Phil Steele's 2014 Preseason All-Big Ten Team

Rejoice, Big Ten football fans. Phil Steele has released his much-anticipated 2014 Preseason All-Big Ten Team. Steele compiles four teams on offense and defense, two more than the official All-Big Ten teams released at the end of the year. See who made Steele's preseason teams in this post. Here's his All-America team, too.

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First reaction: Big Ten newbies Maryland and Rutgers add some quality top-end talent, what with three first-teamers and one second-teamer.

Most players: 6 – Ohio State, Northwestern

Biggest surprise: Kyle Prater, a second-team receiver. Look, Prater was a can't-miss prospect before eventually committing to USC, where he was before transferring to Northwestern, but he's amassed just 20 receptions and zero touchdowns in an injury-plagued career. Then again, the Big Ten did lose a lot of stud receivers.

Mr. Undervalued: Josh Ferguson, RB, Illinois – not listed. The Big Ten is loaded at running back, so someone worthy of inclusion is going to be left out. To me, Ferguson, arguably the Big Ten's top all-around back, is one of the top eight at his position.

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First reaction: Like running back, the Big Ten is absolutely loaded at defensive line. Carl Davis, a second-teamer? Marcus Rush, a fourth-teamer? Good luck, Big Ten quarterbacks!

Most players: 5 – Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State

Biggest surprise: Five Michigan players from a defense that wasn't exactly stout last season, and none is highly touted freshman Jabrill Peppers. That said, this unit will improve from a full year of stud LB Jake Ryan.

Mr. Undervalued: Michael Caputo, S, Wisconsin – 4th team. Caputo tallied 63 tackles, second only to stud Chris Borland. Somebody has to replace Borland's 112 tackles, and it's a safe bet that the safety will pick up some of the slack.