big plays.
One more to watch: Random Dude, Iowa
Offensive Linemen
Tyler Biadasz (C), Wisconsin — The only returning lineman who was a unanimous All-Big Ten selection.
Tristan Wirfs (T), Iowa — Receiving Top 10 NFL Draft hype for 2020.
Alaric Jackson (T), Iowa — Was a second-team all-conference selection last year.
Ben Bredeson (G), Michigan — Second-team All-B1G selection and leader of a promising line.
Thayer Munford (T), Ohio State — Missed the spring with a back injury; OSU expect him to be fine and higher on this list.
One more to watch: Cesar Ruiz (C), Michigan/Josh Myers (C), Ohio State