Top five returning solo tackle leaders in the Big Ten
The NFL draft is in the books and the annual spring games have come to an end across the Big Ten and it is time to start diving into who to watch and what to expect during the 2022 season. We already dove into the top five returning rushers, passers, receivers, overall scorers, kick return leaders, offensive yardage leaders, all-purposes leaders, punt return leaders and touchdown scorers returning in the Big Ten.
Next, I wanted to dive into the defense and who are the top five returning tacklers (solo) in the Big Ten.
Many of the names on this list are going to be familiar, but a few may surprise you.
Let’s get into it.
Xavier Henderson, Michigan State
Apr 16, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State University Spartans safety Xavier Henderson (3) celebrates the game with young fans at Spartan Stadium. Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Xavier Henderson finished last season fourth in the Big Ten with 61 solo tackles and the fifth-year senior is hoping to elevate his play even further in 2022.
You might wanna block Xavier Henderson NU…… pic.twitter.com/gpBmJg6qJw
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) September 4, 2021
Darius Snow, Michigan State
Form left, Michigan State’s Darius Snow, Chester Kimbrough, and Cal Haladay run a drill during the spring game on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Another Michigan State safety, Darius Snow is a junior looking to make some more noise after finishing last season fifth in the Big Ten with 61 solo tackles.
Scottie Hazelton with the linebackers. A few of the players here:
No. 27 Cal Haladay
No. 7 – Aaron Brule
No. 4 – Jacoby Windmon
No. 10 – Ma’a Gaoteote
No. 23 – Darius Snow pic.twitter.com/f0uTD189tJ— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) March 29, 2022
Luke Reimer, Nebraska
Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Luke Reimer (28) celebrates after causing Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeremy Ruckert (88) to fumble during Saturday’s NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Luke Reimer finished last season sixth in the Big Ten with 60 solo tackles and he will return this season to lead the Nebraska defense from his inside linebacker position.
Good push by Nash Hutmacher and Deontre Thomas in the middle and Luke Reimer was there to finish the play as Chanel had nowhere to run. pic.twitter.com/lzut4EZdbu
— Jacob Padilla (@JacobPadilla_) November 20, 2021
Jack Campbell, Iowa
Nov 20, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jack Campbell (31) returns an interception for a touchdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini in the second half at Kinnick Stadium. Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jack Campbell finished last season eighth in the Big Ten with 57 solo tackles. Campbell is a stud linebacker for Iowa and is hoping to develop even further in 2022.
Jack Campbell sealed the W with a pick-six!
He's the ELEVENTH Hawkeye to record an interception this season. Iowa leads the nation with 21 total.#BallHawks pic.twitter.com/VcCqYU8LZU
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 21, 2021
Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes safety Ronnie Hickman (14) during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021. Ohio State won 54-7. Credit: USA TODAY Sports Network
Ronnie The Rocket Hickman is a stud and finished last season 11th in the Big Ten in solo tackles with 54. It is a bit interesting that Hickman is the first Buckeye on this list.
Ronnie Hickman #14
Leads Ohio State in tackles with 44 (next closest has 28 tackles)
Leads Ohio State in INTs with 2 (returned 1 for a TD) pic.twitter.com/FOklQd7qqM
— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) October 8, 2021
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