As the 2018 season draws nearer by the day, it’s time to start taking a look at some of the top players to watch in the Big Ten Conference.
We continue our Ranking the Big Ten series today will a look at the offensive tackle position, where Nebraska did not crack our list.
1. David Edwards, Wisconsin
Wisconsin's David Edwards enters 2018 at arguably the best offensive lineman in the Big Ten. He is a first-team preseason All-American selection by multiple publications.
Edwards was an All-American last season, and a consensus first-team All-Conference selection. He's started 21 games over the last two seasons and played in 27 overall. Edwards should help pave for another big season for running back Jonathan Taylor.
2. Ryan Bates, Penn State
Junior Ryan Bates was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media. Bates started eight games last season at left tackle, and he will anchor PSU's offensive line this season.
The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Bates was also a freshman All-American in 2016 and started all 14 games on Penn State's Rose Bowl team that season.
3. Isaiah Prince, Ohio State
Senior Isaiah Prince will be going into his third season as a starter at Ohio State. He played right tackle the last two seasons and will move to the left side in 2018.
As a sophomore starter in 2016 Prince struggled allowing seven sacks and 39 pressures but had a bounce-back junior season where he was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and the media.
It will be interesting to see how his move from the right to the left side goes in 2018.
4. Derwin Gray, Maryland
The 6-foot-5, 330-pound Derwin Gray started all 12 games last season for Maryland at left tackle, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He was recognized with the James M. Tatum Memorial Award, given annually to Maryland's top lineman.
Gray will look to lead Maryland's offensive line again in 2018 and should contend for All-Big Ten honors.
5. Tariq Cole, Rutgers
Senior Rutgers offensive lineman Tariq Cole has started 23 games for the Scarlett Knights at left tackle the last two seasons. He has been a very consistent presence, as he led a Rutgers offensive line that allowed just 1.5 sacks per game in 2017.
The 6-foot-6, 320 pound Cole will surely be a guy NFL scouts watch closely, as he's one of the more under the radar offensive linemen prospects in the Big Ten.
