Big 10 Personnel Losses

Here's a breakdown of the important players graduating and turning pro early:

QB-quarterback RB-running back WR-wide receiver TE-tight end LT-left tackle LG-left guard C-center RG-right guard RT-right tackle DE-defensive end DT-defensive tackle NT-nose tackle SLB-strong side linebacker WLB-weak side linebacker MLB-middle linebacker CB-cornerback SS-strong safety FS-free safety K-kicker P-punter KR-kick returner PR-punt returner


Penn State: OFFENSE: LG Rich Ohrnberger C A.Q. Shipley WR Derrick Williams WR Deon Butler WR Jordan Norwood DEFENSE: SS Anthony Scirrotto SPECIAL TEAMS: K Kevin Kelly KR/PR Derrick Williams

Penn State's ground game takes center stage with the losses of their top three wideouts. Special teams has large holes without four year kicker Kevin Kelly and explosive returner Derrick Williams.


Ohio State: OFFENSE: LT Alex Boone LG Steve Rhering RG Ben Person WR Brian Robiskie TE Rory Nicol RB Chris "Beanie" Wells DEFENSE: WLB Marcus Freeman MLB James Laurinitis SLB Curtis Terry CB Malcom Jenkins SPECIAL TEAMS: K Ryan Pretorious P A.J. Treppaso

Ohio State might lose the most key players in the Big 10. The pressure will be on Terrelle Pryor to improve the passing game.


Michigan State: OFFENSE: QB Brian Hoyer RB Javon Ringer DEFENSE: CB Kendell Davis-Clark SS Otis Wiley SPECIAL TEAMS: None

A huge loss in Ringer. The Spartans need to find a running game if they expect to be an upper echelon Big 10 team next year.


Iowa: TE Tony Moeaki WR Andy Brodell RB Shonn Greene DEFENSE: DT Matt Croul DT Mitch King SPECIAL TEAMS: None

The biggest single departure in the whole conference in Shonn Greene. How is Iowa going to score next year? They must find replacements for the two stud defensive tackles.


Northwestern: OFFENSE: QB C. J. Bacher WR Eric Peterman WR Ross Lane WR Rasheed Ward RB Tyrell Sutton DEFENSE: DT John Gill DE Kevin Mims SLB Prince Kwateng MLB Malcom Arrington SPECIAL TEAMS: None

Northwestern loses a ton at the skill positions, and running back is the biggest question mark for next year. The defensive line and seconadary should be very good but they need to finds some linebackers.


Wisconsin: OFFENSE: LG Andy Kemp RG Kraig Uribik TE Travis Beckum RB P.J. Hill DEFENSE: DT Mike Newkirk DT Jason Chapmon DE Matt Shaughnessy SLB DeAndre Levy WLB Jonathon Casillas CB Allen Langford SPECIAL TEAMS: None

Wisconsin needs to replace Kemp and Uribik to open running holes for Zack Brown and John Clay. Replacements are needed everywhere on defense, especially the line.

Minnesota: OFFENSE: TE Jack Simmons DEFENSE: DE Willie VanDeSteeg SPECIAL TEAMS: K Joel Monroe P Justin Kucek

The Gophers must find a replacement for their best defender, Willie VanDeSteeg, on an already poor defense. Replacements at kicker and punter are also needed. They are probably taking the fewest losses of anyone in the conference.


Illinois: OFFENSE: LT Xavier Fulton C Ryan McDonald DEFENSE: DE Will Davis DT David Lindquist DE Derek Walker MLB Brit Miller CB Vontae Davis SPECIAL TEAMS: None

Offensively the skill positions are loaded and only two lineman must be replaced. Defense is the key. The Illini defense was poor and it's best players are gone.


Purdue: OFFENSE: QB Curtis Painter WR Greg Orton WR Desmond Tardy RB Kory Sheets DEFENSE: SLB Anthony Heygood SPECIAL TEAMS: KR/PR Desmond Tardy

The skill positions on offense are the main concern here. Purdue must develop a rhythm in the passing game if their going to have any chance of getting better next year.


Michigan: OFFENSE: None DEFENSE: DE Tim Jamison NT Terrance Taylor SLB Austin Panter CB Morgan Trent SS Brandon Harrison SPECIAL TEAMS: K K.C. Lopata

The defense has major holes to fill, especially on the line. Rich Rod's supposed big time recruiting skills better get the Wolverines some defensive help, or 2009 could be another long year in Ann Arbor.


Indiana: OFFENSE: RB Marcus Thigpen DEFENSE: DE Greg Middleton SPECIAL TEAMS: K Austin Starr KR Marcus Thigpen

Indiana doesn't have too many good players but the ones they do have are leaving. The passing game will be more of an emphasis without Thigpen.