Let's be honest. One of the most exciting and dramatic parts of college football is the wave of incoming talent that precedes there fellow graduated teammates. New recruiting classes bombard the off-season headlines with a flux of who's new talent is better than the competition. Just as much of a sure thing some prospects are supposed to be it isn't always the case as high expectations can put to much pressure on the new recruits and vice versa walk on athletes can just as easily prove the world wrong and make a name for themselves. The pure potential of highly touted players and the "what if?" game that coaches, fans, and media love to play in their spare time is as entertaining as the games themselves. Lets look at the top young talent that is starting to surface and could make a lasting impression on the 2013 season in the B1G conference.
Devin Gardner, Quarterback, Michigan (Junior)
Everyone and their grandma has caught a whiff of the Braxton Miller hype so lets save our breath for this article and shed light on someone you may not know much about. Quarterback Devin Gardner is taking over for the electric Denard Robinson who left for the NFL and has some big shoes to fill. However, Garnder is more than capable of putting up the same type of production that Robinson produced if not more. After putting together back-to-back solid recruiting classes filled with big name prospects, the Wolverines have one of the youngest and most talented teams in the Big Ten conference.
After lining up at wide receiver Gardner was plugged in at quarterback the last four weeks of the season when Robinson went down with some nerve damage in his elbow. Statistically Gardner actually was more efficient of a passer than Robinson and fits head coach Brady Hoke's offense better than anyone else on the roster. Gardner is a pure athlete who will use his legs as much as his arm this season and will be one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation by seasons end.
He has an All-American left tackle in Taylor Lewan to help protect him, receiver Jeremy Gallon who is a solid route runner and will be a his go-to target, and the star of the 2013 recruiting class in running back Derrick Green. Those three will help balance out the offensive attack and give Gardner all the resources he needs to take the next step in his young career and continue to progress and turn into one of the best young quarterbacks in the country.
Christian Hackenberg, Quarterback, Penn State (Freshman)
True freshman Christian Hackenberg hasn't even thrown a pass yet and already has expectations to be Penn State's star quarterback for the next four years. Hackenberg was a five-star recruit and the highest rated quarterback coming out of high school this past season and choose Penn State over many other big name schools like Alabama and Florida. Hackenberg technically still must beat out teammate Tyler Ferguson first and may in fact not see the field right away, but he is clearly the more talented of the two and is no question the future of the Nittnay Lions. He has all the tools you would expect from a highly touted recruit such as the prototypical size (6-4, 215lbs.) great arm strength, and superb athleticism.
Coach Bill O'Brien has already given Hackenberg high praise for his work ethic and his ability to make the transition from high school ball to college a smooth one. A large reason for his ability to adapt to O'Brien's offense is his background in a pro-style attack. Hackenberg played in a pro-style offense at Virginia and was one of the main reasons he chose Penn State because of his knowledge of the play book. Again, he first must beat out his fellow teammate Ferguson, but once he does this will be Hackenberg's team until he leaves for the NFL.
Derrick Green, Running Back, Michigan (Freshman)
Another player who hasn't played a down of college football yet but has the potential to be one of the best at his respective position when its all said and done. Derrick Green is a true freshman who like Hackenberg was the highest rated recruit at his position. Green (as noted above) was the star of the 2013 recruiting class and for good reason. The 5-11, 220 pounder has all the tools to take over as the Big Ten's most productive runner (which is quite an honor). He has a physicality in his style of play that will help him fit nicely in the Big Ten conference. Known for its bruising rushers with a "ground and pound" mentality notoriously later in the season when temperatures hit freezing and the games turn into low scoring, smash mouth football. What puts Green on this list however, isn't anything to do with himself but more the opportunity he will get to start for Michigan as early as week one. Clearly the most talented tailback on the roster, being a freshman won't stop Brady Hoke from getting him the ball several times a game. As mentioned about Garnder above, Green will play with one of the best if not the best left tackles in the game in Taylor Lewan, and will have an efficient passing game to keep defenses from loading up the box to stop the run. The most exciting thing about the offense might be Gardner's and Green's ability to run a read-option style offense with each other forcing defenses to stop one of the other leading way to some monster games statistically for both. It may take them a week or two to get going, but I expect this offense to be one of the most exciting to watch in the conference because of Derrick Green.
Allen Robinson, Wide Receiver, Penn State (Junior)
I promise you this isn't a Michigan/Penn State article it just happened to work out that way thus far. If you want to blame anyone, blame Allen Robinson for being the most productive wide out in the B1G last season. At 6-3 204 pounds, Robinson was a mismatch for his opponents and the clear cut go-to target for the Nittnay Lions. Even with inconsistent and erratic quarterback play, Robinson still produced 77 receptions (school record), 1013 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Now with a legitimate quarterback Robinson should see those numbers improve as he continues to make strides in the nuances of the game like his route running and run blocking. After losing the core of their defense to the draft (linebackers Gerald Hodges and Michael Mauti) Penn State will be underdogs in most of their games this season and by all accounts will be trailing late in those games and will be forced to pass the ball. With limited talent around him (due to lack of scholarships via NCAA violations) Robinson will again be the number one target all season long for new quarterback Christian Hackenberg and will be a name you will hear early and often in the 2013 season.
Marcus Rush, Defensive Line, Michigan State (Junior)
The Spartans owned the Big Ten last year when in came to defense and statistically one of the best defenses in the nation. Because of this Michigan State's defense got plenty of national attention and rightfully so, but one name that seemed to slip through the cracks of the media was defensive end Marcus Rush. Rush was the anchor of the defensive line which the year prior lost All-American Jerel Worthy and needed someone to step up. Rush led his defensive line in tackles (38), tackles for a loss (5.5), and quarterback hurries (5). All though his numbers won't blow your mind, Rush helped pave the way for other players like Max Bullough (Middle Linebacker) to make splash plays by commanding double and triple teams on a consistent basis. Now as a junior, Rush will look to solidify himself as one of the best defensive ends in the conference and lead the Spartans back to another top ranked defense in the country.
Frank Clark Jr., Defensive Line, Michigan (Junior)
The Wolverines ranked a putrid 52nd in the nation when it came to stopping the run last season but don't blame defensive end Frank Clark for that. In what was a rotating defensive line last season Clark saw limited time but made the most of it notching two sacks, seven tackles for loss, and three pass break ups. This season coach Brady Hoke has made it clear Clark will be one of the leaders of the defense and will see his playing time increase drastically.
Clark will be counted on to groom the new wave of explosive young talent Hoke has recruited and by all accounts has stepped into that role with ease. Clark made a name for himself during spring practices looking like one of the most improved players both physically and mentally. If opposite starter freshamn Taco Charlton can live up to his early hype and take some pressure off Clark this will be one of the most improved defensive lines in the country. The talent is there. Now its time to produce.
Ryan Shazier, Linebacker, Ohio State (Junior)
He's not just one of the best linebackers in the conference, he's one of the best in the country. After letting him run free his sophomore year Urban Meyer unleashed a beast to the world in Ryan Shazier. Shazier led the Buckeyes in tackles (117) and tackles for loss (12). He also had five sacks 11 pass break ups and an interception. What makes Shazier so unique is his versatile play in both stopping the run and the pass.
He has the aggressiveness to run down hill and attack the line of scrimmage as well as fluid hips and ball hawking awareness when dropping back in coverage. All this is why he is being mocked in the top half of the first round in next years NFL draft. After losing the guts of their defensive line however, it will be interesting if Shazier can still produce the same numbers he did last season with out the help of block eaters like defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. Shazier is one to keep an eye on as Ohio State will get plenty of national attention as they try to repeat their undefeated performance from a year ago and win the BCS national title.
Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State (Junior)
Known lately for his recent suspension (one game) Roby has had a tough off-season. Before his off the field incident Roby was regarded as the best cornerback in the conference. At 5-11, 190 pounds Roby is fast, physical, and can take out any teams number one receiving option. A true ball-hawk, Roby had just two interceptions but led the conference in pass break ups with 17 and lived up to his billing as a shut down corner. Roby also showed his physicality in the run game as well posting the third most tackles on the team with 63. Much like his teammate Shazier, Roby is being labled as a first round pick in next years draft but will now have to prove to scouts that he can stay out of trouble and show that last year wasn't a fluke. Keep an eye on him as he tries to bounce back from his off the field troubles as Ohio State will need him 100 percent focused if they want to go undefeated for the second year in a row.