We’ve reached the Top 10 in our countdown of the Big Ten’s best players, based on past performance and potential 2011 impact. Let’s kick off the Top 10 with …

Mike Martin, DT, Michigan, Sr., 6-2, 304

2010 stats: Registered 37 tackles, 6 TFLs and 2.5 sacks

Why he's here: At times it has seemed as if Martin has been alone on an island, a top-flight defender on a Michigan team that lacks many others. Despite not having a whole lot of help around him, Martin has managed to be a disruptive force up front and commands constant attention. The latter fact contributes to his unspectacular statistics, but he's clearly the best defender the Wolverines have and a future pro. There are several excellent defensive tackles in the league this year -- it's probably the Big Ten's best position overall. And Martin is right at the top of that group.

Previously

• No. 25: Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin
• No. 24: Michael Mauti, LB, Penn State
• No. 23: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa
• No. 22: Shaun Prater, CB, Iowa
• No. 21: Nathan Scheelhaase, QB, Illinois
• No. 20: John Simon, DL, Ohio State
• No. 19: Ricardo Allen, CB, Purdue
• No. 18: Russell Wilson, QB, Wisconsin
• No. 17: Mike Adams, OT, Ohio State
• No. 16: Derek Moye, WR, Penn State
• No. 15: Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern
• No. 14: Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan State
• No. 13: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
• No. 12: David Molk, C, Michigan
• No .11: Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin