The Big Ten postseason player rankings, based on past performance and future potential, continue with ...
No. 18
O'Brien Schofield, DE, Wisconsin, Sr., 6-3, 248
Preseason rank: Unranked
SchofieldWhy he's here: Schofield went from just another defensive end to being one of the top pass rushers in the country in 2009. A great example of a senior peaking at the right time, he finished sixth nationally in sacks (12) and second nationally in tackles for loss (24.5). He led the nation in TFLs for much of the season and recorded multiple TFLs in nine games. It took some time for the undersized Schofield to settle in as a defensive end, but he was unstoppable for much of the 2009 season.
Schofield put himself on the NFL draft radar with his outstanding season, and he further improved his stock by winning defensive MVP honors at the East-West Shrine Game. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL days later in Senior Bowl practice and will be sidelined for quite some time. Schofield could be a steal in the draft for a team willing to take a chance, as his speed should translate well to the outside linebacker spot.
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
No. 22: Northwestern CB Sherrick McManis
No. 21: Ohio State DE Thaddeus Gibson
No. 20: Indiana DE Jammie Kirlew
No. 19: Iowa LB Pat Angerer