ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

	Joe Robbins/Getty Images
	Ohio State's defense will be anchored in 2008 by linebacker James Laurinaitis.

I'll get to all the position rankings eventually, scout's honor. After looking at the Big Ten's linebacker units last week, it's time to break down the top individuals around the league. The top line is pretty obvious, but things get interesting from there. Neither Michigan nor Penn State have players on the list -- the Nittany Lions' Sean Lee would have been No. 2 if healthy -- but both teams could have some entries by the end of the season. 

Here's the top 10:

1. James Laurinaitis, Sr., Ohio State -- Arguably no linebacker in the country has a more impressive trophy case than Laurinaitis, who added the Butkus Award last season after claiming the Nagurski Award as a sophomore in 2006. The two-time All-American has racked up 236 tackles and nine sacks in the last two seasons. 

2. Marcus Freeman, Sr., Ohio State -- He doesn't get the accolades like Laurinaitis, but his steady play at weak-side linebacker has helped Ohio State become one of the nation's top defenses. A second-team All-Big Ten selection last fall, Freeman ranked ninth in the league in tackles with 109, including 9.5 stops for loss.

3. Jonathan Casillas, Sr., Wisconsin -- The Badgers' linebackers underachieved a bit last season, but Casillas still led the team in tackles (96) and finished strong with four tackles for loss in the Outback Bowl. A former team captain who has earned honorable mention all-conference honors the last two seasons, Casillas should have a strong senior season.

4. Greg Jones, So., Michigan State -- Emerging star for Spartans became the first true freshman to lead the team in tackles since Dan Bass in 1976. Jones earned consensus first-team freshman All-America honors and was constantly around the ball. A move to middle linebacker this spring will only enhance his role as a playmaker and a leader.

5. Anthony Heygood, Sr., Purdue -- Some linebackers pile up tackles in the defensive backfield, but Heygood makes plays where it counts. He tied for the team lead in tackles for loss with 15 last seasons and tied for seventh in the Big Ten in forced fumbles (3). Heygood anchors an underrated group of linebackers that also features Jason Werner.

6. Martez Wilson, So., Illinois -- Expect to see this name much higher in future linebacker rankings. Wilson has drawn comparisons to former Illinois star Simeon Rice and will showcase his athleticism at weak-side linebacker this fall. At 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, Wilson brings excellent size and speed to the edge. 

7. DeAndre Levy, Sr., Wisconsin -- Two-year starter at strong-side linebacker anchors a strong defensive midsection with Casillas. Levy has 18.5 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in the last two seasons. He steps into an increased leadership role this fall and should have his strongest season. 

8. Brit Miller, Sr., Illinois -- The charismatic Miller takes on a featured role at middle linebacker after playing sidekick to All-American J Leman and Antonio Steele last season. He has started the last two-plus seasons, collecting 8.5 tackles for loss and five pass breakups last fall.

9. A.J. Edds, Jr., Iowa -- The Hawkeyes lost two-year starters Mike Humpal and Mike Klinkenborg, but Edds looks ready to step into a critical role this fall. He ranked 16th in the league and second on the team with 80 tackles last season.

10. Will Patterson, Jr., Indiana -- Teammate Matt Mayberry has generated a lot of preseason buzz, but Patterson quietly proved himself last season. He ranked 11th in the league in tackles (104), tied for second in fumble recoveries (3) and tied for seventh in forced fumbles (3). Patterson always is around the ball and should continue to blossom this fall.