The Most Entertaining Player From Every Big Ten West Team
Photo via ESPN
Wisconsin: Braelon Allen (JR RB)
Braelon Allen had one of the strongest coming-out parties in the country as a freshman in 2021 including a 400-yard game against Illinois. In both of his first two seasons, Allen eclipsed 1,200 yards and it looks like he is set to continue the legacy of dominant Wisconsin running backs. Easily the best at the position in the Big Ten West, Allen pinballs off defenders with killer speed after contact.
Minnesota: Daniel Jackson (Sr Wr)
As Minnesota loses key offensive pieces like Tanner Morgan and Mohamed Ibrahim, it’ll be up to guys like Daniel Jackson to carry the load. Entering his senior year, Jackson should remain the Golden Gophers’ leading receiver. As a junior, he finished with 557 yards and six touchdowns. Jackson is a solid route runner with some of the best ball skills in the conference. His ability to adjust while the ball is in the air is like that of a centerfielder tracking a ball against the warning track.
Iowa: Luke Lachey (Jr TE)
In typical Iowa fashion, their most entertaining player is a tight end. Although this spot very well could have gone to Michigan transfer Erick All, Lachey provides more as a blocker as well. Last year Lachey finished with 398 yards and led the team with four receiving touchdowns. With Cade McNamara taking over the reins at quarterback, Iowa’s passing game should open up which means bigger numbers and more opportunities for Lachey. A great blocker and a big target, Lachey’s physicality after contact and drive to fight for extra yards makes him the perfect Iowa tight end.
Illinois: Luke Altmyer (Jr QB)
Illinois is a team full of question marks after losing star running back Chase Brown to the NFL. Luke Altmyer is perhaps the biggest of these unknowns. The Ole Miss transfer had only two touchdowns and 126 yards last season before entering the portal. Originally a four-star prospect, Altmyer has loads of talent but lacks true game experience. With more reps under his belt, Altmyer could turn into a solid replacement to Tommy DeVito.
Purdue: Devin Mockobee (So RB)
Devin Mockobee is one of the best stories in college football. A two-star recruit in high school, Mockobee came to Purdue as a walk-on before rising to stardom and earning a scholarship in 2022. With 968 yards and nine touchdowns last season, Mockobee is the definition of a scrappy runner. With just the slightest bit of daylight, Mockobee finds a way to squeeze through defenders with quick cuts and constant foot movement.
Nebraska: Jeff Sims (Jr Qb)
Nebraska might have sneakily won the transfer portal this year after landing Georgia Tech transfer Jeff Sims. In his last season for the Yellow Jackets, Sims tallied 1,115 yards and five touchdowns. Sims is the ultimate dual-threat quarterback that new head coach Matt Rhule can use in a multitude of ways. Sims has a legit chance to step in and become the best quarterback in the Big Ten West in his first game. He is the definition of a “do it all” guy that should be a highlight machine for the Cornhuskers this year.
Northwestern: Aj Henning (Sr Wr)
His numbers during his time at Michigan may not show it, but the Wildcats got a great weapon in transfer AJ Henning. His versatility on offense both as a receiver and run threat makes him a tool for a rebuilding Northwestern team. While at Michigan, Henning made his biggest impact as a returner with 201 yards and a touchdown last year. Henning is a shifty runner with great vision that can be Northwestern’s primary target on offense this year.