CFB: Impactful Newcomers for the Big 10 West

The 2021 season is swiftly approaching, and a new group of athletes will be on display in the Big 10. I will be highlighting the newcomers that I believe will make an impact on each Big 10 West team while going in-depth on each team's weakness and how that respective player will make a difference. Check out the newcomers for the Big 10 East here! 

Purdue - Tyler Witt, Offensive Line

Statistically, Purdue had one of the worst offensive lines in 2020 both in the conference and in the country. The Boilermakers front line produced 82.2 rushing yards per game, which ranked 124th in the nation. In addition, the frontline allowed way too many hits on the quarterback, giving up 12 sacks in six games. Tyler Witt, a transfer from Western Kentucky looks to provide a steady, big presence for the Boilermakers. Witt is able to play multiple positions on the line as he’s played both right and left guard. Witt was named second-team All-Conference USA in 2019 so he doesn’t lack any talent. His experience and size should add stability to an offensive line that is lacking. 

Illinois - Eddie Smith, Safety

Eddie Smith brings versatility and culture to an Illinois program that is in desperate need of a leader in the secondary. Unable to crack the starting line-up due to immense talent on the roster at Alabama, Smith transferred to Illinois. New head coach Bret Bielema will enjoy having Smith on the roster as he knows what it’s like to be around winning. Although Smith has only seen the field twice in his career, the development that Smith got at Alabama is likely to result in him starting right away. Keep your eye out for a ball-hawking safety in Champaign this 2021 season. 

Northwestern - Ryan Hilinski, Quarterback 

Northwestern’s biggest need this season is at quarterback after Peyton Ramsey moved on to the NFL. Ryan Hilinski will most likely take over for the Wildcats in 2021. The transfer from South Carolina is talented and was the number two pro-style quarterback in the class of 2019. Hilinski is a comfortable pocket passer that can make any throw at every level of the field. Scoring just 24.7 points per game in 2020, The Wildcats scoring offense was ranked 93rd in the country. Coach Pat Fitzgerald always has his defense clicking but Hilinski could take the Wildcats to new heights in 2021. 

Minnesota - Lemeke Brockington, Wide Receiver 

Minnesota will be looking to find production to replace stud wide receiver Rashod Bateman who is now in the NFL. With Tanner Morgan under center, he will be looking for a new reliable target and that can easily be newcomer Lemeke Brockington. The three-star prospect is 6 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds providing a big target for Morgan. Brockington brings flexibility to the Golden Gophers offense as he can play the slot or he can use his skills out wide. Brockington will look to be a WR2 next season as the true freshman will compete for a starting spot. 

Iowa - Keegan Johnson, Wide Receiver

The Hawkeyes lost their two most productive wide receivers due to graduation in Sam Laporta and Brandon Smith. With the absence of those two, the wide receiver room for Iowa is ready for a new face to take over as the WR1. Look out for Keegan Johnson. The four-star freshman is average size but provides great athleticism. Coming in at 6 foot 1 inch and weighing 180 pounds, Johnson makes plays in the open field and is effective on the go route. Quarterback Spencer Petras will be eager to establish a connection with Johnson. 

Nebraska - Markese Stepp, Running Back 

With many of the players returning for the 2021 season for the Cornhuskers, they are looking to improve in all facets of the game. In 2020, they had an offense that lacked firepower as they averaged 23.1 points per game which ranked 102nd in the nation. A newly acquired transfer from USC, Markese Stepp can make a huge impact on the offense. In 2020, Stepp played in five games and had three touchdowns. Stepp runs with both speed and power. He will benefit the offense in general, but specifically quarterback Adrain Martinez. With Martinez being a dual-threat quarterback, the Cornhuskers should be able to have a lethal running game in 2021.

Wisconsin - Nolan Rucci, Offensive Tackle

You never associate the Wisconsin Badgers with having a bad offensive line, and in no way is that what I am saying. Wisconsin’s offensive line is not a weakness, however, I had to highlight newcomer and true freshman Nolan Rucci. The five-star offensive tackle had offers from just about every school, his 6-foot 8-inch frame gives him the length and physicality to handle the pass rush. His length allows him to get leverage on defenders along with a strong and precise punch. While Rucci might not start as a freshman, expect him to be a part of the rotations and potentially win a starting spot in 2021.

Stats - https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb

Writer

-By: Justin Howard