Sean Merriman, BTN.com web editor, July 30, 2015

Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

A total of 21 Big Ten football players gathered at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on Thursday for the opening day of Big Ten media days.

[ MORE: Watch Drew Ott eat raw egg | Watch Shilique Calhoun play reporter ]

Players from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin were in attendance.

I went around and asked one player from all seven schools to give me a true freshman who has stood out to them thus far, and who could potentially make an impact.

Here's what I got.

Mason Monheim, LB, Illinois: Gabe Megginson. He's a guy that sticks out and can have an impact. He's tall, he's lengthy and he's a really good guy. He's fun to be around. It's too bad I'm old and I'm on my way out, so I won't be able to see him and some of the other guys flourish. They are all working hard. It's up to us older guys to kind of put them under our wing and show them the ropes and what it takes to be successful. Hopefully they can help us out.

Jason Spriggs, OL, Indiana: Brandon Knight. He's doing a great job. He's coming a long way very fast and it's impressive to watch. He's a left tackle for us and has been someone who I have been working with. It's impressive to see the way he's improved himself.

Austin Blythe, OL, Iowa: James Daniels. I'd have to go with him since I've been around him. Just his athletic ability and what he's done in practice after coming in as a 17 year old is just impressive. It's amazing to see what he can do as a high school kid.

William Likely, CB, Maryland: Darnell Savage. He's on the defensive back side. He's very hungry. I'm really excited to see what he's going to do in camp.

Jack Allen, C, Michigan State: Tyriq Thompson. I don't even consider Tyriq Thompson a freshman since he's been there. He's just a guy on the team now. He's a worker and he's been kind of leading that freshman class. He's been helping them out and getting them ready for when the veterans come back so it can be a smooth transition.

Adolphus Washington, DT, Ohio State: Jashon Cornell. He's been looking really good. He's strong and once he is able to understand the game a little bit more, I think he's going to be a really good player.

Corey Clement, RB, Wisconsin: Jon Dietzen. He throws up tremendous numbers and he doesn't look like a freshman. Just the size of him, it makes you want to have him on the line blocking for you right now. Another guy is Bradrick Shaw. He's a new incoming running back who is really good.