All-Big Ten Football Predictions for 2015-16

By Brandon Austin | Aug 25, 2015

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes receiver Michael Thomas (3) runs after a reception against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve already broken down the outlook for the Maryland Terrapins football team for the 2015-16 college football season. Now, it’s time to see which players will stand out amongst the entire Big Ten conference. The Terps only had three All-Big Ten selections a season ago. How many will they have this year? Here’s a look at the best Big Ten football players for the upcoming season.

Offense

Oct 12, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) celebrates the win after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: J.T. Barrett/Cardale Jones, Ohio State – Regardless of who Urban Meyer names the starting quarterback, the Buckeyes will have an elite talent under center.

Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State – Elliott is by far the best running back in the country and will be looking to build off of his late-season run from last year.

Running Back: Corey Clement, Wisconsin – After spending two seasons in the shadow of Melvin Gordon, Clement is ready for his opportunity to be the featured back.

Wide Receiver: Mike Thomas, Ohio State – Thomas will be the go-to-guy for the Buckeyes’ quarterback. He has good size, hands, and athleticism.

Wide Receiver: Leonte Carroo, Rutgers – Carroo is one of the best players not many people know about because he’s on a weak team, but he’s a legitimate big-play threat.

Tight End: Josiah Price, Michigan State – With some losses at wide receiver, the Spartans will look to utilize their tight ends more this season and Price is their guy.

Tackle: Jack Conklin, Michigan State – Conklin is only a junior, but he’s already one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen.

Tackle: Taylor Decker, Ohio State – The Buckeyes’ offensive line was absolutely dominant by the end of last season and Decker is the leader of that unit.

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Guard: Pat Elflein, Ohio State – Elflein is the other returning leader on the Ohio State front and is one of the hardest workers on the field. It’s no wonder he was All-Big Ten last season.

Guard: Dan Feeney, Indiana – Feeney was named the the Outland and Lombardi watch lists and has only given up one sack in two seasons with the Hoosiers.

Center: Jack Allen, Michigan State – Allen is the true anchor of the Spartan’s offensive line and one of the toughest players in all of college football.

Defense

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Joey Bosa (97) in game action against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Ohio State won 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line: Joey Bosa, Ohio State – Bosa is arguably a top-5 player in the country at any position. He displays his game-changing ability on a consistent basis.

Defensive Line: Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State – Calhoun continues to fly under the radar, but is an absolute beast. He’s a nightmare for offensive linemen.

Defensive Line: Anthony Zettel, Penn State – Zettel is a monster of a man but still possess the quickness and athleticism to make him an all-around defensive lineman.

Defensive Line: Malik McDowell, Michigan State – McDowell is a sure-fire breakout candidate this year. With all the attention of Calhoun, he should flourish.

Linebacker: Darron Lee, Ohio State – Lee is simply a playmaker. As a freshman, he was all over the field and will look to take his game to the next level in 2015.

Linebacker: Vince Biegel, Wisconsin – Biegel is the most important player on this Badgers defense. He is strong, athletic, and outworks everyone on the field.

Linebacker: Joshua Perry, Ohio State – Perry was the Big Ten’s second leading tackler a season ago. He’s not flashy but he’s consistently getting the job done.

Cornerback: Will Likely, Maryland – Likely believes he’s the best cornerback in the country and he’ll be looking to back up those words game in and game out.

Cornerback: Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Minnesota – The Golden Gophers don’t get a lot of air time, but Boddy-Calhoun makes a solid case as the best corner in the conference.

Safety: Vonn Bell, Ohio State – Bell is one of the best tacklers and the country and when he greets the ball-carrier, he makes sure they feel him.

Safety: Michael Caputo, Wisconsin – Caputo is the unquestioned leader of the defense and has a high football I.Q. He led the Badgers in tackles last season.

Special Teams:

Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Maryland Terrapins place kicker Brad Craddock (15) runs to the locker room following the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Maryland defeated Penn State 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Kicker: Brad Craddock, Maryland – Craddock is the reigning Lou Groza award winner, missing just one field goal last year.

Punter: Peter Mortell, Minnesota – Mortell has a career punt average of 44.3 yards, which is the highest in school history.

Kick Returner: Will Likely, Maryland – Not only is Likely a shutdown corner, but he’s also an extremely dangerous return man.

Punt Returner: De’Mornay Pierson-El, Nebraska – Pierson-El returned three punts for touchdowns in 2014. Is that convincing enough?

Next: Terps Look to Land 4-star SF Mario Kegler

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