Stats don't always tell the full story for a defensive player, but one number usually correlates to a tremendous season: 10 sacks.
Only one player in the Big Ten in the past two years has gotten to 10 sacks in a season, and only 20 players in the FBS did it last year. But there are some talented pass rushers in the league in 2014, so several could threaten to break double digits.
We gave you our top candidates earlier this week, and now we want your take. Which of these players is most likely to reach 10 sacks and lead the Big Ten in that category in 2014?
Randy Gregory, Nebraska: The league's reigning sack master registered 10.5 last year in his first season of Division I competition. He could do even more damage this year while cementing himself as a top-10 NFL draft pick next spring.
Joey Bosa, Ohio State: Bosa had 7.5 sacks as a true freshman and looks to be on his way as one of the dominant pass rushers in the Big Ten. He gets the Buckeye nod over teammate Noah Spence, who will miss the first two games of the season because of a suspension. The two of them together could be devastating.
Andre Monroe, Maryland: Here's a name to remember, Big Ten fans. The Terps senior had 9.5 sacks last year and will be a lot for his new league's offensive lines to handle in 2014.
Shilique Calhoun, Michigan State: The defending Big Ten defensive lineman of the year had 7.5 sacks last year and should be even more of a focal point for the Spartans defense this year after the graduation of several senior stars. How much higher can he go?
Theiren Cockran, Minnesota: Cockran was leading the league in sacks around midseason and finished with 7.5. He's fast, long and rangy and should spend a lot more time in opposing backfields this fall.
Who will be this year's sack master? Vote now in our poll.
