Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, July 21, 2015

The countdown to the start of the 2015 Big Ten football season is on. In 44 days, Minnesota will kick off the college football season with a primetime matchup against TCU.

Big Ten fans can expect to see plenty of new faces on the gridiron this season. Last year, we saw the likes of Justin Jackson and DaeSean Hamilton have huge seasons as true freshman. But, did you know neither Jackson or Hamilton were ranked in the top 100 players in 2014 recruiting rankings?

This got me thinking about how highly-ranked freshmen have performed since arriving in the Big Ten.

Here is a look back at the top 10 prospects to play in the Big Ten over the past decade.

1. Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State

Recruiting Class: 2008
Rivals.com ranking: No. 1
247Sports.com ranking: No. 2
Scout.com ranking: No. 1
Ohio State career stats: 39 games, 6,177 passing yards, 57 TD, 26 INT, 2,164 rushing yards, 17 TD
Current: Pryor is currently on the Cleveland Browns and is working on making the transition from quarterback to wide receiver.

2. Jabrill Peppers, Michigan

Recruiting Class: 2014
Rivals.com ranking: No. 3
247Sports.com ranking: No. 3
Scout.com ranking: No. 3
Michigan career stats: 3 games, 8 tackles
Current: After an injury-filled freshman season, Peppers is expected to play a big role in Michigan's defense in his sophomore year.

3. Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State

Recruiting Class: 2006
Rivals.com ranking: No. 3
247sports.com ranking: No. 9
Scout.com ranking: No. 1
Ohio State career stats: 36 games, 585 carries, 3,382 yards, 30 TD
Current: Retired after playing four seasons in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals.

4. Ryan Mallett, Michigan (transferred to Arkansas)

Recruiting Class: 2007
Rivals.com ranking: No. 4
247Sports.com ranking: No. 5
Scout.com ranking: No. 5
Michigan career stats: 11 games, 892 passing yards, 7 TD, 5 INT
Current: Will battle for the starting quarterback spot on the Houston Texans in 2015.

5. Noah Spence, Ohio State

Recruiting Class: 2012
Rivals.com ranking: No. 9
247Sports.com ranking: No. 5
Scout.com ranking: No. 5
Ohio State career stats: 25 games, 66 tackles, nine sacks
Current: Currently plays for Eastern Kentucky after being dismissed from Ohio State.

6. Stefon Diggs, Maryland

Recruiting Class: 2012
Rivals.com ranking: No. 8
247Sports.com ranking: No. 8
Scout.com ranking: No. 6
Maryland career stats: 28 games, 150 receptions, 2,227 yards, 14 TD
Current: Diggs is set to enter his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings.

7. Mike Adams, Ohio State

Recruiting Class: 2008
Rivals.com ranking: No. 3
247Sports.com ranking: No. 23
Scout.com ranking: No. 11
Ohio State career stats: N/A
Current: Adams currently plays in the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

8. Derrick Green, Michigan

Recruiting Class: 2013
Rivals.com ranking: No. 8
247Sports.com ranking: No. 27
Scout.com ranking: No. 6
Michigan career stats: 19 games, 165 carries, 741 yards, 5 TD
Current: Green is set to enter his junior season at Michigan where he will compete for the starting running back spot.

9. Josh Oglesby, Wisconsin

Recruiting Class: 2007
Rivals.com ranking: No. 10
247Sports.com ranking: No. 14
Scout.com ranking: No. 17
Wisconsin career stats: N/A
Current: Oglesby was recently named an offensive quality control coach at Oregon State. He will work under former Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen.

10. Brandon Graham, Michigan

Recruiting Class: 2006
Rivals.com ranking: No. 15
247Sports.com ranking: No. 14
Scout.com ranking: No. 14
Michigan career stats: 46 games, 138 tackles, 29.5 sacks
Current: Graham currently plays in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles.