Media survey: Who is the best defensive player in the Big Ten?

With the season about to conclude, awards soon will be handed out. On that note, who has been the top defensive player in the Big Ten? I asked some of my esteemed Big Ten media colleagues.

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My choice? It has to be Penn State defensive end Carl Nassib, who has emerged from a former walk-on to become an All-American who should be a very high draft pick. NFL teams covet pass rushers. And no one in college football is doing it better than Nassib.

Jeff Potrykus, Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: I haven't seen him play, but numbers suggest that Penn State?s Carl Nassib is most dominant performer. Tough to argue with 15.5 sacks, 19.5 TFLs and six forced fumbles.

Mike Carmin, Lafayette Journal & Courier: Penn State?s Carl Nassib. His quickness off the ball is unmatched and he's relentless in pursuit.

Sam McKewon, Omaha World-Herald: Iowa?s Desmond King or Michigan?s Jourdan Lewis. I lean toward Lewis, although King is the better NFL prospect. Wisconsin coordinator Dave Aranda is by far the best defensive coach in the league.

Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts.com: I know from Ohio State, Vonn Bell and Joey Bosa would/should be All-Americans.

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