The Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...
No. 22
Sherrick McManis, CB, Northwestern, Sr., 6-1, 190
Preseason rank: Unranked
Why he's here: Quarterback Mike Kafka drew more attention, but McManis was Northwestern's best player in 2009. He led the Big Ten in interceptions average (five in 10 games), and also led in average passes defended (1.2). McManis had a knack for making huge plays in several NU wins. With the Wildcats trailing 21-3 against Purdue, McManis turned the game around with a second-quarter interception. He also sealed a 21-16 win at Illinois with a fourth-quarter pick. McManis' absence against Syracuse because of injury likely cost Northwestern a victory, as the team had no one to stop Mike Williams.
A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, McManis has a future at the next level. He likely won't be drafted as high as Iowa's Amari Spievey or Michigan's Donovan Warren, but he'll find a spot on an NFL roster.
The rundown
No. 30: Michigan State WR Blair White
No. 29: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton
No. 28: Wisconsin TE Garrett Graham
No. 27: Ohio State LG Justin Boren
No. 26: Iowa S Tyler Sash
No. 25: Northwestern QB Mike Kafka
No. 24: Penn State C Stefen Wisniewski
No. 23: Michigan CB Donovan Warren