Legends in the Making: Breakout Stars in the B1G

With college football’s ever changing rosters, the need to replace star players is a very real and regular occurrence. For some teams, it’s just a matter of inserting the next highly-touted player. For others, it’s almost a crapshoot, hoping that one of the players waiting in the wings can step in and come close to replacing his predecessor’s success. But the bottom line is, every team wants that one (or 22) player(s) who will make the difference to their season and help the program reach their intended goals. It doesn’t matter if the player is a super recruit or an unranked guy who slipped in under the radar, as long as the results are the same.

The B1G may have taken a lot of criticism for its play last season, but nine teams were bowl eligible, only Purdue got waxed in a bowl game, and Ohio State were the only unbeaten team in the FBS by season’s end. But to be fair to the critics, there was an element of disappointment, especially with two of the conference’s best teams, Penn State and the Buckeyes, ineligible for bowl games due to NCAA sanctions. Michigan limped to 8-5 after promising so much the year before, and the league title “winner”, Wisconsin, were a mere 8-6. There’s lots of room for improvement, and there are some key players graduating/leaving for the NFL. I’ll make to sure to acknowledge which is which as we address each team. As always, leave your opinions, objections and abuse in the comments section, or find me on Twitter.

October 13, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes fullback Mark Weisman (45) runs the ball against Michigan State Spartans safety Isaiah Lewis (9) during 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Iowa won 19-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa

The Hawkeyes were something of a disappointment last season. They weren’t really expected to vie for the conference crown, but they certainly should have been a thorn in the side of those who were. They haven’t lost too many players to graduation, but some of the losses have been key players. It’s also worth mentioning, that when you’re 4-8, not too many jobs are safe.

Mark Weisman, RB

Remember the “Weisman for Heisman” chant? No? Well, I’m not too surprised, as the former walk-on fullback began the season buried on the depth chart, then embarked on a four-game run in which he amassed 623 of his 815 rushing yards, and scored all 8 of his TDs. An ankle injury spoiled the rest of his season, but he’s healthy and back for more. This year, the Hawkeyes have some nice depth in the backfield, and Weisman will not only play tailback, but also line up at fullback to give the offense some more options. He’s a big guy, but he’s been working in his speed and agility over the offseason, so he could be in for a really big year.

Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT

One would imagine that a defensive tackle that registered 40 tackles with 4 for loss might be on the “Already There” list instead of potential breakouts. LTP is a special case though; he showed some nice talent last season, yet played with a torn rotator cuff. What can he do when 100% healthy? He’s not a space-eater, but he’s a quick inside-rusher who will push the pocket and blow up running plays in the backfield. The one concern is his health, as he was held out of spring camp due to surgery on said shoulder, and is slowly being worked back in.

Jordan Lomax, DB

On the subject of shoulder injuries, Lomax was knocked out in spring last year and took a redshirt, but has come back strong in camp. He’s one of the fastest players on the Hawkeyes and has the agility and closing speed to be a factor at corner. More importantly, he’s physical, and isn’t afraid to come up in run support. He saw some action as a freshman in 2011, making 7 tackles, and took a redshirt last season. If there is one other concern, he had an appendectomy (no rupture) in July, but should be ready to go by the start of the season at the latest.

January 1,2013; Tampa, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks safety D.J. Swearinger (36) defends Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Drew Dileo (9) during the first half of the 2013 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan

The Wolverines were meant to be dominant last season, but never got into gear after getting spanked by Alabama on opening week. Quite a few starters are moving on, 10 to be precise, but coach Brady Hoke has stocked the roster with some great talent, and the Wolverines could be great sooner rather than later. But who are this season’s impact players?

Derrick Green, RB

He’s big, he’s fast, and he can throw in the odd shimmy to keep defenders honest when they expect Green to just run over them. He’s a bellcow runner who picks his hole quickly and gets there in a hurry. Although Wolverine runners weren’t asked to catch much last season, Green’s pretty good out of the backfield, although he’s no Marshall Faulk. He hasn’t officially won the job yet, and was a little banged up in camp (he wasn’t in for spring), but he will contribute from the start. Watch him take over by midseason at the latest.

Drew Dileo, WR

After finishing 3rd on the team with 20 receptions for 331 yards and a pair of TDs last season, Dileo can expect to see more of the ball this season, especially with Roy Roundtree gone. Jeremy Gallon is expected to lead the team, but he was inconsistent at times, although he flourished with Devin Gardner at the helm. Dileo will function in the slot, where his lack of size will be less of a factor, but will work the middle of the field, making his living moving the chains. He can get deep, as Michigan State will attest to, but that’s not his strong point.

Jibreel Black, DT

Black has been part of the rotation the last couple of years, but will get the starting nod courtesy of a strong finish to 2012 with 3 sacks in his last four games. Black’s not big, built more like an end, but he’s quick off the snap and strong enough to knock heads with the big boys, although not regularly. He will provide a strong pass rush inside, and will give slower linemen fits trying to keep pace with him. Don’t be surprised if he’s up around the double-digit sack mark at season’s end.

November 17, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Kain Colter (2) has his throw hurried by Michigan State Spartans defensive end Marcus Rush (44) during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State

The story of the Spartans last season was a gargantuan effort from Le’Veon Bell as he carried the otherwise stodgy offense, and their ever (at least lately) strong defense. Bell’s gone, as are a few key defenders, but while the defense should continue as advertised, the offense is a big question mark, despite nine starters back. Impact players are a must.

Andrew Maxwell, QB

Maxwell wasn’t terrible last season, but he was on the wrong side of mediocre. In his defense, it wasn’t all his own fault, as a bunch of young receivers split time between not getting open and dropping passes. This season though, I anticipate a different scenario, as Maxwell and four of his top five receivers return. After throwing for 2606 yards and just 13 TDs with 9 interceptions, expect Maxwell to become far more efficient, hitting his experienced receivers regularly to compensate for a troubled running attack. A strong offensive line will help keep him upright too.

Marcus Rush, DE

William Gholston was the star of the defensive line last season, but he disappeared in games too often for a player of his talent. Even so, opponents still had to focus on him in case he suddenly got hot and ruined their gameplan. Gholston’s in the NFL now, so someone else will need to step up. The appropriately named Rush is a very likely candidate, even if he doesn’t have the Herculean physique of his predecessor. The former linebacker has the speed and pass rush ability to be a real factor against passing games next season. He’s entering his third year as a starter and has shown he can be a factor against the run too. Now if only someone in the B1G had a passing attack.

Taiwan Jones, LB

A regular as a reserve the last two seasons, Jones has grown nicely into the position, and had a nice season with 38 tackles, 5.5 for loss. He got in on four starts and should be ready to explode this season, especially on a defense as strong as the Spartans. He has a nose for the football and the size to mix it up with linemen. However, he isn’t guaranteed the starting job as yet, and is battling Jairus Jones for the position. The competition should ensure there’s no letdown in his play as he has a big year.

November 17, 2012; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Andrew Maxwell (10) drops back to pass against the Northwestern Wildcats defense during the 2nd half at Spartan Stadium. Northwestern won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota

Jerry Kill has done a good job here and looks to be turning around the fortunes of a team that has had its struggles recently. Last season, the Gophers showed plenty of promise as they won six games and went to a bowl, which they lost in a close one to Texas Tech. The talent level is improving, and the Gophers could surprise a few teams next season, even if they’re not quite ready to contend for the league title.

Phillip Nelson, QB

Nelson took his lumps last season as a freshman, but played well enough to inspire some confidence for the future. Then he got to camp and put a stranglehold on the starting job that may be tough for anyone to break. In the spring game he was extremely accurate, moving the offense at will, and showing a nice set of wheels on options and scrambles. Of course, he needs to show he can do this consistently throughout the season, and against tougher defenses than Minny’s, but the ability is there. He’ll need some receivers to step up, but he should have a strong offensive line and a nice stable of running backs to help out.

Theirin Cockran, DE

The Gophers defensive line will be strong this season, but they still needed someone to replace DL Willhite’s pass rushing. That will likely be up to Cockran, who saw a little action as a freshman, making 6 tackles and a sack. He has been working hard trying to add weight and is currently at about 245 (from 210) pounds. More importantly, he hasn’t lost his speed and will be a nightmare off the edge when opponents pass the ball. He needs to prove he can hold up against the run, but he will play an important part on a quick defensive line that will give opponents fits next season.

Martez Shabazz, CB

With the loss of their best corner in Troy Stoudemire, the Gophers have a gaping hole to fill. The hope is Shabazz, the former JUCO, can step right in with little dropoff after flashing some impressive cover skills in limited duty last season. He came up with 6 tackles, 3 PBUs and an interception, and has the speed and agility to be a shutdown corner. His biggest concern is size (5’11, 172), but he’s shown no fear in sticking it in against the run, something not too many cover corners can claim.

Sep 1, 2012; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defender Jason Ankrah (9) tackles Southern Miss Golden Eagles running back Jeremy Hester (21) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska

After a strong 10-2 start, the flaky Nebraska defense couldn’t do enough to help out even the Cornhuskers explosive offense. The unit allowed 115 points over the last two games, including 70 to Wisconsin in the title game. The offense returns mostly intact, but the defense is getting cleaned out – which may not be a bad thing. Even so, new players need to be found to step in and perform at least at the level of their predecessors.

Jason Ankrah, DE

Ankrah has been around for years, and has never really done anything apart from a couple of sacks in nine starts last season. This is something of a puzzle, as he has all the hallmarks of a star pass rush, he’s just never put it all together. Now the elder statesman on the line, Ankrah has to be more than just a playmaker, he has to be a leader too. In his defense, last season he showed some versatility by playing at both ends, and at tackle too. This is his year.

David Santos, LB

Santos played regularly as a freshman last season, and showed enough to earn a spot on the all-conference freshman team. He made 24 tackles, with 2 for loss, while working mainly on the weakside. He’s been working in the middle as well during camp, and he’s a lock to start somewhere. He has okay size at 230, but its his speed and range that will make him a factor at either position. Nebraska need him to make a major impact, with all three starters from last year gone.

Corey Cooper, SS

Another reserve who finally gets his chance to show what he can do, the junior could have the toughest job in replacing Damion Stafford. The good news is, he’s got the ability to avoid any huge dropoff at a crucial position. He has excellent size at 6’1 and 215 pounds, which will be beneficial in run support, while he also has some speed and has flashed coverage skills too. Last season he had 17 tackles and 1.5 TFLs, but spent most of his time on special teams. A strong presence at the back will be crucial with so much change up front.

Sept 29, 2012; Evanston, IL, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Kofi Hughes (13) pulls in a pass over Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Nick VanHoose (23) at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern

The Wildcats stunned the Big Ten with a 10-win season last year, and came close to a spot in the title game. With only seven starters departing, the team looks like it could take another step forward, and there are still plenty of guys who could push their game up a level, but have survived within the system so far.

Christian Jones, WR

Jones was the leading receiver, but caught just 35 passes for 412 yards and 2 TDs as the Wildcats spread the ball around. Jones has excellent size at 6’5 and 223 pounds, and has the speed to be a threat down the field on occasion. With vaunted USC transfer Kyle Prater a non-factor, the quarterbacks a little more seasoned, and opponents focusing more heavily on Venric Mark and the running attack, Jones should take advantage of the extra freedom to run wild in the secondary.

Dean Lowry, DE

Quentin Williams was a decent option on the defensive line, but he’s gone now and leaves a sizeable hole. That is, a sizeable hole that’s about to be filled by Dean Lowry. At 6’6 and 230 pounds, Lowry lacks his predecessor’s girth, but he has all the tools to be a fantastic pass rusher. As a reserve last season, Lowry managed 14 tackles and a sack, but also led the team with 6 hurries. With opponents needing to focus on Tyler Scott opposite him, Lowry should have plenty of freedom to wreak havoc.

Nick VanHoose, CB

VanHoose established early on in his freshman year that he was a crucial part of the defense, and despite missing three games, made 33 tackles, broke up 7 passes and picked off 3. But here’s the thing – bad news, B1G, he’s only scratching the tip of his potential. He still learning his technique, but he’s already displaying the traits necessary for a shutdown corner. He also plays tough against the run, a must in Evanston. The only thing keeping him from making headlines next season is who rides shotgun. If the other corner can’t hold his own, opponents won’t take unnecessary risks by throwing near VanHoose.