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Illinois: Kendrick Foster, RB

In what will likely become a frustrating year for Illinois, Kendrick Foster should be a bright spot. He registered 720 rushing yards and seven touchdowns while sharing the backfield with Reggie Corbin and also Ke'Shawn Vaughn, who has since transferred. Foster will approach the 1,000-yard barrier as a senior.

Indiana: Tegray Scales, LB

If Richard Lagow improves his efficiency, Indiana's quarterback will have a legitimate claim to MVP. But we know Tegray Scales will be an ever-present playmaker in the 4-2-5. Last year, he notched 126 tackles with 23.5 for loss and seven sacks.

Iowa: Akrum Wadley, RB

Until the recent transfer of James Butler from Nevada to Iowa, Akrum Wadley was both a returning 1,000-yard rusher and the team's lone experienced runner. Butler gives the Hawkeyes a two-headed monster, but Wadley will reaffirm that he's the Hawkeyes' premier player.

Maryland: Ty Johnson, RB

Ty Johnson's combination of versatility and explosiveness is unmatched on the Maryland roster. Despite handling just 110 carries last season, he clipped the 1,000-yard mark. And even though the Terps had a revolving door at quarterback, Johnson averaged nearly 13 yards per reception. Get him the ball and let him shine.

Michigan State: Chris Frey, LB

Perhaps 2017 is a completion of the trend of LJ Scott's being a bell-cow running back. If he approaches 20 carries per game, Scott is the obvious choice for MVP. But as Michigan State likely struggles again, Chris Frey will be an invaluable leader on the second level of the defense. He recorded 96 tackles last year.

Minnesota: Steven Richardson, DT

Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks give Minnesota an excellent tandem at running back, but no player can match Steven Richardson's output. The space-eating senior is heading into his fourth season as a starter for Minnesota. He set career-best totals with 31 tackles, 11 stops for loss and seven sacks in 2016.

Nebraska: Tanner Lee, QB

Will he be excellent? Probably not. But Tanner Lee should steady a Nebraska offense that must replace a four-year contributor at quarterback. The Tulane transfer won the starting job during the spring and will help the Cornhuskers return to a bowl game.

Northwestern: Justin Jackson, RB

The offense runs through Justin Jackson. In each of his three previous seasons, the workhorse totaled at least 267 touches. Northwestern might be able to manage without him, but John Moten IV and Warren Long would be hard-pressed to equal Jackson's numbers as both a runner and receiver.

Purdue: David Blough, QB

He might lead the nation in interceptions again, but David Blough has a difficult job at a program in transition. Purdue must rebuild its receiving corps while adapting to the up-tempo scheme Jeff Brohm brought from Western Kentucky. Between his experience and role, Blough will be the most important piece of the roster.

Rutgers: Janarion Grant, WR

Janarion Grant's 2016 season ended after just four games. Despite missing the final eight contests, he still finished third on Rutgers' all-purpose yardage list. Yeah, he's pretty valuable. Grant will contribute as a rusher, receiver and returner and should pace the Scarlet Knights in the latter two categories.