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

No. 8

Daryll Clark, QB, Penn State, Sr., 6-3, 232

Preseason rank: 2

Why he's here: In two seasons as the starter, Clark cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Penn State history. He set team records for career touchdown passes, single-season touchdown passes, single-season passing yards, career touchdowns and single-season touchdowns. Clark also shared Big Ten MVP honors with Brandon Graham and led Penn State to consecutive 11-win seasons. While he struggled in losses to both Iowa and Ohio State, he finished strong by helping the Nittany Lions to a Capital One Bowl victory against LSU.

I'm sure I'll take heat for dropping Clark from his preseason perch, but it has more to do with the players ahead of him than anything he didn't do. He doesn't project as well to the NFL as some other Big Ten stars, and the buzz at the combine signaled a position switch is possible at the next level. But Clark's accomplishments as a college player, both statistically and as a true team leader, reinforced his legacy at Penn State. On a personal note, Clark was always one of my favorite players to interview, and his insights will be missed.

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
• No. 11: Ohio State S Kurt Coleman
• No. 10: Minnesota WR Eric Decker
• No. 9: Wisconsin RB John Clay