Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

Maryland Terrapins, 2-3:

The Terrapins were not good on defense last season. Maryland does get a COVID pass, however. The Terps had issues with COVID in the middle of the season. The issue, however, is a lingering one in College Park, defense.

Maryland was awful defensively. They were easy to run and throw against. Though the Terrapins bring everyone back, the players were not very good. Maybe with an entire spring, summer, and fall, the Terps can improve on defense. Two players are coming in that could help the Maryland defense.

Terrence Lewis was supposed to make this list, but he is lost for the season with a torn ACL.

• Taize Johnson, DT: The Terrapins were pushed around up front last season. Taize Johnson gives the Terps size and versatility in the interior, which is needed.  Johnson can play either the three or the zero technique in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base front. The Washington, D.C. high school standout plays with tremendous power and speed but has to develop better technique. Johnson gives the Terps a situational lineman to rotate in the lineup.
• Branden Jennings, LB: Flipped from Michigan, Jennings gives the Terrapins a high-motor defender, something Maryland did not have last season. Jennings is a thumper who plays physically as well as with high energy. Jennings is an elite athlete who can play either inside or outside linebacker with room to possibly grow into an EDGE rusher. Jennings’s arrival signals to recruit better athletes on defense.
• Demeioun Robinson, DE: Robinson is a lean athletic defensive end with tremendous get-off on the snap. What should have the Terrapins’ staff most excited is that Robinson has room to grow. Robinson has great pass rush polish considering he’s coming out of high school. As Robinson gets stronger, his ability to anchor against the run and shed blocks will improve. Robinson can come in and provide pass rush on passing downs.

Wisconsin Badgers, 4-3: 

This 2021 recruiting cycle for the Badgers is the best Wisconsin has ever had. Tackle Nolan Rucci is the second-highest recruit in the history of the school. Traditionally, the Badgers like to redshirt and develop players on the back end.

This season, however, with a recruit like Rucci and other highly-touted recruits, expect competition and one or two incoming freshmen taking snaps from veterans this fall. These three recruits could take snaps from veterans this fall.

• Nolan Rucci, OT: Just imagine an offensive line with Logan Brown and Nolan Rucci as bookend tackles. Rucci’s commitment to Wisconsin is a testament to their ability to develop and put linemen in the NFL. Rucci has the bloodlines (father and brother) and is remarkably polished for a high school prospect. Rucci dominated high school competition and has the ready-made size to plug and play on day one. Expect Rucci to start early and be the next great offensive tackle prospect.
• JP Benzschawel, OT: JP Benzschawael is not far behind Rucci as a tackle prospect. It would not be a shock if Benzschawel moves inside just to get his talent on the field. A former basketball player, Benzschawel has good feet and moves well. The Wisconsin native is a bit light at 285 pounds and could redshirt. However, the athleticism is undeniable and that could get him on the field this season.
• TJ Bollers, DE: One of the few positions that Badgers are thin is defensive end. Bollers is similar to former Badger Zack Baun, one of the best defensive players in Badger history. Bollers, like Baun is not super long and played multiple positions in high school. Baun was an all-state quarterback as a senior. Bollers is an athlete who loves to play defense. Bollers is comfortable in space and can either come in situationally as a pass rusher or a nickel linebacker who can drop in coverage.