Ohio State's run to the national championship last season was just another example of the return of the Big Ten to the top of the college football mountain, and the crop of blue-chip recruits ready to make a splash in 2015 is emblematic of the conference's current return to the glory days. With that being said, here's our list of 4 Impact True Freshmen For Big Ten Football In 2015.
ATH Brian Cole (Michigan Wolverines)
Cole is the top-ranked athlete in the Class of 2015 according to 247Sports, and that's a well-earned designation. Cole has the speed to create separation in the open field and the strength to maintain it against would-be help tacklers. While Michigan is backlogged at running back, Cole will likely find his niche in 2015 as a package wideout and a kick returner. That should be enough to show the fans in Ann Arbor just how dangerous he is as a skill-position weapon and just what they have to look forward to in the years to come.
OLB Justin Hilliard (Ohio State Buckeyes)
Hilliard is simply a ready-made college linebacker, built like a cannonball at 6-foot-1, 225 pounds. Combine that with elite closing speed and the smarts to read blocking schemes and alter his approach accordingly, Hilliard's athleticism and intelligence will serve him well as he multiple reps both in practice and at game speed. Simply put, Hilliard won't just be one of the Big Ten's best freshmen in 2015 -- he'll also be one of the conference's best overall linebackers.
QB Michael Dare (Rutgers Scarlet Knights)
2014 starting quarterback Gary Nova is gone, so coach Kyle Flood may look to Dare as the answer sometime in 2015. Minnesota transfer Philip Nelson was supposed to be the heir apparent to the starting role, but he arrested and charged with two counts of felony assault, and has been kicked off the team. Dare's big arm and tall frame just scream future NFL Draft first rounder, and his unique size/strength combination could make him a favorite to take over under center before the season is through at Rutgers.
RB LJ Scott (Michigan State Spartans)
Scott is a prototypical power back at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, but there's more to it than just that. While his speed may be average at best and he's refining his arsenal of horizontal side steps and elusive dips and dives, Scott has an intense willingness to learn and get better that manifested himself in exponential growth as a running back at the prep level. No one's going to work harder than Scott, which is just how a Big Ten running back needs to approach things when mired in the trenches.
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