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The spring superlatives series, which examines the strongest and weakest positions for each Big Ten team, wraps up with Illinois.

After a tumultuous offseason, the Fighting Illini have no shortage of issues this spring. But there aren't as many glaring holes as you might think. Illinois needs to identify a capable quarterback or two, replace wideout Arrelious Benn and fill some gaps on both lines. The defense should be stronger with coordinator Vic Koenning and the return of linebacker Martez Wilson from a neck injury.

Strongest position: Running back

• Key returnees: Mikel LeShoure (108 carries, 734 rush yards, 5 TDs); Jason Ford (97 carries, 588 rush yards, 4 TDs); Justin Green (19 carries, 88 rush yards, 2 TDs); Troy Pollard (11 carries, 67 rush yards).
• Key losses: Daniel Dufrene (63 carries, 277 rush yards, 3 TDs); quarterback Juice Williams (143 carries, 507 rush yards, 3 TDs).
• The skinny: Illinois' offense had its problems in 2009, but the running back position wasn't one of them. The Illini return one of the Big Ten's best tandems in LeShoure and Ford. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, LeShoure exploded for 184 yards and two touchdowns on only just 11 carries in the season finale against Fresno State. Ford has 12 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons and should be a force in the red zone this fall. Green could be primed for a breakout season, though he'll have a tough time taking carries away from LeShoure or Ford. Illinois boasts depth here but needs the offensive line to step up.

Weakest position: Quarterback

• Key returnees: Jacob Charest (28-for-56 passing, 382 pass yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs); Eddie McGee (25-for-47 passing, 303 pass yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs).
• Key losses: Juice Williams (131-for-227 passing, 1,632 pass yards, 12 TDs, 7 INTs, 507 rush yards, 4 TDs).
• The skinny: Say what you want about Williams, but he left Illinois as one of the most productive players in team history, not to mention a four-year starter. His departure leaves things totally wide open at quarterback for new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino. Charest showed some promise in limited work last year, and McGee gets one final shot at quarterback after being shifted to wide receiver for most of 2009. If those two don't work out, Illinois will look to redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase or true freshman Chandler Whitmer, an early enrollee. Don't be surprised to see the Illini use multiple quarterbacks this fall.

The spring superlatives series, which examines the strongest and weakest position groups for each Big Ten team, marches on with Purdue.

After winning four of its final six games, Purdue has high hopes for 2010. The Boilermakers return a lot of skill players on offense, and Miami transfer Robert Marve looks like the front-runner to take over at quarterback. The defense needs to fill all four starting spots in the secondary, but end Ryan Kerrigan and linebacker Jason Werner lead the front seven.

Strongest position: Wide receiver/tight end

• Key returnees: Keith Smith (91 receptions, 1,100 receiving yards, 6 TDs); Kyle Adams (29 receptions, 249 receiving yards); Keith Carlos (21 receptions, 242 receiving yards, 1 TD); running back Ralph Bolden (20 receptions, 261 receiving yards, 2 TDs); Cortez Smith (17 receptions, 177 receiving yards, 2 TDs); Jeff Lindsay (16 receptions 162 receiving yards).
• Key losses: Aaron Valentin (54 receptions, 621 receiving yards, 7 TDs).
• The skinny: A year ago, the Boilers had huge questions here as Smith was the lone returnee with any significant experience. Purdue now boasts one of the Big Ten's deepest group of pass-catchers, led by Smith, who topped the league in receiving yards last fall and earned first-team all-conference honors from the media. Purdue needs a new No. 2 wideout, but hopes are high for Cortez Smith and Carlos. The coaches are also high on young wideouts Antavian Edison and Gary Bush. The tight end position should be very solid with both Adams and Lindsay in the fold.

Weakest position: Defensive back

• Key returnees: Albert Evans (30 tackles, 2 pass breakups)
• Key losses: Torri Williams (84 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 8 passes defended); Dwight Mclean (62 tackles, 1 INT, 1 forced fumble, 4 passes defended); David Pender (40 tackles, 1 INT, 14 passes defended, 1 blocked kick, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery); Brandon King (30 tackles, 3 INTs, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 5 passes defended).
• The skinny: Purdue loses all four starters in the secondary, including tackles leader Williams and second-team All-Big Ten selections in Pender and King. Evans is the lone returnee with significant experience, and he'll miss spring practice with an injury. Players like junior college transfer Mike Eargle, Charlton Williams, Gavin Roberts and Chris Quinn need to step up this spring. "We have a lot of depth issues in the secondary," head coach Danny Hope said.

The spring superlatives series, which examines the strongest and weakest positions for each Big Ten team, marches on with Michigan.

Arguably no team in the Big Ten needs a strong spring more than the Wolverines, who must answer questions on defense after dropping their final seven Big Ten games last fall. It doesn't help that Michigan loses its top two defenders: Big Ten co-MVP Brandon Graham at defensive end and All-Big Ten selection Donovan Warren at cornerback. The Wolverines lose a few contributors on offense but still should be dangerous on that side this fall.

Strongest position: Offensive line

• Key returnees: G Stephen Schilling, C David Molk, T Perry Dorrestein, T Mark Huyge, G Patrick Omaneh, G John Ferrara
• Key losses: LT Mark Ortmann, G/C David Moosman
• The skinny: The Wolverines look solid at all of the offensive skill positions, but head coach Rich Rodriguez is a bit concerned about his outside receivers, and Michigan loses its top two running backs (Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown) from 2009. The offensive line, meanwhile, returns three starters as well as promising redshirt freshmen (Taylor Lewan, Quinton Washington, Michael Schofield). Molk could contend for All-Big Ten honors if he stays healthy, and Michigan should have much more depth this season. Rodriguez is pleased with the physical gains the linemen made during the offseason, and it should translate well to the field this fall.

Weakest position: Secondary

• Key returnees: CB/S Troy Woolfolk (46 tackles, 1 pass breakup); S Jordan Kovacs (75 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT); S Mike Williams (56 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass breakup)
• Key losses: Warren (66 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 pass breakups)
• The skinny: Michigan loses more at other positions, and the kicking game is a major concern, but the combination of Warren's departure and so many major breakdowns puts the secondary in the spotlight going forward. Woolfolk looks like a good option at one cornerback spot, but the other will be up for grabs, as J.T. Turner, J.T. Floyd and heralded recruit Demar Dorsey all will compete. The competition at the safety spots should be intriguing, as Kovacs, a walk-on, tries to hold off Vladimir Elimien and others. Michigan has enough bodies in the secondary, but the coaches need to identify a combination that works.

The spring superlatives series, which takes a look at the strongest and weakest positions for each Big Ten team, marches on with Indiana.

The Hoosiers begin spring practice stocked at the offensive skill positions, as quarterback Ben Chappell, All-Big Ten wide receiver Tandon Doss and others are back. Indiana's major concerns once again rest with a defense that loses seven starters.

Strongest position: Wide receiver/tight end

• Key returnees: Tandon Doss (77 receptions, 962 yards, 5 TDs); Damarlo Belcher (61 receptions, 770 yards, 5 TDs); Terrance Turner (46 receptions, 443 yards, 1 TD); Max Dedmond (18 receptions 141 yards, 1 TD).
• Key losses: Wideout Mitchell Evans (33 receptions, 366 yards, 3 TDs) moves to safety.
• The skinny: How loaded are the Hoosiers at receiver? Head coach Bill Lynch is moving two players, Evans and Matt Ernest, to the defensive side to help a beleaguered secondary. Doss earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from the media (second-team from the coaches) as a sophomore and has great potential to play at the next level. Belcher boasts great size and the ability to stretch the field, while Turner brings good experience to the group. Quarterback Ben Chappell will have no shortage of targets in 2010.

Weakest position: Defensive back

• Key returnees: Cornerback Donnell Jones (30 tackles, 1 interception, 3 pass breakups); cornerback Richard Council (22 tackles, 2 pass breakups); safety Chris Adkins (14 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception).
• Key losses: Austin Thomas (67 tackles, 4 interceptions, 2 pass breakups); Nick Polk (53 tackles, 2 interceptions, 2 tackles for loss, 4 pass breakups); Ray Fisher (40 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 635 kickoff return yards and 2 TDs).
• The skinny: Indiana has concerns at other positions, namely linebacker and defensive end, but the secondary will be the coaches' top priority this spring. The Hoosiers lose three starters, including both safeties, and are rushing to fill the gaps. Bill Lynch signed two junior college cornerbacks (Andre Kates and Lenyatta Kiles) and moved both Evans and Ernest over from the offense. Evans, who played safety as a freshman in 2007, is expected to step into a leadership role in the secondary. I saw a decimated Indiana secondary face Iowa last year, and the Hawkeyes hit on several huge pass plays in the fourth quarter. IU must build depth in the back four to be able to survive injuries in 2010.

The spring superlatives series marches on, as I take a look at the strongest position and weakest position for each Big Ten team entering spring practice.

Up next is Iowa, which returns 14 starters from a team that went 11-2 and won an Orange Bowl championship last season. The Hawkeyes are especially strong at defensive line, safety and the offensive skill spots, but they need to reload at offensive line and linebacker.

Strongest position: Defensive line

• Key returnees: Defensive end Adrian Clayborn (70 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 9 quarterback hurries, 1 blocked kick); defensive end Broderick Binns (63 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, 9 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick); defensive tackle Karl Klug (65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 5 passes defended); defensive tackle Christian Ballard (54 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 quarterback hurries).
• Key losses: None
• The skinny: The Hawkeyes will boast arguably the nation's best defensive line in 2010, as all four starters return from a group that changed games last fall. Clayborn should contend for All-America honors after being one of the Big Ten's most disruptive defenders last fall. Binns also changed games with several big plays, and all four men contributed to a defense that ranked 10th nationally in yards allowed (276.5 ypg) and eighth in points allowed (15.4). Depth is a mini concern entering 2010, but Iowa boasts so many playmakers among the starting four that it should be fine.

Weakest position: Offensive line

• Key returnees: Tackle Riley Reiff, guard Julian Vandervelde
• Key losses: Tackle Bryan Bulaga, guard Dace Richardson, center Rafael Eubanks, tackle Kyle Calloway
• The skinny: Offensive line is undoubtedly the single biggest question mark for Iowa in 2010 as four players with significant starting experience depart, as well as a few reserves. The good news is head coach Kirk Ferentz has a good track record of filling gaps up front. Reiff emerged nicely during Bulaga's three-game absence in 2009 and will play a critical role in protecting quarterback Ricky Stanzi in 2010. Vandervelde also brings experience to the interior line, but Iowa needs more bodies there. Bulaga was the team's most decorated O-lineman, but Eubanks could end up being the toughest one to replace. Keep an eye on players like Josh Koeppel, Adam Gettis, Markus Zusevics and Kyle Haganman this spring.

The superlatives series marches on with Northwestern, which comes off of consecutive bowl appearances for the second time in team history. The Wildcats once again lose a productive starting quarterback in Mike Kafka, and also must replace three starters in the secondary and two solid receivers. But they look good on both lines and at linebacker.

Here are the spots to watch during spring practice, which begins March 29.

Strongest position: Linebacker

• Key returnees: Quentin Davie (90 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 interception, 6 quarterback hurries); Nate Williams (86 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 6 passes defended); David Arnold (34 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble); Ben Johnson (28 tackles, 3.5 for loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery).

• Key losses: None

• The skinny: The easy pick here would be offensive line, as Northwestern returns all five starters up front. But until that group shows a better ability to run block, I'll hold off on giving high praise. Davie, much like Ohio State's Ross Homan and Brian Rolle, was overshadowed last year in the Big Ten by guys like Greg Jones, Pat Angerer and Navorro Bowman. But he has been very productive for several years now and will be on the NFL radar as a senior. Williams did some nice things in his first year as the starter, and both Arnold and Johnson bring a lot of athleticism to the table. Northwestern is both experienced and deep here.

Weakest position: Running back

• Key returnees: Arby Fields (82 attempts, 302 rushing yards, 5 TDs); Scott Concannon (68 attempts, 241 rushing yards, 2 TDs); Stephen Simmons (59 carries, 233 rushing yards, 2 TDs); Jacob Schmidt (64 carries, 217 rushing yards, 1 TD).

• Key losses: Kafka played quarterback but led the team in both rushing attempts (150) and rushing touchdowns (8), while finishing second in rushing yards (295).

• The skinny: Everyone returns from 2009 and several new players join the mix, but until someone emerges as a Big Ten-caliber feature back, this group raises some red flags. The committee thing just isn't going to work. Simmons looked good before sustaining an ankle injury in Week 2, and both Fields and Concannon showed promise at times. But Northwestern needs to restore its tradition of producing 1,000-yard rushers, especially with a new starting quarterback taking over this fall. The offensive line boasts ton of experience and should do a better job of creating gaps. Another potential weak spot is safety, where Northwestern loses multi-year starters Brad Phillips and Brendan Smith.

After a brief break, the spring superlatives series marches on with Michigan State, which opens spring practice next week. Obviously, a lot hinges on whether seven suspended players are reinstated, but I would expect most of them to be back before the season. Although four of the suspended players are wide receivers, most or all should return for 2010, making the position less of a concern.

Here's a look at the strongest position and weakest position for the Spartans, who return a lot at the skill spots but look thin on both lines.

Strongest position: Linebacker

• Key returnees: Greg Jones (154 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery); Eric Gordon (92 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 blocked kick); Chris Norman (11 tackles, 1 tackle for loss).
• Key losses: Brandon Denson (68 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 interception); Adam Decker (14 tackles, 1 fumble recovery).
• The skinny: Jones' return for 2010 provides a major jolt to a defense that must improve upon last year's performance. The Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year owns 359 career tackles, and he's constantly in the opposing backfield. Jones wants to become a bigger factor in pass coverage, which would help a suspect Spartans secondary. Gordon is one of the league's more experienced linebackers and should be ready for a big senior season. The Spartans must fill one starting spot, and Norman will compete with Steve Gardiner and several others for playing time there.

Weakest position: Offensive line

• Key returnees: Guard Joel Foreman, guard Jared McGaha, right tackle D.J. Young, tackle/guard J'Michael Deane (suspended)
• Key losses: Center Joel Nitchman, left tackle Rocco Cironi, guard Brendon Moss
• The skinny: Some might point to the secondary, which significantly underachieved last fall, or spots like defensive end or kicker as greater concerns, but Michigan State must replace three fifth-year senior starters up front. I wasn't blown away by the Spartans' offensive line last year, but Nitchman stood out and Cironi's value showed after he went down with a fourth-quarter injury in the Alamo Bowl against Texas Tech. You never want to replace both your left tackle and your center in the same year, so Michigan State has a big challenge ahead this spring. Foreman, an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 2009, needs to lead the group this fall.

The spring superlatives series continues with Ohio State, which almost certainly will be the Big Ten preseason favorite. Ohio State comes off of another Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl championship, but 2010 always seemed to be the year for loftier goals.

Nine starters return on offense, including quarterback Terrelle Pryor, All-Big Ten guard Justin Boren and standout receiver DeVier Posey. The defense loses a bit more but brings back linemen Cameron Heyward, an All-America candidate, as well as linebackers Ross Homan and Brian Rolle.

Strongest position: Linebacker

• Key returnees: Ross Homan (108 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 5 INTs, 10 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries); Brian Rolle (95 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery)
• Key losses: Austin Spitler (38 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 INT).
• The skinny: Ohio State returns more players at other positions, namely offensive line and running back, but no spot boasts a tandem like Homan and Rolle, who both could earn first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2010. The Buckeyes' linebackers were incredibly underrated last season, particularly Homan, who developed into one of the team's top playmakers. Spitler is a loss, but Ohio State should fill the void with Etienne Sabino or Tyler Moeller, provided Moeller returns near full strength from a head injury. There's also depth with guys like Storm Klein, Andrew Sweat and Dorian Bell.

Weakest position: Safety

• Key returnees: Jermale Hines (57 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 INTs, 3 passes defended)
• Key losses: Kurt Coleman (68 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 5 INTs, 3 forced fumbles, 9 passes defended); Anderson Russell (49 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 6 passes defended)
• The skinny: Ohio State doesn't have a glaring weakness heading into the 2010 season, but when it comes to personnel losses, the safety spot got hit fairly hard. Coleman epitomized the Buckeyes' opportunistic defense in 2009, recording five interceptions and breaking off several big returns. His leadership both on and off the field will be missed. While Russell gave way to Hines this year, he brought a lot of experience to the secondary. Hines has a chance to be really good this fall, but Ohio State's other options at safety are unproven.

Minnesota had the Big Ten's most experienced roster in 2009, and there are quite a few holes to be filled this spring. The Gophers must replace nine starters on defense as well as All-Big Ten wide receiver Eric Decker, a team record-holder.

The spring features a competition at quarterback between Adam Weber and MarQueis Gray and plenty of opportunities for young, highly recruited players to step up.

Here's a look at Minnesota's strong point and weak point heading into spring ball, which kicks off March 23.

Strongest position: Safety

• Key returnees: Senior Kyle Theret (73 tackles, 3 INTs, 7 passes defended); senior Kim Royston (86 passes, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 7 passes defended); senior Ryan Collado (34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 pass defended).
• Key departures: None
• The skinny: Minnesota boasts the Big Ten's top safety tandem in Theret and Royston. The two finished the 2009 season on a high note in the Insight Bowl. Theret had two interceptions and a 40-yard reception on a fake punt, while Royston recorded a career-high 15 tackles, including a forced fumble. Collado provides depth behind them. Although the Gophers lose both starting cornerbacks (Traye Simmons and Marcus Sherels), the veteran leadership at safety combined with some exciting young players should fill in the gaps.

Weakest position: Offensive line

• Key returnees: Tackles Dom Alford, Jeff Wills and Ryan Wynn; guards Matt Carufel, Chris Bunders and Trey Davis; and center D.J. Burris.
• Key departures: Tackle Matt Stommes, center Jeff Tow-Arnett
• The skinny: It would be easy to spotlight linebacker or defensive tackle, positions where the Gophers lose multiple starters from 2009. But until the offensive line starts stepping up, this team is going to struggle. Minnesota has ranked last in the Big Ten in rushing yards in each of the past two seasons, which is simply unacceptable for a program steeped in running tradition. The Gophers have experience, but whether these linemen are good enough or tough enough to execute a new scheme remains to be seen.

The superlatives series marches on as we take a look at the strongest and weakest positions for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2010.

Wisconsin doesn't lose much at all from its Champs Sports Bowl title team. Defensive end O'Brien Schofield leaves a major void in the pass rush, but the Badgers are well stocked on both sides of the ball. The offense loses only one starter in tight end Garrett Graham.

Strongest position: Offensive line

• Key returnees: All five starters are back as tackles Gabe Carimi and Josh Oglesby, guards Travis Frederick and Kevin Zeitler, and center John Moffitt all return. Key reserves like Bill Nagy and Peter Konz are also back.
• Key departures: Tackle Jake Bscherer, who played both tackle and guard in 2009, is transferring.
• The skinny: At Wisconsin, everything always starts with the offensive line, and this group will be a very good one in 2010. Everyone returns from a unit that helped the Badgers lead the Big Ten in both rushing (203.8) and scoring (31.8 ppg) last fall. Carimi and Moffitt could contend for national honors, and the line will pave the way for Heisman Trophy contender John Clay, the 2009 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. There's not only experience but plenty of depth throughout the group. Running back, wide receiver and linebacker also look strong for the Badgers.

Weakest position: Defensive tackle

• Key returnees: Junior Patrick Butrym (24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, three passes defended); redshirt freshman Jordan Kohout (heralded recruit, early enrollee)
• Key departures: Dan Moore (21 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries); Jeff Stehle (19 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 passes defended).
• The skinny: The Badgers don't have a glaring weakness on their team, although a few spots on defense could use a boost. Despite Schofield's departure, the pass rush should be decent with J.J. Watt, Louis Nzegwu and David Gilbert, but the interior line looks a bit shaky. Wisconsin will lean on Butrym and hope Kohout, who transformed his body as a true freshman, blossoms on the practice field this spring. The Badgers led the Big Ten and ranked fifth nationally against the run in 2009 (88.2 ypg), so solidifying the middle of the line without both Moore and Stehle is key.

As we inch closer to the start of spring practice in the Big Ten, I wanted to revive a series I started last year and enjoyed. During the coming days, I'll take a look at the strongest position and weakest position for each Big Ten team. It will be interesting to see whether teams can improve their weak spots during the course of spring practice.

First up, Penn State. The Nittany Lions lose six All-Big Ten performers from 2009, including co-Big Ten MVP Daryll Clark and co-Defensive Player of the Year Jared Odrick. There are more holes on the defensive side, but Penn State has shown an ability to reload there, so much of the focus this spring will be under center.

Strongest position: Running back

• Key returnees: Senior Evan Royster (205 carries, 1,169 rush yards, 6 TDs in 2009); junior Stephfon Green (71 carries, 319 yards, 3 TDs); junior Brandon Beachum (24 carries, 113 rush yards, 1 TD); junior fullback Joe Suhey (22 carries, 68 yards); junior Brent Carter (13 carries, 1 TD).
• Key departures: None
• The skinny: It's a close call between offensive line, safety and running back for this distinction, but Royster's return provides a huge jolt to an offense that needs to rely on the run game. Royster and Green form arguably one of the nation's top rushing tandems, especially if Green can take the next step in his evolution. The backs should get more running room from the O-line in 2010, although opposing defenses will flood the box and dare an unproven quarterback to beat them through the air.

Weakest position: Quarterback

• Key returnees: Sophomore Kevin Newsome (66 pass yards, 95 rush yards and 2 TDs in 2009); sophomore Matt McGloin (two pass attempts in 2009)
• Key departures: Daryll Clark (232 completions for 3,003 pass yards and 24 touchdowns with 10 interceptions; 84 carries for 211 rush yards and seven touchdowns)
• New arrivals: Paul Jones (already enrolled) and Robert Bolden (arrives this summer)
• The skinny: Penn State lost more bodies at linebacker, but it usually refills well there. Replacing a record-setting quarterback and an even better leader in Clark likely will prove much more difficult for the Lions. They hoped to get Newsome more playing time in 2009, and they'll need him to take major steps forward at a young age. The two incoming freshmen will compete for playing time right away, along with McGloin. There's certainly talent in the quarterback room, and Penn State should have more athleticism under center, but none of these players has proved anything at the college level. The goal for the spring is to learn and then try to lead the offense.