The Big Ten postseason player rankings continue with ...

No. 22

Sherrick McManis, CB, Northwestern, Sr., 6-1, 190

Preseason rank: Unranked

Why he's here: Quarterback Mike Kafka drew more attention, but McManis was Northwestern's best player in 2009. He led the Big Ten in interceptions average (five in 10 games), and also led in average passes defended (1.2). McManis had a knack for making huge plays in several NU wins. With the Wildcats trailing 21-3 against Purdue, McManis turned the game around with a second-quarter interception. He also sealed a 21-16 win at Illinois with a fourth-quarter pick. McManis' absence against Syracuse because of injury likely cost Northwestern a victory, as the team had no one to stop Mike Williams.

A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, McManis has a future at the next level. He likely won't be drafted as high as Iowa's Amari Spievey or Michigan's Donovan Warren, but he'll find a spot on an NFL roster.

The rundown

• No. 30: Michigan State WR Blair White
• No. 29: Northwestern DE Corey Wootton
• No. 28: Wisconsin TE Garrett Graham
• No. 27: Ohio State LG Justin Boren
• No. 26: Iowa S Tyler Sash
• No. 25: Northwestern QB Mike Kafka
• No. 24: Penn State C Stefen Wisniewski
• No. 23: Michigan CB Donovan Warren