BTN.com staff, August 6, 2014

Kickoff is fast approaching. To help count down the days to Aug. 28, the BTN.com team is discussing one topic every day. Think of it as our countdown to kickoff. Today's topic: West breakout player? See Tom Dienhart, Sean Merriman and Brent Yarina?s picks in this post.

See our other 2014 predictions:

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Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Dienhart: Maliek Collins, DT, Nebraska. Bo Pelini has compared him to former LSU great Glenn Dorsey, who he coached in Baton Rouge. Collins got his feet wet last year as a true freshman (12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack) and flashed athletic ability and strength. He could be a force on the interior.

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Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Sean Merriman: Desmond King, DB, Iowa. King was one of four Iowa true freshmen to see the field last season. He played so well that he earned a starting spot at cornerback, becoming the team's first true freshman to start in the secondary since 2002. He recorded 44 tackles, eight pass breakups and two fumble recoveries on his way to being named to the All-Big Ten Freshman team. Now, entering his sophomore season, King becomes one of the top playmakers on a talented defense. Don't be surprised if he develops into an All-Big Ten defensive back.

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 Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Brent Yarina: Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin. It's rarely, if ever, just one Wisconsin running back torching opposing defenses. This season, the big and powerful Clement will give the Badgers a second dangerous runner to go along with star Melvin Gordon. Clement ran for 547 yards and seven scores on 67 carries as the third option last year, so it will be fun to see what he does with, say, 170 totes.