Our postseason Big Ten player rankings, based on 2012 performance only, march on today with the first member of our Elite Eight.
Up next is a guy whose hometown of Steelton, Pa., pretty accurately describes what he brought to the field ...
No. 8: Jordan Hill, DT, Penn State, senior, 6-foot-1, 292 pounds
Preseason rank: Not ranked
2012 numbers: Registered 64 tackles, including 8.5 for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Also had an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Why he's here: Hill had large shoes to fill in trying to take over the leadership and playmaking duties in the middle of the line from 2011 Big Ten defensive player of the year Devon Still.
While he may not have matched Still's monster numbers, Hill carved out his own legacy. Thanks to a motor that was always switched to high, Hill had his best season as a senior while earning first-team All-Big Ten honors. In fact, while Ohio State's Johnathan Hankins drew more attention for his pro potential, most Big Ten coaches would tell you there was not a better defensive tackle in the Big Ten in 2012 than Hill.
He saved his finest moment for last. In the season finale against Wisconsin, Hill was a monster while recording 12 tackles and two sacks in the overtime win. That he did so despite sharp pain in his knee spoke to Hill's desire, effort and intensity.
NFL scouts wonder if he's big enough to make an impact at the next level. But there's no doubting the size of Hill's heart or his contributions to Penn State.
The countdown
No. 25: Denard Robinson, QB, Michigan
No. 24: Michael Carter, CB, Minnesota
No. 23: Kain Colter, QB, Northwestern
No. 22: Spencer Long, G, Nebraska
No. 21: Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
No. 20: Ameer Abdullah, RB, Nebraska
No. 19: Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State
No. 18: Mike Taylor, LB, Wisconsin
No. 17: Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan
No. 16: Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
No. 15: Max Bullough, LB, Michigan State
No. 14: Matt McGloin, QB, Penn State
No. 13: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
No. 12: Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State
No. 11: Allen Robinson, WR, Penn State
No. 10: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
No. 9: Venric Mark, RB, Northwestern