Photo: Courtesy of Michigan Review
Due to seniors graduating and the NFL draft stealing some of the nations best talent, college football is in a constant state of change. It's also what keeps it exciting and fresh, having a plethora of new faces every year from five-star recruits to walk-ons. This year there will be some new names that you haven't heard of before, but will be potential game-changers and play-makers. The Big Ten has plenty of these up and coming superstars and although they are young, will be difference makers for years to come. Here's a few of the most talked about freshmen in the conference based on talent and potential to make the biggest impact early on.
Derrick Green RB, Michigan
Green was the No. 1 ranked running back being recruited out of high school in 2013. The Virginia native is 6'0" 220 pounds and has the size and speed to be the next Big Ten rushing leader. He will no doubt be the focal point of the Wolverines offense in due time but for now his playing time hinges on Fitz Toussaint's recovery from a broken leg. Toussaint is still rehabilitating from his leg injury in 2012 and may not be ready to go come this fall. If thats the case green will be ready to walk into Ann Arbor and make his presence felt.
Jalin Marshall WR, Ohio State
The combination of being an Ohio native and the chance to play in Urban Meyer's offense made choosing the Buckeyes an easy choice for Marshall. Marshall is one of the most electrifying players coming out of the 2013 class and will be a fun new toy for Meyer to play with in his spread offense. Marshall is 6'0" 190 pounds and is versatile enough to be used all over the field in a variety of positions and formations. There are rumors Meyer will use him as a Percy Harvin type role like he did back at Florida because of his explosive play-making abilities.
Christian Hackenberg QB, Penn State
After an over-acheiving first season with the Nittnay Lions, Bill O'Brien has a lot of pieces in place on his team for long term success. One question mark that still remains on the roster is the quarterback position, although O'brien feels along with many others they have a big time leader in Christian Hackenberg who is oozing with talent. The freshman Hackenberg was a five-star recruit and was ranked as high as number two for high school quarterbacks. The 6'4" 210 pounder has the combination of physical tools, passing IQ, and leadership intangibles you look for as the leader of your team. With the graduation of Matt McGloin, Hackenberg will have every opportunity to step in and be the new starter for Penn State.
Eugene Lewis WR, Penn State
Lewis is technically a red-shirt freshman this year but might not play like one. Lewis is one of those quick, shifty, athletic type of players who will make people miss before taking it to the house. Although he isn't the biggest or fastest guy on the field, he is reliable and does all the little things right. He can play inside in the slot, match up outside with bigger defenders, and will even be a difference maker on special teams. With a lack of scholarships to go around at Penn State, Lewis is primed to be one of their main weapons on offense and will look to quickly get in sync with new freshman quarterback Hackenberg to form one of the youngest and most talented combos in the conference.
Taco Charlton DE, Michigan
Rave reviews were piling up for Charlton as spring practices ended. Scouts and coaches came away impressed as the 6'6" 270 pounder did not look like your typical true freshman but more like the next Big Ten defensive impact player. Already penciled in as the starter at defensive end playing opposite of Frank Clark Jr. these two are primed to give offenses in the conference fits. Don't be surprised to watch him play 3 great years in Michigan before heading to the NFL someday. Of course we can't talk about Charlton without bringing up his unique and cool first name Taco. I can't imagine the nicknames that will roll in as he gets more national attention, but for now watching his power and big hits, its no secret Taco is one beefy hard shell.