Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, August 9, 2012

SI.com released its 2012 Preseason All-America Team on Thursday, and a half-dozen Big Ten players made the original cut (Update: Michigan State CB Johnny Adams was added due to the dismissal of LSU's Tyrann Mathieu). Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, Wisconsin left tackle Ricky Wagner and Purdue defensive tackle Kawann Short earned first-team honors to headline the Big Ten representatives.

The second team includes Adams, Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, Wisconsin offensive lineman Travis Frederick and Michigan State defensive end William Gholston.

[SI.com: 2012 Preseason All-America Team]

About what you'd expect. Some Michigan fans might ask where Denard Robinson is, what with the preseason Heisman lists showering him with love, but USC's Matt Barkley and West Virginia's Geno Smith are the two best signal-callers entering the season.

A case could be made for Gholston as a first-teamer. Defensive line is a stacked position – not just in the SEC – however the Spartan junior, now in his second season on the line, could be scary good. He already had the body, but now he has the experience.

Biggest snubs: Ohio State defense – Someone from this talented unit should have made the list, whether it's John Simon or Johnathan Hankins; Brett Maher – The Husker K/P has a powerful, accurate leg that is worthy of, at least, one second-team recognition.

Brent Yarina is a web editor and blogger for BTN.com. Find all of his work here and follow him on twitter at @BTNBrentYarina.