May 15, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) works out during organized team activities at One Buc. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The WLB recorded 152 tackles, six sacks, and 12.5 tackles for loss as a junior in the 2012 season back when Nebraska was a Big 12 powerhouse. He led the Big 12 in tackles and was third in the nation in that statistic. David was seventh in the conference in tackles for loss, and he was also ninth in sacks.

Last season, David had 133 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and forced three fumbles in the team’s first season in the Big Ten. Prior to the 2o11 season, David had not played a direct role in a turnover.

The top coverage LB was third in the Big Ten in tackles, and the conference is known for its hard-nosed runners. The decrease in production is misleading, because it was more difficult for Lavonte David to record tackles. In any case, he was still great and was ninth in the Big Ten in sacks and in the top five in fumbles forced.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Like us on Facebook here and follow us on Twitter @ThePewterPlank.

Dec 22, 2011; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Kellen Moore (left) and receiver Tyler Shoemaker (89) embrace after the 2011 Las Vegas Bowl against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sam Boyd Stadium. Boise State defeated Arizona State 56-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

1. WR Luther Ambrose, Louisiana-Monroe- 65 catches for 752 yards and six touchdowns in 2010

2. QB Zach Collaros, Cincinnati- A star for the Bearcats and their leaders, team was devastated after his injury. Career average of eight yards per attempt, fifth highest career passer efficiency rating in Big East since 2000.

3. S Tramain Thomas, Arkansas- Intriguing defensive back on SEC powerhouse and finished with 91 tackles, five picks, and 11 passes defended last year. Top five in picks and top ten in tips.

4. T Bradley Sowell, Ole Miss

5. C Chaz Hine, USF- Leader and quality starter for Bulls. Versatile enough to play at either guard spot but best off at center.

6. DT Donte’e Nicholls, Tennessee State

7. G Michael VanDerMeulen, Toledo

8. T Desmond Wynn, Rutgers- Quality starter for Rutgers and has the Schiano connection. Underrated, will most likely kick inside and play guard.

9. CB Quenton Washington, USF- Ninth in Big East with nine passes defended.

10. TE Tyler Urban, West Virginia- 37 career catches

11. FB Cody Johnson, Texas- 36 career touchdowns and average of 4.2 yards per carry. Was second in Big 12 in rushing touchdowns in 2009 and has 25th most career touchdowns in Big 12 dating back to 2000.

12. LB Ryan Baker, LSU- Had seven sacks in 2010, finished with 64 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 3.5 tackles for loss in 2011.

13. CB Leonard Johnson, Iowa State- Averaged 26.4 yards per return on 40 kick-off returns as a freshman. 64 tackles in sophomore and junior seasons, had a career-high 72 tackles last year. Six career interceptions and was eighth in nation in 2008 in kick-off return yards.

14. WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State- A key contributor in one of the best offenses in college football, Shoemaker hauled in 62 passes for 994 yards and 16 touchdowns (16 yards per catch) last year. He was fourth in the nation in touchdowns receptions and has a good shot at making the roster with teammate and star back Martin.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Like us on Facebook here and follow us on Twitter @ThePewterPlank.