Brent Yarina, BTN.com Senior Editor, June 11, 2015
Pretty much any preseason college football writeup is going to favor Ohio State. Athlon Sports' early 2015 All-Big Ten Team is no exception.
[ MORE: How many Big Ten stars made Phil Steele's All-American Team? ]
The reigning national champs have 19 players listed on the publication's four teams, released Thursday, including nine (4 offense; 5 defense) first-teamers.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott and defensive end Joey Bosa highlight the Buckeyes' selections. Those two deserve to make every Big Ten first team, no matter the outlet.
As expected, fellow Big Ten East power Michigan State has the second-most players (11), including four first-teamers, tied for second with Wisconsin. Speaking of the Badgers, their 10 selections come in right behind the Spartans.
See the full Athlon Sports' team.
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Some quick BTN.com takes:
Biggest surprise: Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State (1st team). There's no doubt in my mind that Jones could be the best quarterback in the Big Ten. In fact, I think he will be, assuming he wins the much-anticipated quarterback battle. It's just a little surprising to see Jones here, because he hasn't won the job and Michigan State's Connor Cook is so good and proven that he's a very easy choice.
Too high: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State (1st team). There are two spots reserved for wide receivers, and we all can agree that one is reserved for Rutgers' Leonte Carroo. Hamilton was fantastic as a freshman, but he only scored one touchdown on a conference-leading 82 receptions. I believe some Ohio State receiver is going to catch a lot of passes and touchdowns, making him worthy of the second spot.
Too low: Kemoko Turay, DE, Rutgers (4th team). As usual, the Big Ten is loaded on the defensive line. Turay is blessed with incredible size and athleticism, and he's only going to improve as he continues to learn the game. He had 7.5 sacks a season ago in his first year, and he figures to be among the Big Ten's sack leaders this fall.
