Top performers from unranked teams in the conference
Tony Brinkhaus
Center :: Minnesota
The 6' 3", 295-pound senior, who earned honorable mention All–Big Ten honors as a tackle in 2005, switched positions last fall. He will anchor the line as it makes the transition to the spread under new coach Tim Brewster.
Jordan Grimes
Guard :: Purdue
Playing in a system that has relied mostly on finesse blocking, the 6' 3", 325-pound mauler is a throwback. A two-year starter, Grimes is the leader of a line that should be one of the best and most powerful in the Big Ten.
J Leman
Middle Lineback :: Illinois
Once a hidden gem, the 6' 2", 237-pound senior averaged 12.7 tackles per game last year to earn All–Big Ten honors. He underwent ankle surgery last February, but he's expected to be ready for the season opener.
Kellen Lewis
Quarterback :: Indiana
As a redshirt freshman, Lewis led the Hoosiers in rushing (441 yards, five TDs) and passing (2,221 yards, 14 TDs). He'll be throwing to a deep and talented receiving corps that includes James Hardy (51 catches, 10 TDs).
Bryan Mattison
Defensive End :: Iowa
Fellow senior Kenny Iwebema, at right end, gets most of the attention on the Hawkeyes' front, but the 6' 3", 272-pound Mattison emerged as a playmaker last year with a team-high 6 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.
Big Ten Notables
Best Offensive Player
Mike Hart :: RB :: Michigan
The Heisman contender rushed for a career-high 1,562 yards as a junior and has fumbled only three times in 750 carries.
Best Defensive Player
Jack Ikegwuonu :: CB :: Wisconsin
The 6' 1", 193-pound junior has a combination of size and speed that will make him a first-round NFL draft pick.
True Freshman to Watch
Arrelious Benn :: WR :: Illinois
Fast and physical at 6' 2" and 215 pounds, this flyer from Washington, D.C., enrolled in January and made a splash in spring practice.
Coach on the Rise
Ron Zook :: Illinois
The influx of talent since Zook took over in late 2004 has been nothing short of amazing. Plus he has a year or two before Illini fans start to get impatient.
Coach on the Hot Seat
Joe Tiller :: Purdue
Nine bowls in 10 seasons has fans expecting better than last year's 8–6 record, which makes Tiller a victim of his own success.
Sleeper
Iowa
The Hawkeyes return eight starters on defense and miss Michigan and Ohio State on the schedule.
Extra Points
Northwestern wideout Andrew Brewer is one of the most intriguing offensive prospects in the conference. A backup quarterback at the start of last season, he was moved to receiver and made his only catch (for 48 yards) in a 21–7 victory over Iowa in early November. The 6' 3", 210-pound sophomore won a starting job in the spring.... Strong-armed Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer was impressive last year in relief of injured Drew Stanton, throwing for a combined 621 yards in losses to Minnesota and Penn State. With Stanton gone to the NFL, Hoyer takes over, and he'll have a wealth of options at his disposal, including tailback Javon Ringer and tight end Kellen Davis .... Illinois led the Big Ten in rushing a year ago, and tailback Rashard Mendenhall was a big reason why. The 5' 11", 224-pound junior averaged 8.2 yards on 78 carries and scored five touchdowns. With quarterback Juice Williams, who ran for 576 yards as a freshman, the Fighting Illini could have one of the best backfields in the Big Ten. -- Mark Beech
