3 future Big Ten players make Rivals 1st Team

Rivals.com's Dallas Jackson released his 2011 RivalsHigh.com All-American Team on Wednesday, and a few future Big Ten talents made the cut. All three of the honorees play defense: Five-star defensive end Noah Spence (Ohio State) and four-star linebackers Vince Biegel (Wisconsin) and James Ross (Michigan). See Rivals.com's entire All-American team. The team includes 11 players who are currently undecided, so there could be more future Big Ten products on the list.

Here's what Jackson had to say about the three Big Ten players:

Noah Spence

Spence was among the best players on the defensive line in the country and he led his team to a state final appearance in Pennsylvania. During his senior season, he accumulated 108 tackles, 28 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in the state as both a junior and a senior and will be headed to Ohio State. His combination of size, speed, and strength is bolstered by his intelligence on the field.

Vince Biegel

Biegel was the heart-and-soul leader of the defense and helped take Lincoln to the state final in Wisconsin. He was all over the field, piling up 172 tackles, 21 sacks and three interceptions. He will play in the U.S. Army All-American game and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in Wisconsin.

James Ross

Ross led his team to a state title win in Michigan – and did so with impressive stats, including 151 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. Ross reminds us of Jon Beason of the Carolina Panthers and may move inside at Michigan.

Brent Yarina is a web editor and blogger for BTN.com. Find all of his work here and follow him on twitter at @BTNBrentYarina.