The Replacements: the New Receiving Stars in the Big Ten

January 01, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Kenny Bell (80) makes a catch over Georgia Bulldogs safety Bacarri Rambo (18) during the first half of the Capital One Bowl at The Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska:

The development of Taylor Martinez into more a passer who can run than vice versa coincided nicely with the development of his young receivers. Kenny Bell (50-863-8) took on the go-to guy role he had threatened as a freshman, while Quincy Enunwa and Jamal Turner combined for 74 receptions, 887 yards and 4 scores. Expect the lineup to remain the same going into the season. Tight end could be a concern with Ben Cotton and Kyler Reed gone, but Jake Long (6-55-1) had a nice spring game, and the position will be solid if he can continue his form.

Keep an eye on: Jordan Westerkamp – the redshirt freshman is talented enough to play at any of the Cornhuskers’ receiver spots, and is a smart, athletic guy who already has a working knowledge of the position.

Oct 8, 2011; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Christian Jones (14) catches a pass over Michigan Wolverines safety Thomas Gordon (30) in the second half at Ryan Field. Michigan defeated Northwestern 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern:

The Wildcats had a great season in 2012, getting by with an explosive running attack and barely efficient passing game. The receivers lacked star power, but generally got the job done. Being a young group, most are back this season, although there will still be some competition for spots (as there should be). Christian (35-412-2) and Tony (29-335-4) Jones should retain their own spots, as will Rashad Lawrence (34-321-0). Cameron Dickson (9-54-1) looks to be the number 4 option. He’s a big receiver and a good athlete. Dan Vitale (28-88-2) returns as the Superback.

Keep an eye on: Kyle Prater – the USC-transfer is eligible to play this season, and if he fulfills his potential, watch out! He’s got great size and tremendous athletic ability, and once he puts it all together, he will dominate the B1G.

Sept 1, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Corey Brown (10) catches a pass over Miami Redhawks corner back Dayonne Nunley (3) during the second quarter of the game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State:

Despite the presence of a Heisman candidate at quarterback, the Buckeye passing attack was less than impressive. The top two receivers, Corey Brown (60-669-3) and Devin Smith (30-618-6) were solid, but no one else had much impact. This is where the problem lies, especially if either Brown or Smith misses any extended time. Promising junior Evan Spencer (12-136-0) has the number three role for now, but sophomore Michael Thomas (3-22-0) could push him out if he can ever move from practice warrior to gameday producer. Jeff Heuerman (8-94-1) needs to produce more now that Jake Stoneburner has moved on.

Keep an eye on: Freshman Jalin Marshall – while it’s unlikely Marshall will play much this year while he learns the ropes after playing QB in high school, he has the running skills to be a dangerous threat in the slot down the road.

Nov 17, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) attempts to make a catch in front of Indiana Hoosiers cornerback Kenny Mullen (22) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Indiana 45-22. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State:

The Nittany Lion passing attack appeared almost by magic last season, as Matt McGloin had a fantastic last hurrah under new head coach Bill O’Brien. O’Brien also unearthed a star in receiver Allen Robinson, who led the B1G with 77 receptions for 1018 yards and 11 TDs. Brandon Moseby-Felder (31-437-1) will start opposite him, but there is room for improvement. Former-corner Alex Kenney (17-172-0) has the skills to be a playmaker and has spent a year learning his new position. TE should be strong, with Kyle Carter (36-453-2) and Jesse James (15-276-5) taking on full-time roles.

Keep at eye on: Freshman TE Adam Breneman – he needs to get stronger, but he has the skills to be an effective H-Back or move-TE, exactly what this offense ordered.

Oct 27, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Dolapo Macarthy (16) dives for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium. The Gophers defeated the Boilermakers 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue:

Under new coach Darrell Hazell, the Boilermakers are essentially rebuilding their passing attack with a “new” QB and only one starting receiver returning. Luckily, as a receivers coach at Ohio State (among others), he knows a thing or two about the passing game. The sole returnee is speedy Gary Bush (41-360-7) who could do a lot more in an offense that will stretch the field on occasion. Joining him likely be sophomore Dolapo Macarthy (28-252-1), an ex-QB who has almost H-back size coupled with some deep speed. He should be a threat in the redzone. The third option looks to be junior Charles Torwudzo (2-19-0), another athletic receiver who’s also bigger than most DBs and faster than most LBs. Senior TE Gabe Holmes (25-158-2) is another option who will present matchup problems for defenses with his size/speed combination. What this unit lacks in experience, it makes up for in speed and athleticism.

Keep an eye on: Raheem Mostert – a kickoff returner par excellence, the junior has mostly been used as a runner (193 career yards, 3 TDs), but he has the ability to tear the heart out of a defense on short passes.

Oct 1, 2011; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Jacob Pedersen (48) catches a pass as Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Lance Thorell (23) defends during the second quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin:

While former starter Russell Wilson was tearing up NFL defenses, the Badgers QBs were doing anything but, throwing for just 156 yards per game. While they were strong at TE with receiver Jacob Pedersen (27-355-4) and blocker Brian Wozniak (9-94-0), both of whom return, only Jared Abbrederis (49-837-5) was a threat out wide. When defenses took him out of the game, they effectively shut down the Badger aerial attack. The question this year is, while the Badgers will settle on a QB, will anyone step up to change the receiving scenario? Jordan Frederick (17-196-1) gets first shot. He’s a big, physical receiver who brings some pop as a blocker in the running game, which probably gives him the edge here. Small-but-quick Kenzel Doe (16-121) will see action in three-wide formations, while Reggie Love (1-19-0) will see more time as a sophomore.

Keep an eye on: Love – Abbrederis will be graduating at the end of the year, and Wisconsin will need a replacement. Love is a big, athletic guy who can come up with the big play, and can be dangerous in the open field.