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Big Ten rankings: Stefen Wisniewski, No. 24

The Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

No. 24

Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State, Jr., 6-3, 297

Preseason rank: 27

Why he's here: Like Iowa's Tyler Sash, Wisniewski is one of the Big Ten's premier underclassmen and a player who will appear much higher in the 2010 preseason rankings. He transitioned well from guard to center and earned consensus first-team All-Big Ten honors at his new position in 2009. Though Penn State's offensive line took time to jell, Wisniewski stood out during conference play. He'll contend for Big Ten Offensive Linemen of the Year honors next fall with Ohio State's Justin Boren and others.

These rankings also are about future potential, and Wisniewski projects well to the next level. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. lists him as the nation's No. 2 center for the 2011 NFL draft. Wisniewski is an extremely intelligent player and comes from excellent bloodlines, and he'll enter the fall as one of the favorites for the Rimington Trophy, won by his Penn State predecessor A.Q. Shipley in 2008. Penn State will lean on the O-line and the run game in 2010, and Wisniewski will be called upon to lead the way.

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