The Michigan State Spartans stole the spotlight from the rival Ohio State Buckeyes in 2016. They won their head-to-head matchup in a late season thriller to emerge as Big Ten champions and went on to represent the conference in the College Football Playoff. Staying on top might prove to be that much more difficult for the Spartans with the Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines on the rise. All three teams did a strong job reloading the front lines with young talent and it will be very interesting to see how big of an impact those players have this season. Here is a look at the top incoming freshman poised to make the biggest difference in the Big Ten this season.
DT – Rashan Gary, Michigan Wolverines
Jim Harbaugh turned a 5-7 team in to a 10-win program in his first year at Michigan, making plenty of headlines along the way. The buzz and excitement that he generated helped the Wolverines land the top recruit in the country in Rashan Gary. The 6’5’’, 293-pound is the total package at the defensive tackle position. He is extremely explosive at the point of attack, is difficult for opposing offensive linemen to move and still has the athleticism and endurance to get after the quarterback. Gary has the potential to star from the outset at Michigan this season and he should undoubtedly have the biggest impact of the incoming freshman in the Big Ten this season.
DE – Nick Bosa, Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes’ defense lost one of its most important pieces in star defensive end Joey Bosa, but reloaded with a strong class that includes his brother and top defensive end recruit Nick Bosa. The younger Bosa is an excellent pass-rushing prospect that has outstanding skills at the point of attack, quickness and pursuit. Nick will need some experience and coaching if he is going to eventually play at the level that his brother Joey did last season but he has immense potential and should step in right away as a key pass rusher in the Ohio State defense. Ohio State is coming off a down season, which included just one loss. Adding a player like Bosa should help, but so will the hunger of a new, young class that won’t be complacent like the last unit was in Big Ten play.
RB – Miles Sanders, Penn State Nittany Lions
James Franklin has posted a 14-12 record in his first two seasons as the head coach at Penn State. He will have to do better in order remain in Happy Valley much longer and that means getting more out of his star recruits. Sanders will pave the way this year as an absolute burner at the running position. The 5’11’’, 199-pound back ran a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash and is primed to step in right away as the perfect compliment to returning sophomore Saquon Barkley. The latter is coming off a 1,076-yard freshman season and if he can maintain a high level of play with Sanders making an immediate impact then the Nittany Lions offense will be that much more explosive in 2016.
DE – Auston Robertson, Michigan State Spartans
After a brush with the law temporarily delayed his decision to commit, Robertson made it official with his decision to sign a letter of intent with Michigan State last week. The four-star defensive end was dealing with issues away from the field after he was charged with misdemeanor battery after a classmate alleged that Robertson touched her inappropriately but they reached a plea agreement with prosecutors and the charges will be dropped if he stays out of trouble for a year. The signing came just in time for Robertson to remain eligible to play this season and he could make an immediate impact as a pass rusher coming off the edge. The 6’5’’, 260-pound Robertson was absolutely dominant in high school and it will be interesting to see how he fares as a true freshman with Mark Dantonio and his staff coaching him up.
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