The Big Ten has undergone a resurgence in recent years, and the recruiting by the schools has been a big factor in that. The programs have done a solid job of bringing in talent, and that will be the case once again this season. While it's not easy making an impact early in a college career, there are a few Big Ten players who could do just that in 2016.
Freshmen only make an impact if they are talented enough and if there is a need at their position. So while Ohio State and Michigan both brought in talented QBs this cycle, they aren't going to see the field in their freshman season. That's the case for many talented players at several different schools. Those players can and will end up making an impact during their college career, but it might not happen in their first season. A big tip of the hat to 247Sports, as the true freshmen recruits' rankings are based on the 247Sports rankings. With all that in mind, here are 7 Of The Big Ten's Freshmen Who Could Make An Impact In 2016:
7. Lamar Jackson, S, Nebraska Cornhuskers
Jackson might not start, but he has the chance to be an impact player for Nebraska. He's the No. 81 overall recruit from the class of 2016 and by far the Huskers' top recruit. The Huskers need an influx of talent and they should let Jackson see the field early.
6. Devin Bush Jr., LB, Michigan Wolverines
Bush could start right away at Michigan. The Wolverines are thin at LB and Bush will benefit from enrolling early with the Wolverines. He's a four-star recruit and should fit Michigan's style of play. At the very least, expect Bush to have a rotational role. For more Big Ten coverage, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
5. Austin Mack, WR, Ohio State Buckeyes
There are several freshman that could play a role at WR early for OSU, including fellow recruit Binjimen Victor and redshirt freshman Torrance Gibson. But the top-100 recruit Mack has the advantage over his fellow incoming freshman because he enrolled early. At 6-foot-2, Mack has the ability to possibly take over for Michael Thomas in his first season.
4. Michal Menet, OG, Penn State Nittany Lions
Menet might start from Day 1, and he fills a major need for the Nittany Lions. The offensive line was awful last season and Menet was a Top 30 recruit. While it's tough to truly consider Menet an "impact player" because he plays on the offensive line, he's in position to have a big role next year.
3. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State Buckeyes
Bosa didn't enroll at Ohio State early, but he should make an impact. The Buckeyes need to replace both Adolphus Washington and Joey Bosa (Nick's brother) this year. Bosa has great talent and there's a reason he was a five-star recruit and the No. 8 overall pick. For more Big Ten Coverage, check out the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2. Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan Wolverines
There's a chance Gary doesn't start at Michigan, because the Wolverines are fairly deep at DT. However, the No. 1 overall recruit from 2016 is simply too talented to not see the field. Michigan tends to rotate its defensive linemen, so Gary should carve out a niche as situational player. If he picks up the defense quickly, Gary could earn a starting spot early in his career.
1. Mike Weber, RB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Someone needs to replace Ezekiel Elliott and it might end up being Weber. He was supposed to be the backup to Elliott last season, but an injured knee resulted in him taking a redshirt season. Now a redshirt freshman (which means he still counts for this list), the starting RB job is Weber's to lose. Weber is 5-foot-10, 220-pounds and has drawn comparisons to former OSU back Carlos Hyde. While true freshman Antonio Williams could get a few carries as well, Weber should be the No. 1 back for the Buckeyes.
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