Five Big Ten Freshmen to Watch

Five Big Ten Freshmen to Watch

Published Aug. 7, 2014 10:39 a.m. ET

As Fall camp opens in the Big Ten, several freshmen are already making noise. As always, some will still emerge or emerge later in the season, but here are five who are good bets to see the field.

Mike Dudek - Dudek enrolled early and was very impressive in the Spring, to the point where he is considered a strong option to start for Illinios in the slot. He is fast, runs great routes and has excellent hands and ball skills.

Jabrill Peppers - A much hyped recruit, by all accounts, Peppers is living up to that early on at Michigan. There is an opening at safety, especially in light of Delano Hill's injury, and whether or not he wins that outright, expect to see a lot of Peppers this year.

Malik McDowell - Michigan State's top-ranked defense does not necessarily need a newcomer to step in a play big minutes, but the massive McDowell might just be too good to keep off the field. Head coach Mark Dantonio says you can expect to see him play, and his early camp returns have been good.

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Dominique Booth - Booth's intelligence and polish showed through the spring and now into Fall camp in Bloomington. The Hoosiers need a receiver to step up and Booth is one of the front-runners. He has solid size and a good skill set, but it is his maturity that his teammates and coaches say they have been impressed with.

Raekwon McMillan - Ohio State may play several freshmen on defense this year, but it is McMillan who seemingly has the best chance to earn a starting spot as he battles for the middle linebacker job. He was one of only two true freshmen who practiced with the upperclassmen on Monday.

 

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