Former OC Football Players in the Big Ten

ROBERT BOLDEN - ORCHARD LAKE SAINT MARY’S (PENN STATE)
Bolden became the first true freshman to be named the starting quarterback at Penn State under Joe Paterno and played well at times for the Nittany Lions. Bolden threw for 1,360 yards and completed nearly 60 percent of his passes in ten games last season but lost his starting spot to Matt McGloin. Bolden and McGloin will compete for the starting job for this season and I fully expect for Bolden to come out on top and step right back in as the starter when the Nittany Lions open their season up against Indiana State.

DEON’TAE PANNELL - BIRMINGHAM GROVES (PENN STATE)
Pannell looks like a leading candidate to be a starter on the Penn State offensive line for the upcoming season as a senior. Pannell caught the attention of many in Happy Valley as a freshman and has continued to be a key part of the Penn State offensive line in a reserve role. Pannell played in ten games and made two starts last season on a very deep Penn State offensive line that only surrendered 12 sacks all season. Pannell will play a key part in keeping the pressure off of Bolden or McGloin in 2011.

KEVONTE MARTIN-MANLEY - BIRMINGHAM BROTHER RICE (IOWA)
Martin-Manley red shirted as a freshman last season, but could play a big role in a Hawkeye passing game that lost quarterback Ricky Stanzi as well as their top receiver and tight end from last season. Many remember Martin-Manley’s senior season at Brother Rice where he emerged as one of the most exciting players that the county had to offer and could bring that element to the Iowa offense next season.

EARNEST THOMAS - ORCHARD LAKE SAINT MARY’S (ILLINOIS)
Thomas, like Martin-Manley was red shirted last season as a freshman, but could play a considerable role in 2012 with the Fighting Illini. Illinois is relatively young at the linebacker position and Thomas could realistically have a shot at seeing significant playing time in the middle of the defense as the season goes on. Thomas proved to be one the county’s best defensive players as a senior, recording over 100 tackles and seven for loss. His presence on defense will prove to be huge for Illinois in the coming years.

JUSTIN SILLER - ORCHARD LAKE SAINT MARY’S (PURDUE)
Siller has done a little bit of everything for the Boilermaker’s during his time on campus. He first arrived as a quarterback and made three starts in 2008 at quarterback, but was moved to running back and at the start of last season, he was moved from running back to wide receiver. Siller made four starts and made 12 catches for 104 yards and a touchdown before missing the rest of the season because of a foot injury. Siller is likely fully recovered from the injury and his versatility should help make an already dangerous Purdue squad even more exciting, regardless of where he plays.

DIONTE ALLEN - ORCHARD LAKE SAINT MARY’S (OHIO STATE)
Allen originally committed to Florida State but made his transfer official last fall to Ohio State. Allen made one start for the Seminoles in 2009, but played sparingly in eight other games. Allen could see immediate play time next season in Columbus with the Buckeyes having a very young secondary for the 2011 season. Allen could offer the blazing speed and skills that made him the number two recruit in Michigan back in 2007 and give a nice boost to the Ohio State defense.


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