The Big Ten lost only two linebackers to the NFL in April’s draft and return numerous All-America candidates, making linebacker the strongest position in the conference. Michigan State may have the most depth across the position while Wisconsin returns two of the country’s top-five tacklers from a year ago. Penn State can still be referred to as Linebacker U with seniors Gerald Hodges, an All-Big Ten selection from last year, and Michael Mauti, who’s been the most outspoken player on the team.

In total, nine linebackers spanning seven conference schools were named to the 2012 Butkus Award watch list. 

1. Michigan State

The Spartans defense is superior at every level but linebacker is where they feature the most depth. Their three LBs, Chris Norman, Max Bullough, and Denicos Allen, are all returning starters who all recorded at least 71 tackles last season. Had Norman not missed three games last year, he may well have eclipsed Bullough’s team-leading 89 tackles. All three were elected to varying preseason All-Big Ten teams but their real value comes in supporting an excellent defensive line. They have the capability of dropping back into pass coverage or blitzing the quarterback, both of which defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi can expertly disguise. 

2. Wisconsin

The Badgers’ Chris Borland and Mike Taylor anchor a defense who was 13th in the country, allowing just 19 ppg. Together, the two combined for 293 tackles. Borland had seven games of at least 10 tackles while Taylor had a career-high 22 tackles in a loss to Ohio State last season. Redshirt junior Ethan Armstrong, who missed time last season with ailing hips, should have an accelerated learning curve playing alongside those two. Armstong is the only player this preseason to intercept starting QB Danny O’Brien during team practices. 

3. Penn State

The captain of the defense is Gerald Hodges, an All-Big Ten first team selection last season. Hodges led the Nittany Lions with 106 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He’ll play alongside returning-starter Glenn Carson, who had 66 tackles in 10 games last year. Senior Michael Mauti was poised for a huge year last season before tearing his ACL in the fourth game vs. Eastern Michigan. Mauti has been one of the team’s spokespeople as it deals with the on-going consequences of the child sexual abuse scandal. 

4. Ohio State

Senior LB Etienne Sabino was named a Buckeye team captain on Sunday night by his teammates. It was an expected accolade as Urban Meyer announced that a few of the players whom he brought to Big Ten media days were also going to be captains. All three -- John Simon, Zach Boren, and Sabino -- were given the honor. Sabino, who recorded 62 tackles last season along with 6.5 tackles for loss, is the lone upperclassmen of the linebacker corp. Sophomore Ryan Shazier played in 10 of Ohio State’s games last season and had 15 tackles in a loss to Penn State last year. Would-be senior Storm Klein hurt their depth when he was charged with domestic violence earlier in the summer and removed from the team. 

5. Iowa

 The Hawkeyes return two starters at the linebacker position in juniors James Morris and Christian Kirksey, both of whom recorded 110 tackles last season. Kirksey, an outside linebacker, had five games of at least 10 tackles last season for Iowa, which allowed just 23.9 ppg last year. Anthony Hitchens, the third Iowa ‘backer, needs to stay healthy because there’s little depth behind the three juniors. 

For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.