Devy Tweet Storm: Big Ten

Rob Willette

Last weekend, I was stuck inside and my mind drifted to the current college football landscape. To escape the bad weather outside, I created a storm of my own…a Tweetstorm. In this series of articles, you’ll find some quick thoughts on every Power Five college football team, plus Notre Dame, and key players from those teams. Remember, you can find more content like this routinely if you follow me on Twitter @RobWillette.

Illinois

Mike Dudek may finally be back after missing consecutive seasons with ACL injuries. What does he have left? He’s the most notable player on this roster. There are no Rashard Mendenhall or Arrelious Benn talents here. Slim pickings for Illinois.

-They do have Jeff George Jr. so that is something.

Indiana

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-Possibly the best wide receiver duo in B1G with Simmie Cobbs and Nick Westbrook. Particularly high on Westbrook. Big frame plus ball skills. Cobbs tends to play smaller. Still has a decent amount of potential after missing all of 2016.

-Tight end Ian Thomas getting some hype despite only three catches last year. A name to bury deep in your consciousness.

Tyler Natee is their 275-pound running back. At the very least, he’s fun to watch rumble.

Iowa

Akrum Wadley is the big fish here. Like him; do not love him. Can contribute in passing game and has some nice feet. Think he’s overvalued right now. Outside my top ten backs. The only Hawkeye really on my radar right now.

Maryland

-Love their running backs. Ty Johnson/Lorenzo Harrison/incoming freshman Anthony McFarland. Underrated and deep stable. I’m smitten with Harrison. Don’t know how athletic he is overall but he crushed some B1G opponents last year. Great balance. Johnson has the high YPC and wheels. McFarland could be a do-everything threat. One of nation’s most stacked running back stables.

D.J. Moore an interesting talent outside. I liked Tino Ellis as a recruit. Curious if he pops this year.

-Maryland is building a talent base. Unfortunately stuck in a division with Harbaugh/Meyer and resurgent Penn State.

Michigan

-Talent is all unproven but Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black are already turning heads.

-I like Chris Evans more than most. Has plus athleticism minus elite home run speed and appears to have an insatiable work ethic. Good back.

-Never been a big Kareem Walker guy, but he lurks as a threat in backfield. Kekoa Crawford could quietly lead team in receiving.

Wilton Speight is…big. So he has that going for him. Little overripe talent here but a few guys will pop over next two seasons.

Minnesota

-Excellent backs with Brooks and Smith. Brooks has highest NFL upside; needs to stay healthy in 2018 to get gauge on progress.

-A receiver needs to step up. Rashad Still and Tyler Johnson are favorites to do so. Johnson is a guy I like quite a bit. Touchdown machine in high school and made plays as true freshman. Quarterback convert.

Mitch Leidner is gone, which benefits everyone with eyes.

Michigan Statescott

Donnie Corley kicked off the team. L.J. Scott or bust here at skill positions. Fortunately, Scott is good enough to carry this group by himself. Made great gains between first and second year and carried that offense.

Nebraska

Tre Bryant is a great athlete yet to prove much on field. 2017 essential if he is going to become anything from devy viewpoint.

Tyjon Lindsey the alpha recruit. Nervous he becomes an ornamental piece like many other extremely small recruits. Not big on him.

Northwestern

Justin Jackson has been a workhorse for what seems like 13 seasons. Finally, a senior next year. Solid collegiate player. Not sure there is a ton there for NFL purposes. But rooting for him. Runs tough despite diminutive size.

Clayton Thorson worth a dart throw in deep superflex leagues. Better than your typical running Northwestern QB.

Ohio State

-Lot of talent. Not much established. Mike Weber is solid; not sure he is gifted enough overall to make a large investment.

-Really high on J.K. Dobbins. Expect him to thrive early in this offense. Elite running skills.

Demario McCall had a strong spring game. Looks like the best bet to assume Curtis Samuel’s role, at least to a degree.

-Clueless who comes through on the outside. Johnnie Dixon looks poised to start…still not quitting Austin Mack, whom I was big on out of high school.

Parris Campbell should have a role, though I feel Dobbins and McCall are superior talents, and have overlapping skills.

J.T. Barrett is still there. Dwayne Haskins the upside play at quarterback. Looks the part.

Penn State

-Will not waste your time talking about Saquon Barkley. The 1.01 or 1.02.

Miles Sanders has grown on me. Has a bit more of a versatile skillset than I had expected. Still no opportunity until 2018.

Saeed Blacknall has flashed. Nothing consistent. But worth monitoring to see if he can assume number one receiver role.

Juwan Johnson is a monster at 6’4″ and over 220 pounds. Getting some hype in spring. Arguably the best receiving prospect on this team.

Mike Gesicki has limitations as blocker but can make big time catches in passing game. Debatable he is TE2 in 2018. Good fantasy upside.

Purdue

Markell Jones took a step back at running back as a sophomore, though still at least worthy of monitoring.

-We certainly miss the Drew Brees days though.

Rutgers

-Michigan transfer Ahmir Mitchell may be the most talented wideout. Conditions of transfer still murky. Has some tools. Was alerted to fact Mitchell tore his ACL this spring by @pacificscouting. Rough two year stretch here.

-Chris Ash still has a lot of building to do here.

Wisconsin

-All about running back. Chris James (Pitt transfer) is good although he needs a big 2017. True freshman Jonathan Taylor is a tank. He also has sprinter speed. Bradrick Shaw is awkward looking when he runs, yet a capable back. Not a ton of upside, in my opinion.

-Tight end Troy Fumagalli is the last Badger of note, but extremely noteworthy. In the conversation for TE2 in 2018 as well. Good player.

If you enjoyed this look at the Big Ten, check back soon for my thoughts on the other Power Five conferences.

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rob willette