We move along with our "Ones to Watch" Series with a stop in the Big Ten, a conference that is pretty darn excited to add Nebraska, split off into two divisions and throw a killer boozefest in Indianapolis during the first week of December.
Before we get to the frigid walk to Lucas Oil Stadium, we've got to get to fall camp. Here are some fellas to watch in the coming weeks.
Illinois: Wide receiver Darius Millines
This kid missed spring ball, so we didn't get complete confirmation on our belief that he'll emerge as the complement to A.J. Jenkins and a serious threat to take it to the house every time he touches the pigskin.
Indiana: Tight End Ted Bolser
Bolser was very impressive as a freshman in 2010, and new coach Kevin Wilson is a big fan of involving the tight end in the passing attack.
Iowa: Wide receiver Keenan Davis,
In the immortal words of Judge Smails, "Well....we're waiting" Keenan Davis. This Cedar Rapids native has yet to live up to the hype that preceded his arrival in Iowa City. There is a McSpot open opposite Marvin McNutt, and Davis is talented enough to seize the day. Fall camp will tell us a great deal.
Michigan: Running Back Thomas Rawls, Michigan
I've already said ad nauseum that this fella could emerge as a serious factor in the Wolverine backfield. If he sees regular carries during camp then we have more than just a great keeper prospect, we have a potential RB stud in 2011.
Michigan State: Offensive tackle Fou Fonoti
Sure Dion Sims, Bennie Fowler and Juwan Caesar could fit here. However only Spartan offensive line struggles will slow this talented unit. Fonoti, a JUCO transfer who's all of 6'5" and 300 lbs., could make a lot of those OL concerns go away.
Minnesota: Quarterback MarQueis Gray
Yes...I know, I'm taking the easy way out. However with the arrival of Jerry Kill and the fact that Gray was running pass patterns a season ago, all eyes will be on the Gopher quarterback. A good August could mean a surprisingly decent offense.
Nebraska: Wide receiver Jamal Turner
Turner, or running backs Aaron Green, Ameer Abdullah and Braylon Heard should be mentioned here.The Huskers are talented right now, but these four guys headline one hell of a talented freshman class. Turner appears capable of being that "it" guy in the offense.
Northwestern: Quarterback Dan Persa
There may be no player in the country that's more valuable to his team. Put him in a bubble and let him play Trivial Pursuit all camp. Just keep him healthy.
Ohio State: Wide receiver Corey Brown
Braxton Miller is the obvious choice, but we're going to go with Brown, due in large part to DeVier Posey's five-game suspension to begin the season. This sophomore from Philly will get every chance to make an immediate impact. He played well as a freshie...and not every freshie sees the field in Columbus.
Penn State: Quarterback Robert Bolden
The Penn State quarterback battle will be among the more interesting positional fights during camp. There's no doubt that Bolden possesses a great deal of talent and can throw the pigskin. If he wins the gig we could see the Lion offense flourish. If he loses the job to Matt McGloin we could see this sophomore take his ball and go home.
Purdue: Running Back Akeem Shavers
While much of the Boiler talk centers around the return of Ralph Bolden, it's this junior from Texarkana who could provide a real burst. A healthy Bolden may provide Purdue with one of the conference's top 1-2 RB punches.
Wisconsin: Jacob Pederson
Of course all eyes will be on Russell Wilson, but I'll also be monitoring this big tight end. Jake Byrne is also a factor, but he's more of a blocker. Pedersen has a chance to stretch the field.