The 2010 Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...
No. 7: Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois, Jr., 6-0, 230
2010 numbers: Ranked second in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in rushing average at 130.5 yards per game; led the Big Ten in touchdowns with 20 (17 rush, 3 receiving) and tied for the league lead in scoring with 122 points (9.4 ppg); averaged 6.04 yards a carry; tied for the national lead in rushes of 30 yards or longer (11); recorded 17 receptions for 196 yards and three scores; consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors.
Preseason rank: No. 24 in preseason Top 25 players
Why he's here: Leshoure was undoubtedly the Big Ten's best running back (Denard Robinson plays quarterback, people) and one of the league's most consistent performers. He eclipsed 100 rushing yards in nine games and led the Big Ten in rushing average during conference play (121.6 ypg). Leshoure earned All-America honors from five outlets, including second-team honors from the Associated Press.
The junior turned in an unforgettable performance Nov. 20 at Wrigley Field, rushing for a team-record 330 yards against Northwestern. It marked the highest rushing total in the nation since 2008, the fifth-highest total in Big Ten history and the fourth-highest in a Big Ten game. Leshoure finished strong for the second consecutive season, racking up 1,011 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns in Illinois' final five games.
No. 7: Illinois RB Mikel Leshoure
No. 8: Illinois LB Martez Wilson
No. 9: Ohio State WR Dane Sanzenbacher
No. 10: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien
No. 11: Michigan State LB Greg Jones
No. 12: Ohio State CB Chimdi Chekwa
No. 13: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
No. 14: Wisconsin G John Moffitt
No. 15: Michigan C David Molk
No. 16: Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward:
No. 17: Iowa QB Ricky Stanzi
No. 18: Michigan State QB Kirk Cousins
No. 19: Indiana WR Tandon Doss
No. 21: Penn State G Stefen Wisniewski
No. 22: Iowa DE Adrian Clayborn
No. 23: Wisconsin RB James White
No. 24: Ohio State LT Mike Adams
No. 25: Indiana QB Ben Chappell