There are three big-time players who could make an immediate impression in the Big Ten. I would be shocked if Penn State freshman running back Austin Scott is not an impact player as a freshman. Scott is a physical back who likes to run over people, but he also has the speed to get around them. He runs with a low center of gravity, good leg strength and terrific balance. Scott should be the leading candidate for Big Ten freshman of the year.

Even though Michigan has some talent in the secondary, strong safety Prescott Burgess has the talent to contribute immediately. Burgess is as quick as lightning and delivers bone-jarring hits.

With the depth on Ohio State's team, the one freshman who could see significant playing time is CB Donte Whitner. He has tremendous recovery speed, is a great one-on-one defender and can really deliver a blow.

Around the Big Ten
Illinois
Illinois' 2003 recruiting class has a heavy dose of offensive linemen, which are normally redshirted. However, WR Kelvin Haden, who is arriving from the JUCO ranks, has the talent to break into the starting lineup by the first game. WR Lonnie Hurst could also surprise. He's tall with good hands and pretty good speed. Another guy to keep an eye on is running back Pierre Thomas. He is not the fastest back around, but rarely gets caught from behind. Thomas has good moves, breaks tackles and can catch the ball.

Indiana
Kenni Burns, a talented running back who did not receive a lot of attention, can definitely contribute as a freshman. Burns is quick, strong and elusive. TB BenJarvus Green should also battle for playing time. Corner Aaron Mitchell is the big sleeper of the class and could play right away. He has good range, a nose for the ball and good speed.

Iowa
Two New Jersey players could step right in for the Hawkeyes. Albert Young was the best running back in New Jersey last year, and James Townsend could fill a hole at wide receiver. Young is a good combination of size, speed, power and moves. Townsend has soft hands, exceptional acceleration and adjusts well to the ball.

Michigan
Besides Burgess, Ryan Mundy is another defensive back who could see early playing time. Mundy is a big kid with tremendous range and instincts. The Wolverines definitely signed the best secondary class in the country.

Michigan State
WRs Terry Love and Irving Campbell will probably play a lot. Love is a game-breaking receiver with good hands and return skills, while Campbell is also a good threat. FS William Cooper is also coming in ready to play.

Minnesota
Running back Justin Valentine can definitely play right away. Valentine loves contact and has explosive moves and good vision. WR Ernie Wheelwright should also get some time. Keep an eye on RB Laurence Maroney.

Northwestern
The Wildcats had a major need at wide receiver and signed two players from San Leandro, Calif. Sam Cheatham and Reggie McPherson are just what the doctor ordered. They both have explosive speed and were very productive in high school. DB Deante Battle also will have a shot at early playing time.

Ohio State
TE Lewis Irizarry also could break in on special teams and as a spot receiver. Devon Jordan and Tony Gonzalez are two other receivers to watch.

Penn State
The Nittany Lions had a very small class with only 11 players signing. Besides Scott, WR Terrell Golden and RB Tony Hunt could also battle for time.

Purdue
Defensive ends Doug Van Dyke and Ray Edwards are two guys who could really help immediately. Van Dyke has the quickness to run down backs and the strength to play off blocks. Edwards has great strength, the ability to shed blockers and explosive moves to the quarterback. WR Jake Cunningham is a real sleeper. He's a blazer who could contribute immediately on punt and kickoff returns.

Wisconsin
Offensive lineman Joe Thomas is the best player in Wisconsin's class, but probably won't play right away. WR Ernest Mason is a sprinter with versatile skills and should at least help out on special teams. Justin Ostrowski is good enough to see time on the defensive line as a true freshman.

Early look at 2004
1. Michigan: The Wolverines are in on a bunch of top prospects. QB Chad Henne from Pennsylvania is a huge commit for Michigan.
2. Ohio State: The Buckeyes are not far behind Michigan. The defending national champs already have 11 commits in what will be a terrific class.
3. Penn State: The Nittany Lions have the most early commitments with 18 and LB Dan Connor's pledge really helps the class.
4. Iowa: The Hawkeyes are doing a good job in state, but they also have to do well elsewhere. So far, so good. Iowa's staff has hit the road and has many prospects interested.
5. Wisconsin: The Badgers have six early commitments and Barry Alvarez will attract another good class to Madison.
6. Purdue: The Boilermakers are doing a good job attracting talent from across the country. Of their seven early commits, six states are represented.
7. Illinois: The Illini are off to a pretty good start with eight pledges, including seven on the defensive side of the ball.
8. Michigan State: The Spartans have 10 commits so far and are loading up on offense with eight pledges there.
9. Minnesota: The Gophers have only two early commits. After losing the top two players in Minnesota last year, the Gophers need to keep players home.
10. Indiana: The Hoosiers have seven early pledges but are not getting as much interest as many of the Big Ten teams.
11. Northwestern: The Wildcats have picked up commits from two Florida players but need to pick up the pace.