The Big Ten postseason player rankings, based on past performance and future potential, continue with ...

No. 11

Kurt Coleman, S, Ohio State, Sr., 5-11, 195

Preseason rank: 13

Why he's here: The only consensus first-team All-Big Ten honoree from the league champion definitely deserves to be high on this list. Coleman keyed an extremely opportunistic Buckeyes defense with five interceptions, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He had an 89-yard interception return for a touchdown against Wisconsin that changed the game, and he also ranked third on the team in total tackles (68) and second in solo stops (39). Not surprisingly, Coleman was voted as the team's MVP in December.

Coleman displayed tremendous leadership on defense and fulfilled his goal of ending Ohio State's bowl drought by helping the Buckeyes to a Rose Bowl championship. He could play cornerback or safety in the NFL and will need to address questions about his speed this week at the NFL combine. One area Coleman will ace is the team interviews, as he conducts himself extremely well both on and off the field.

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
• No. 22: Northwestern CB Sherrick McManis
• No. 21: Ohio State DE Thaddeus Gibson
• No. 20: Indiana DE Jammie Kirlew
• No. 19: Iowa LB Pat Angerer
• No. 18: Wisconsin DE O'Brien Schofield
• No. 17: Illinois WR Arrelious Benn
• No. 16: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan
• No. 15: Penn State RB Evan Royster
• No. 14: Iowa CB Amari Spievey
• No. 13: Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor
• No. 12: Penn State LB Sean Lee