The Big Ten preseason player rankings, based on past performance and 2010 potential, continue with ...
No. 22: Quentin Davie, LB, Northwestern, Sr., 6-4, 230
2009 numbers: Tied for 12th in the Big Ten in tackles (90); finished tied for fifth in the league in forced fumbles (4); has recorded 22 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 147 tackles and six passes defended in the past two seasons.
Most recent ranking: Unranked in the 2009 postseason player rankings.
Making the case for Davie: I include Davie in a fairly sizable group of Big Ten linebackers who were overlooked last season, in large part because Greg Jones, Navorro Bowman and Pat Angerer performed so well and hogged the hype (justifiably, I might add). Ohio State linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, who you'll see later in the rankings, also were part of this forgotten fraternity. But Davie shouldn't struggle to get noticed this year. NFL types are already inquiring about him as he prepares to enter his third season as a starter. Davie transformed his body before the 2009 season, adding mass to a big frame but not losing any speed. He responded with 90 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss, and recorded four forced fumbles and an interception. He'll anchor a linebacker corps that should be the strength of Northwestern's defense this fall.
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