The Big Ten preseason players rankings, based on past performance and 2010 potential, continue with ...
No. 7: Terrelle Pryor, QB, Ohio State, Jr., 6-6, 233
2009 numbers: Named Rose Bowl MVP after recording 266 pass yards, two touchdowns and 72 rushing yards in win against Oregon; led Ohio State and ranked eighth in the Big Ten in rushing average (59.9 ypg), tops among the league's quarterbacks; added 2,094 pass yards and 18 touchdowns, while throwing nine of his 11 interceptions in the first six games of the season.
Most recent ranking: No. 13 in the 2009 postseason player rankings.
Making the case for Pryor: Pryor's ranking obviously has more to do with 2010 potential than past performance. But his last impression was a very good one, as he put it all together in Ohio State's Rose Bowl win against Oregon. Pryor never will be the most polished passer in college football, but he doesn't have to be. If he continues to improve his footwork, makes good decisions and spreads the ball around to his receivers, he'll be very dangerous this fall because of the constant threat to run that he brings. After the Rose Bowl, Pryor deserves a little more freedom on offense, and he'll benefit from two very good receivers (DeVier Posey and Dane Sanzenbacher) and a veteran offensive line. Pryor finds himself on all the preseason watch lists for national awards, but most folks definitely have a wait-and-see approach with the Buckeyes junior. One thing is certain: everyone will be watching Pryor this fall.
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
No. 13: Purdue WR Keith Smith
No. 12: Ohio State LB Ross Homan
No. 11: Wisconsin LT Gabe Carimi
No. 10: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
No. 9: Ohio State G Justin Boren
No. 8: Penn State G/C Stefen Wisniewski