The Big Ten preseason player rankings, based on past performance and 2010 potential, continue with ...
No. 13: Keith Smith, WR, Purdue, Sr., 6-2, 226
2009 numbers: Led the Big Ten and ranked 10th nationally in receptions per game (7.58); led the Big Ten and ranked 13th nationally in receiving yards per game (91.7 ypg); eclipsed 100 yards receiving in six games, including a stretch of four straight that tied the team record.
Most recent ranking: Unranked in the 2009 postseason player rankings.
Making the case for Smith: Purdue no longer makes bowl games every year like it used to, but the Boilermakers continue to churn out elite Big Ten receivers. Smith followed the likes of Taylor Stubblefield, Dorien Bryant and Greg Orton and led the Big Ten in both receptions and receiving yards in 2009. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media and once again will be the team's No. 1 target in 2010. A former safety and quarterback, Smith has settled in nicely at receiver and hit his stride after losing 20 pounds before the 2009 season. He missed spring practice following wrist surgery but will be back for preseason camp and will serve as a co-captain this fall. Purdue's offense could be even more dangerous with Robert Marve calling signals this fall, and Smith has the potential to match or exceed his numbers from 2009.
The rundown
No. 25: Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt
No. 24: Illinois RB Mikel LeShoure
No. 23: Iowa DT Karl Klug
No. 22: Northwestern LB Quentin Davie
No. 21: Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
No. 20: Ohio State LB Brian Rolle
No. 19: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
No. 18: Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi
No. 17: Ohio State WR DeVier Posey
No. 16: Wisconsin LB Chris Borland
No. 15: Wisconsin G/C John Moffitt
No. 14: Indiana WR Tandon Doss