Terrelle Pryor is The Preseason Player of the Year

Terrelle Pryor was named the preseason Offensive Player of the Year by the media at the start of the Big 10 conference this week in Chicago. Plus Ohio State was picked to win the conference when they begin play September 2nd against Marshall. While Michigan State’s Greg Jones was picked to be the preseason Defensive Player of the Year. These are the same selections the media made last year. Iowa and Wisconsin were picked to place 2nd and 3rd in the conference.

By Steve Patterson

Ohio State’s James Laurinaitis (linebacker) was selected the preseason Defensive Player of the Year in both 2007 and 2008. And Wisconsin's Ron Dayne (running back) was the last player to be named the Offensive Player of the Year two years in a row, back in 97, 98, and 99. A combined two player selection like this year was last made with Andy Katzenmoyer and Ron Dayne in 1998.

Pryor is coming off an impressive performance in the 2010 Rose Bowl were he was named the Most Valuable Player. Pryor put up 2,094 yards passing last year and ran for an additional 779 yards. He was the leading rusher for the Buckeyes in 2009. If Ohio State can win a piece of the 2010 Big Ten title, like they have been chosen to do, they will match a record of six consecutive titles set by Ohio State from 1972 to 1977. Sixteen starters return for the Buckeyes this season with 10 offensive players back.

The Brutus Report broke down the 2010 season here.