Big 12: Brandon Banks
Ranking the quarterbacks across the Big 12
August, 13, 2010
8/13/10
11:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
If you haven't noticed just yet, Friday's college football content at ESPN.com is all about the quarterbacks. We've ranked the conference's top 5 individual quarterbacks, but now it's time to take a broader look at who's in good shape behind center and who's in trouble across the conference.
The discrepancy between the South's QBs and the North's is somewhat jarring, especially when you see it on paper (bandwidth?) like this. Only one North team made the top six, and the bottom five teams are all from the North.
Five schools (four in the North) still have their starters up in the air, and that makes this a little tricky, but here's how I'd rank them:
1. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M: The Aggies boast the preseason player of the year at quarterback and the man at the top of our Big 12 player list from earlier this summer. I also got a few e-mail requests from some Aggies fans to stress -- once again -- that it's juh-RAHD, not Jared from Subway. Word has apparently not reached every corner of Big 12 country just yet. It might if the Aggies can win more than six games like they did in 2009. But Johnson broke out in a big way last season, throwing for 3,579 yards, 30 touchdowns and just six interceptions while also running for 506 yards and eight touchdowns.
2. Robert Griffin, Baylor: Trust in Griffin's knee lands the Bears here, significantly higher than they're used to considering the strong quarterback tradition across the Big 12 for the past decade. But Griffin will still have to regain his status as the conference's most electrifying player on a reconstructed knee after missing the final nine games of the previous season with a torn ACL. Baylor also has a nice situation at backup quarterback because of the injury with sophomore Nick Florence, who threw for 427 yards in Baylor's lone conference win -- at Missouri -- last season.
3. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri: Gabbert has a claim as the conference's best quarterback, and he'll try to snatch it as a junior after playing much of his sophomore season with a bum ankle, courtesy of a soggy Ndamukong Suh sack. Despite being hobbled for most of conference play, he still racked up 3,593 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. If he stays healthy, he might get a chance to showcase his underrated wheels, too. Freshman James Franklin is impressing in camp and hanging on to his job as Gabbert's backup over Jimmy Costello, Ashton Glaser and little brother Tyler Gabbert.
4. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones should benefit from his first full spring and preseason camp taking the first-team reps, but he'll need a second reliable target opposite Ryan Broyles to emerge if he wants to improve on his 26 touchdowns and 3,198 yards as a redshirt freshman. Jones also needs to limit his turnovers after throwing a league-high 14 interceptions in 2009, but it's worth noting that seven of those came away from Owen Field against top-tier defenses in Texas and Nebraska. He didn't play a good defense in Norman, but he threw 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions and helped the Sooners stretch their home streak to 30 games. Backup Drew Allen is untested and inexperienced, but has potential and wouldn't inspire panic if Jones finds injury in 2010.
5. Steven Sheffield/Taylor Potts, Texas Tech: No team has two quarterbacks with as much skill and experience as Texas Tech, but unlike receivers or running backs, the Red Raiders can't play both of them. Regardless of who wins the competition in Lubbock, Texas Tech will be in great shape with Potts or Sheffield. You heard a few hundred words on the details of this race earlier this morning.
6. Garrett Gilbert, Texas: This may look silly in November, but it's tough to put Gilbert on top of anyone else on this list who has already proven themselves. Clearly, the potential is there, and he's inspired a lot of confidence from his coach and team, but making good on that potential will mean finding a solid target to replace the only player he's ever thrown a real touchdown to: Jordan Shipley. If Gilbert goes down, Texas would have to rely on a pair of true freshmen: Connor Wood or Case McCoy, Colt's little brother.
7. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State: This won't be the last time you hear about the Cowboys 26-year-old former minor leaguer. Just make good decisions, make easy throws to open receivers who make plays with the ball and he should put up big numbers in new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's version of the Air Raid. Oklahoma State got to see Houston's offense in person last season and wanted it for themselves. Now they've got the man who coordinated the best offense in college football a year ago and an unquestioned, mature starter to run it. If he's injured, the Cowboys would have to rely on one of two freshmen, Clint Chelf or most likely Johnny Deaton, to run the offense.
8. Austen Arnaud, Iowa State: Coach Paul Rhoads says no player on his team has improved from Year 1 to Year 2 more than Arnaud, but he'll need to prove it on the field to move up this list. He's probably likely to improve on his 2,015 yards passing to go with 15 touchdowns, but he's right behind Jones in the interception column, with 13. That number has to shrink for the Cyclones to get back to a bowl game. Talented sophomore Jerome "JT" Tiller led the Cyclones to their marquee win over Nebraska and should take the reins next year. The future looks bright in Ames.
9. Tyler Hansen, Colorado: Hansen not emerging from preseason camp as the starter would be shocking, and he'll get a lot more help this year with a beefed-up receiving corps that's among the conference's most underrated. Newcomers Paul Richardson, Travon Patterson and preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Toney Clemons will join the reliable Scotty McKnight. If Hansen goes down, at least they'll have an experienced vet behind him in Cody Hawkins. Freshman Nick Hirschman looked good in the spring and provides some hope for the position in the future.
10. Zac Lee, Nebraska: A two-quarterback system is never ideal, but it might work for the Huskers. Lee is the best passer of the group competing for the starting job, but using the athletic Taylor Martinez or Cody Green in spot duty, similar to last year, could very well happen. But Bo Pelini would much prefer if one player -- most likely Lee, in my opinion -- would emerge and improve on his play from 2009, when he threw for 2,143 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
11. Kale Pick, Kansas: Pick is untested, and so are Jordan Webb and junior college transfer Quinn Mecham. Pick, however, seems like the favorite to win the job. The Jayhawks need a spark on offense, and Pick could provide it. He'll have some nice receivers to throw to in sophomore Bradley McDougald, senior Johnathan Wilson and tight end Tim Biere. Former cornerback Daymond Patterson looks ready for a good year in the slot.
12. Carson Coffman, Kansas State: Coffman needs to improve from his play last year that cost him his job early last season. Beating out Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur won't be easy -- and the competition between the three is still pretty tight -- but Coffman's experience gives him a slight edge. Whoever wins the race will lean on the league's leading rusher, Daniel Thomas, and a revamped receiving corps with transfers Brodrick Smith from Minnesota and Chris Harper from Oregon. The Wildcats hope the duo will add the spark that was missing from the team's offense in 2009.
The discrepancy between the South's QBs and the North's is somewhat jarring, especially when you see it on paper (bandwidth?) like this. Only one North team made the top six, and the bottom five teams are all from the North.
Five schools (four in the North) still have their starters up in the air, and that makes this a little tricky, but here's how I'd rank them:
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireJerrod Johnson is not only the best quarterback in the conference, he's also the best player.
Brett Davis/US PresswireJerrod Johnson is not only the best quarterback in the conference, he's also the best player.2. Robert Griffin, Baylor: Trust in Griffin's knee lands the Bears here, significantly higher than they're used to considering the strong quarterback tradition across the Big 12 for the past decade. But Griffin will still have to regain his status as the conference's most electrifying player on a reconstructed knee after missing the final nine games of the previous season with a torn ACL. Baylor also has a nice situation at backup quarterback because of the injury with sophomore Nick Florence, who threw for 427 yards in Baylor's lone conference win -- at Missouri -- last season.
3. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri: Gabbert has a claim as the conference's best quarterback, and he'll try to snatch it as a junior after playing much of his sophomore season with a bum ankle, courtesy of a soggy Ndamukong Suh sack. Despite being hobbled for most of conference play, he still racked up 3,593 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. If he stays healthy, he might get a chance to showcase his underrated wheels, too. Freshman James Franklin is impressing in camp and hanging on to his job as Gabbert's backup over Jimmy Costello, Ashton Glaser and little brother Tyler Gabbert.
4. Landry Jones, Oklahoma: Jones should benefit from his first full spring and preseason camp taking the first-team reps, but he'll need a second reliable target opposite Ryan Broyles to emerge if he wants to improve on his 26 touchdowns and 3,198 yards as a redshirt freshman. Jones also needs to limit his turnovers after throwing a league-high 14 interceptions in 2009, but it's worth noting that seven of those came away from Owen Field against top-tier defenses in Texas and Nebraska. He didn't play a good defense in Norman, but he threw 18 touchdowns to just four interceptions and helped the Sooners stretch their home streak to 30 games. Backup Drew Allen is untested and inexperienced, but has potential and wouldn't inspire panic if Jones finds injury in 2010.
5. Steven Sheffield/Taylor Potts, Texas Tech: No team has two quarterbacks with as much skill and experience as Texas Tech, but unlike receivers or running backs, the Red Raiders can't play both of them. Regardless of who wins the competition in Lubbock, Texas Tech will be in great shape with Potts or Sheffield. You heard a few hundred words on the details of this race earlier this morning.
6. Garrett Gilbert, Texas: This may look silly in November, but it's tough to put Gilbert on top of anyone else on this list who has already proven themselves. Clearly, the potential is there, and he's inspired a lot of confidence from his coach and team, but making good on that potential will mean finding a solid target to replace the only player he's ever thrown a real touchdown to: Jordan Shipley. If Gilbert goes down, Texas would have to rely on a pair of true freshmen: Connor Wood or Case McCoy, Colt's little brother.
7. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State: This won't be the last time you hear about the Cowboys 26-year-old former minor leaguer. Just make good decisions, make easy throws to open receivers who make plays with the ball and he should put up big numbers in new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen's version of the Air Raid. Oklahoma State got to see Houston's offense in person last season and wanted it for themselves. Now they've got the man who coordinated the best offense in college football a year ago and an unquestioned, mature starter to run it. If he's injured, the Cowboys would have to rely on one of two freshmen, Clint Chelf or most likely Johnny Deaton, to run the offense.
8. Austen Arnaud, Iowa State: Coach Paul Rhoads says no player on his team has improved from Year 1 to Year 2 more than Arnaud, but he'll need to prove it on the field to move up this list. He's probably likely to improve on his 2,015 yards passing to go with 15 touchdowns, but he's right behind Jones in the interception column, with 13. That number has to shrink for the Cyclones to get back to a bowl game. Talented sophomore Jerome "JT" Tiller led the Cyclones to their marquee win over Nebraska and should take the reins next year. The future looks bright in Ames.
9. Tyler Hansen, Colorado: Hansen not emerging from preseason camp as the starter would be shocking, and he'll get a lot more help this year with a beefed-up receiving corps that's among the conference's most underrated. Newcomers Paul Richardson, Travon Patterson and preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Toney Clemons will join the reliable Scotty McKnight. If Hansen goes down, at least they'll have an experienced vet behind him in Cody Hawkins. Freshman Nick Hirschman looked good in the spring and provides some hope for the position in the future.
10. Zac Lee, Nebraska: A two-quarterback system is never ideal, but it might work for the Huskers. Lee is the best passer of the group competing for the starting job, but using the athletic Taylor Martinez or Cody Green in spot duty, similar to last year, could very well happen. But Bo Pelini would much prefer if one player -- most likely Lee, in my opinion -- would emerge and improve on his play from 2009, when he threw for 2,143 yards, 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
11. Kale Pick, Kansas: Pick is untested, and so are Jordan Webb and junior college transfer Quinn Mecham. Pick, however, seems like the favorite to win the job. The Jayhawks need a spark on offense, and Pick could provide it. He'll have some nice receivers to throw to in sophomore Bradley McDougald, senior Johnathan Wilson and tight end Tim Biere. Former cornerback Daymond Patterson looks ready for a good year in the slot.
12. Carson Coffman, Kansas State: Coffman needs to improve from his play last year that cost him his job early last season. Beating out Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur won't be easy -- and the competition between the three is still pretty tight -- but Coffman's experience gives him a slight edge. Whoever wins the race will lean on the league's leading rusher, Daniel Thomas, and a revamped receiving corps with transfers Brodrick Smith from Minnesota and Chris Harper from Oregon. The Wildcats hope the duo will add the spark that was missing from the team's offense in 2009.
Lunch links: Expansion to get more political?
May, 18, 2010
5/18/10
12:30
PM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Monday was a bad day to be a Northwestern baseball fan. I hope the four of you are well on your way to recovery this week. Surprisingly big set of links today, so dig in, there's some good stuff in here.
- Politicians could have a big say in how the conferences realign, just like last time, writes Dave Sittler of the Tulsa World.
- Steven M. Sipple of the Lincoln Journal Star ponders a different kind of expansion: Memorial Stadium expansion.
- Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville is scheduled to leave on Friday for a tour of U.S. military bases overseas with a handful of other coaches.
- ESPN SportsNation wants you to rank college football's best defenders. So, of course, you have to... or else.
- The Colorado athletic department kicked off its tour of the state, and Neill Woelk of the Boulder Daily Camera takes you inside.
- In Hawkins' stop in Erie, Colo., he told fans the Buffaloes are agonizingly close to the national stage, reports the Denver Post's Adrian Dater.
- The difference between Oklahoma Heisman-winning quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Jason White? Health, writes Jenni Carlson of The Oklahoman.
- Klint Kubiak, the son of Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak, has joined Mike Sherman's staff at Texas A&M as a quality control coach, reports Brent Zwerneman of the San Antonio Express-News.
- Kansas State's Brandon Banks and Jeffrey Fitzgerald have signed free-agent contracts.
2009 overall record: 6-6
2009 conference record: 4-4
Returning starters: Offense (7), Defense (6) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Daniel Thomas, DB Emmanuel Lamur, DB Tysyn Hartman, DB Troy Butler, DT Prizzell Brown
Key losses: WR Brandon Banks, QB Grant Gregory, WR Lamark Brown, DB Joshua Moore, TE Jaron Mastrud, OT Nick Stringer, DT Daniel Calvin, DT Jeffrey Fitzgerald
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Daniel Thomas* (1,265 yards)
Passing: Grant Gregory (1,096 yards)
Receiving: Brandon Banks (705 yards)
Tackles: Emmanuel Lamur* (68)
Sacks: Jeffrey Fitzgerald (7)
Interceptions: Tysyn Hartman* (5)
Three spring answers
1. Coffman states his case…loudly. The spring began with a three-man quarterback race, and ended with Carson Coffman throwing seven touchdown passes in the spring game. Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur will be back to compete in the fall, but Coffman’s performance, combined with his experience last season, will likely be too much for either to overcome.
2. Chris Harper won’t be taking snaps. Oregon transfer Chris Harper figured to be a factor in the quarterback race, but he elected to move to receiver and stayed there throughout the spring. His impressive size and athleticism will be used on the sidelines, rather than in the backfield.
3. Butler shining in the spring. Juco transfer Troy Butler won a starting safety job last season, but made just 46 tackles and was held without an interception. In the spring game, he picked off two passes and made eight tackles. They came against the second-team, but he’s getting to the ball, and that’s something he didn’t do often last year.
Three fall questions
1. How will the new-look receivers fit in? Kansas State has plenty of size at receiver, something it didn’t have last season. But it’s possible that all three of the Wildcats top receivers won’t have caught a pass since the 2008 season. Aubrey Quarles sat out the 2009 season, and transfers Brodrick Smith and Chris Harper could also make big impacts this season.
2. Are the Wildcats deep enough? For all the celebration around Coffman’s performance, his team’s 79-0 win in the spring game over the second-teamers suggests a wide gap in talent between only the first and second teams. If Kansas State suffers a couple injuries in the right place, could the season fall well short of expectations?
3. Playmakers wanted. Daniel Thomas is a reliable option at running back, but can the Wildcats find a way to give the offense some additional firepower? The Wildcats were short on big plays in 2010; Thomas broke runs of 25 yards or longer in just two plays. If the receivers can prove they’re deep threats, and Coffman can get them the ball, it’ll be easier for both them and Thomas to operate and produce big plays.
2009 conference record: 4-4
Returning starters: Offense (7), Defense (6) P/K (2)
Top returners: RB Daniel Thomas, DB Emmanuel Lamur, DB Tysyn Hartman, DB Troy Butler, DT Prizzell Brown
Key losses: WR Brandon Banks, QB Grant Gregory, WR Lamark Brown, DB Joshua Moore, TE Jaron Mastrud, OT Nick Stringer, DT Daniel Calvin, DT Jeffrey Fitzgerald
2009 statistical leaders (*returners)
Rushing: Daniel Thomas* (1,265 yards)
Passing: Grant Gregory (1,096 yards)
Receiving: Brandon Banks (705 yards)
Tackles: Emmanuel Lamur* (68)
Sacks: Jeffrey Fitzgerald (7)
Interceptions: Tysyn Hartman* (5)
Three spring answers
1. Coffman states his case…loudly. The spring began with a three-man quarterback race, and ended with Carson Coffman throwing seven touchdown passes in the spring game. Collin Klein and Sammuel Lamur will be back to compete in the fall, but Coffman’s performance, combined with his experience last season, will likely be too much for either to overcome.
2. Chris Harper won’t be taking snaps. Oregon transfer Chris Harper figured to be a factor in the quarterback race, but he elected to move to receiver and stayed there throughout the spring. His impressive size and athleticism will be used on the sidelines, rather than in the backfield.
3. Butler shining in the spring. Juco transfer Troy Butler won a starting safety job last season, but made just 46 tackles and was held without an interception. In the spring game, he picked off two passes and made eight tackles. They came against the second-team, but he’s getting to the ball, and that’s something he didn’t do often last year.
Three fall questions
1. How will the new-look receivers fit in? Kansas State has plenty of size at receiver, something it didn’t have last season. But it’s possible that all three of the Wildcats top receivers won’t have caught a pass since the 2008 season. Aubrey Quarles sat out the 2009 season, and transfers Brodrick Smith and Chris Harper could also make big impacts this season.
2. Are the Wildcats deep enough? For all the celebration around Coffman’s performance, his team’s 79-0 win in the spring game over the second-teamers suggests a wide gap in talent between only the first and second teams. If Kansas State suffers a couple injuries in the right place, could the season fall well short of expectations?
3. Playmakers wanted. Daniel Thomas is a reliable option at running back, but can the Wildcats find a way to give the offense some additional firepower? The Wildcats were short on big plays in 2010; Thomas broke runs of 25 yards or longer in just two plays. If the receivers can prove they’re deep threats, and Coffman can get them the ball, it’ll be easier for both them and Thomas to operate and produce big plays.
Notable undrafted Big 12ers finding homes
April, 27, 2010
4/27/10
10:45
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Nine players from the Big 12 were drafted in the first round, but not everybody can make millions. Here's where a few notable Big 12ers ended up after going undrafted:
Baylor
Kansas
Kansas State
Missouri
Nebraska
Oklahoma
Oklahoma State
Texas
Texas A&M
Texas Tech
Baylor
- LB Joe Pawelek - Seattle
- S Jordan Lake - unsigned
Kansas
- QB Todd Reesing - unsigned
Kansas State
- TE Jeron Mastrud - Tampa Bay
- WR/KR Brandon Banks - unsigned
Missouri
- WR Danario Alexander - unsigned
- OL Kurtis Gregory - Carolina
- DT Jaron Baston - Denver
Nebraska
- DE Barry Turner - Chicago
- S Matt O'Hanlon - Carolina
Oklahoma
- DE Auston English - Cleveland
- DT DeMarcus Granger - Seattle
- RB Chris Brown - Denver
Oklahoma State
- RB Keith Toston - St. Louis
- OL Andrew Lewis - Kansas City
- OL Brady Bond - San Diego
Texas
- K Hunter Lawrence - Tampa Bay
- OL Adam Ulatoski - Houston
- OL Charlie Tanner - New York Jets
Texas A&M
- TE/FB Jamie McCoy - St. Louis
Texas Tech
- DE Brandon Sharpe - New Orleans
- OL Brandon Carter - New Orleans
What happened:
“He threw it half a hundred times, and for the most part he played well.”
-- Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, steering clear of hyperbole while evaluating Carson Coffman's performance.
- Carson Coffman threw seven touchdowns and the Purple team won, 79-0.
- Worth noting, the Purple team technically won 41-38 after its 38-0 halftime lead was reversed.
- 16,326 fans attended.
- My goodness, Carson Coffman. As you read last week, he was trying to solidify his spot as the starter after he lost both the fans' confidence and his own with a poor performance last season. After a spring capped by his seven-touchdown, 440-yard performance on 38 of 51 passing, consider the confidence restored. "I wanted to go out today and take hold of the quarterback spot," Coffman said after the game. “I think I did that.” No kidding. He threw two touchdowns, both in the opening game, all last season. On Saturday, he threw five in the first half.
- Collin Klein's absence only strengthened Coffman's statement. Coffman's main competition for the job, Klein sat with a minor injury. Undisclosed, of course. Unlike Bill Snyder's.
- Can't really overreact to Coffman's performance, which came against a second-team defense, but last season Coffman started against UMass and Louisiana-Lafayette, and didn't exactly light up the scoreboard. The defense also couldn't blitz, but a performance like that against anyone is a good sign. Consider Coffman officially the heavy favorite entering fall. “He commanded the respect of all of us as a leader,” senior center Wade Weibert said. “You could tell it in the huddle. He called plays so confidently that we just looked at each other and said, ‘All right, let’s go.’”
- Kansas State might have one of the most-improved units in the conference at wide receiver. Brandon Banks was a fantastic kick returner, but an underwhelming receiver in 2009 after notching 1,000 receiving yards in 2008. The inconsistent quarterback play didn't help, but there's only so much a 5-foot-7 guy can do when his quarterback can't get him the ball. Now, presumably Coffman has Aubrey Quarles returning from a redshirt year and two transfers in Brodrick Smith (6-foot-2) from Minnesota and Chris Harper (6-foot-3) from Oregon. Smith caught 12 passes for 167 yards, and Quarles caught nine passes for 105 yards and a score. One of Smith's touchdowns was on a fade route, which could be a nice option in the red zone for the Wildcats, one that Banks couldn't provide.
- Quietly solid day for Daniel Thomas against the second-teamers: 16 carries, 118 yards. Hard to earn much ink in a spring game when everyone knows what you can do and your quarterback does what Coffman did.
- 79-0? Not a good sign for the depth on either side for the Wildcats.
- Not much to say about the defense other than a shutout against anyone is a good sign. Safety Troy Butler had a game-high eight tackles and two interceptions.
“He threw it half a hundred times, and for the most part he played well.”
-- Kansas State coach Bill Snyder, steering clear of hyperbole while evaluating Carson Coffman's performance.
Here, we'll take a look at a couple of key players going, staying and coming for each team in the Big 12.
Going:
Brandon Banks, WR/KR
Banks was far from unstoppable as the Wildcats' leading receiver (56 rec, 705 yards, 1 TD), but his kick returns gave the Wildcats an explosive special-teams unit and landed the 5-foot-7 Banks on the All-Big 12 team. He returned four kicks for touchdowns as a senior and averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return.
Nick Stringer, OL
The former team captain spent two seasons on the All-Big 12 team and played significant snaps for four seasons.
Grant Gregory, QB
Gregory only got to play for the Wildcats for one season after transferring from South Florida, but he took advantage of the opportunity coach Bill Snyder gave him. Gregory took over the starting spot for the Wildcats midway through the season in 2009, and got the Wildcats to within an upset of Nebraska of a bowl game.
Staying:
Daniel Thomas, RB
Thomas led the Big 12 in rushing in just his first season of Division I football, and was a big reason the Wildcats' rushing offense ranked in the top third of the Big 12. As a senior, the juco transfer figures to be the central figure of the offense once again, with uncertainty at quarterback and a receiving corps full of newcomers at the top of the depth chart. Thomas loses his backup, Keithen Valentine, this season, and K-State would be well-served to find a serviceable backup this spring to help keep him healthy.
Tysyn Hartman, DB
Hartman had the fourth-most interceptions in the Big 12 as a sophomore, with five. His work earned him an All-Big 12 nod and he could secure a spot as one of the Big 12's top defensive backs this season.
Coming:
Adam Davis, DE
Davis transferred to Kansas State from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College as one of the top junior college prospects in America. At 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, he fits the mold of defensive end and could compete for a spot once fall arrives.
Chris Harper, WR
Harper is done with his year sitting on the bench after transferring from Oregon. He was originally thought to be in the running for the vacant quarterback gig, but Snyder is working Harper solely at wide receiver this spring, as was his preference, Snyder said on Monday. With sub-4.5 speed and a 6-foot-1, 234-pound frame, there's a good chance he'll find a spot to contribute on the edge instead of in the backfield.
More Revolving Door
Going:
Brandon Banks, WR/KR
Banks was far from unstoppable as the Wildcats' leading receiver (56 rec, 705 yards, 1 TD), but his kick returns gave the Wildcats an explosive special-teams unit and landed the 5-foot-7 Banks on the All-Big 12 team. He returned four kicks for touchdowns as a senior and averaged nearly 30 yards per kick return.
Nick Stringer, OL
The former team captain spent two seasons on the All-Big 12 team and played significant snaps for four seasons.
Grant Gregory, QB
Gregory only got to play for the Wildcats for one season after transferring from South Florida, but he took advantage of the opportunity coach Bill Snyder gave him. Gregory took over the starting spot for the Wildcats midway through the season in 2009, and got the Wildcats to within an upset of Nebraska of a bowl game.
Staying:
Daniel Thomas, RB
Thomas led the Big 12 in rushing in just his first season of Division I football, and was a big reason the Wildcats' rushing offense ranked in the top third of the Big 12. As a senior, the juco transfer figures to be the central figure of the offense once again, with uncertainty at quarterback and a receiving corps full of newcomers at the top of the depth chart. Thomas loses his backup, Keithen Valentine, this season, and K-State would be well-served to find a serviceable backup this spring to help keep him healthy.
Tysyn Hartman, DB
Hartman had the fourth-most interceptions in the Big 12 as a sophomore, with five. His work earned him an All-Big 12 nod and he could secure a spot as one of the Big 12's top defensive backs this season.
Coming:
Adam Davis, DE
Davis transferred to Kansas State from Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College as one of the top junior college prospects in America. At 6-foot-1 and 249 pounds, he fits the mold of defensive end and could compete for a spot once fall arrives.
Chris Harper, WR
Harper is done with his year sitting on the bench after transferring from Oregon. He was originally thought to be in the running for the vacant quarterback gig, but Snyder is working Harper solely at wide receiver this spring, as was his preference, Snyder said on Monday. With sub-4.5 speed and a 6-foot-1, 234-pound frame, there's a good chance he'll find a spot to contribute on the edge instead of in the backfield.
More Revolving Door
Kansas State lost leading receiver Brandon Banks, but this spring, the Wildcats must also replace every receiver with more than six catches. Receivers Attrail Snipes and Lamark Brown are also gone, as is tight end Jeron Mastrud.
The only consistent returning target for whoever wins the quarterback job in Manhattan is in the backfield -- running back Daniel Thomas, who caught 25 passes for 257 yards last season.
Now, they'll break in a new set of receivers. Aubrey Quarles redshirted last season with a leg injury, but he caught 34 balls for 407 yards in his lone season of action.
"Aubrey Quarles gives you a reasonably physical receiver. He is a pretty sharp young guy that understands what you are trying to do," Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said. "He's got good hands that can catch the ball and has the capacity to advance the ball and get it up field, because he is a little more physical."
At just 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Quarles plays physical, but the Wildcats have a handful of other receivers built to be physical.
Oregon transfer Chris Harper, who Snyder said will work exclusively at receiver and won't get snaps at quarterback, is 6-foot-1 and a stout 234 pounds. Minnesota transfer Brodrick Smith is 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds. He returned back home to Kansas after catching five passes for 50 yards and a score for the Golden Gophers.
"All of us were extremely impressed with his progress, his effort, his quickness, his ability to change direction, etc. [in the offseason program]. Now that he is on the field that has been tempered a little bit and I am quite certain that is because it is a learning process," Snyder said. "He has got to think his way through some things and I think that has kind of tempered his ability to do things naturally. We are just waiting for him to feel more comfortable with the offense, and when he does I think his capabilities will present themselves."
Snyder praised Harper's good hands, and though he won't be working at quarterback, Snyder knew Harper's athleticism would allow him to find his way onto the field somewhere.
"He has got good hands. He has been slowed down a little bit with a nagging injury, so he can't go full speed for us. So there is still some uncertainty in that respect," Snyder said. "Seeing him in the out of season program, the way he runs and changes direction, has good balance and body control, he's probably somebody that is a pretty good athlete."
If Collin Klein doesn't win the quarterback job, he'll switch back to receiver. He caught six passes for 38 yards last season.
Whoever emerges on the edge for the Wildcats, the sooner the better. Quarles will be looking to regain his 2008 form, and if anyone's going to surpass Banks' numbers (56 rec, 705 yards) from 2009, he would be the most likely candidate.
The only consistent returning target for whoever wins the quarterback job in Manhattan is in the backfield -- running back Daniel Thomas, who caught 25 passes for 257 yards last season.
Now, they'll break in a new set of receivers. Aubrey Quarles redshirted last season with a leg injury, but he caught 34 balls for 407 yards in his lone season of action.
"Aubrey Quarles gives you a reasonably physical receiver. He is a pretty sharp young guy that understands what you are trying to do," Kansas State coach Bill Snyder said. "He's got good hands that can catch the ball and has the capacity to advance the ball and get it up field, because he is a little more physical."
At just 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Quarles plays physical, but the Wildcats have a handful of other receivers built to be physical.
Oregon transfer Chris Harper, who Snyder said will work exclusively at receiver and won't get snaps at quarterback, is 6-foot-1 and a stout 234 pounds. Minnesota transfer Brodrick Smith is 6-foot-2 and 206 pounds. He returned back home to Kansas after catching five passes for 50 yards and a score for the Golden Gophers.
"All of us were extremely impressed with his progress, his effort, his quickness, his ability to change direction, etc. [in the offseason program]. Now that he is on the field that has been tempered a little bit and I am quite certain that is because it is a learning process," Snyder said. "He has got to think his way through some things and I think that has kind of tempered his ability to do things naturally. We are just waiting for him to feel more comfortable with the offense, and when he does I think his capabilities will present themselves."
Snyder praised Harper's good hands, and though he won't be working at quarterback, Snyder knew Harper's athleticism would allow him to find his way onto the field somewhere.
"He has got good hands. He has been slowed down a little bit with a nagging injury, so he can't go full speed for us. So there is still some uncertainty in that respect," Snyder said. "Seeing him in the out of season program, the way he runs and changes direction, has good balance and body control, he's probably somebody that is a pretty good athlete."
If Collin Klein doesn't win the quarterback job, he'll switch back to receiver. He caught six passes for 38 yards last season.
Whoever emerges on the edge for the Wildcats, the sooner the better. Quarles will be looking to regain his 2008 form, and if anyone's going to surpass Banks' numbers (56 rec, 705 yards) from 2009, he would be the most likely candidate.
Here, we’ll take a look at one area where each team in the Big 12 can expect to succeed, and another that needs improvement.
Kansas State
Weak: Pass-catchers
Kansas State's leading returning receiver is running back Daniel Thomas, but we'll get back to him in a bit. Brandon Banks is taking his 56 catches to the NFL, not to mention his game-breaking kick returns. Kansas State will have to replace receiver Attrail Snipes and tight end Jeron Mastrud, too. Kansas State threw just seven touchdown passes in 2009, and one came from Thomas.
Strong: Running back
Few could have expected just how effective Thomas would be in his first year in the program. A juco transfer, he was the Wildcats' offense as a junior. With speedster Banks gone, that doesn't seem likely to change. Thomas, like most good running backs, was marked by consistency. He ran for less than 79 yards just twice, and topped 100 yards on five occasions. In a 62-14 blowout win over Texas A&M, he ran for four touchdowns. Thomas touched the ball 272 times last season, and finding a suitable complement could help keep him healthy, a necessity if Kansas State wants to make a bowl game or challenge for the North title.
But like their Sunflower State rivals, the Wildcats could stimulate growth at an uncertain quarterback position with their running game.
More Weak & Strong:
Kansas State
Weak: Pass-catchers
Kansas State's leading returning receiver is running back Daniel Thomas, but we'll get back to him in a bit. Brandon Banks is taking his 56 catches to the NFL, not to mention his game-breaking kick returns. Kansas State will have to replace receiver Attrail Snipes and tight end Jeron Mastrud, too. Kansas State threw just seven touchdown passes in 2009, and one came from Thomas.
Strong: Running back
Few could have expected just how effective Thomas would be in his first year in the program. A juco transfer, he was the Wildcats' offense as a junior. With speedster Banks gone, that doesn't seem likely to change. Thomas, like most good running backs, was marked by consistency. He ran for less than 79 yards just twice, and topped 100 yards on five occasions. In a 62-14 blowout win over Texas A&M, he ran for four touchdowns. Thomas touched the ball 272 times last season, and finding a suitable complement could help keep him healthy, a necessity if Kansas State wants to make a bowl game or challenge for the North title.
But like their Sunflower State rivals, the Wildcats could stimulate growth at an uncertain quarterback position with their running game.
More Weak & Strong:
1. Texas
Texas has plenty of question marks, namely at receiver. Repeating as Big 12 champs would be a lot easier if one of its talented running backs emerges to flirt with 1,000 yards and takes some of the pressure off first-year starter Garrett Gilbert. Tre’ Newton is the most likely candidate, but Foswhitt Whittaker, or Fozzy Bear as I prefer to refer to the running back, wins if the tiebreaker is best name.
2. Oklahoma
The defense will be fearsome again, even after losing both starting cornerbacks and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. DeMarco Murray looks to take on an expanded role in the run game, but the offensive line will have to improve quickly for his increased touches to translate into increased yardage.
3. Nebraska
Nebraska finally made it back to the Big 12 title game after a two-year run by Missouri representing the North. Even after Ndamukong Suh’s exit, the teeth of the Husker D should be strong, with junior defensive tackle Jared Crick and sophomore defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler mucking up the front lines. Both will be on display during the spring. The offense had one of its best performances of the season against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl, but enters the spring with plenty to prove.
4. Missouri
Blaine Gabbert will continue to mature along with his young receivers, who lose the lanky Danario Alexander. Gabbert could put up gawdy numbers as a junior, but he’ll need the secondary to improve if the Tigers can challenge for the North.
5. Texas A&M
The Aggies looked like a trainwreck at moments in 2009, (48-point loss to Kansas State? What? 55-point loss to Oklahoma? Ouch.) but their entertaining offense will take a backseat to Tim DeRuyter’s new 3-4 defense as the main attraction for spring.
6. Kansas State
The dark horse to win the North in 2010 came within a game of matching up with Texas in Dallas in 2009. Year 2 of the Bill Snyder Reboot could be fun to watch. The Wildcats had the fewest turnovers (18) of any team in the Big 12 last season, but losing Brandon Banks removes some of K-State’s explosiveness on offense.
7. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State hoped they could make a run at the Big 12 South last season, but got embarrassed in losses to Texas and Oklahoma. A South title in 2010 might be a stretch, but the spring could set up another solid season for Mike Gundy’s Cowboys.
8. Baylor
Finding replacements for All-Big 12 defenders Joe Pawelek and Jordan Lake should be the prime concern for the spring, but it will definitely be good to see Robert Griffin III get back on the field.
9. Texas Tech
What injustice! The Red Raiders below the Bears? Tommy Tuberville is a good coach, but the transition to Tech could be a difficult one. Don’t be surprised if the Red Raiders prove me wrong, but somebody’s got to finish last in a great South division. There won’t be an easy win for anyone against South teams this season. I mentioned this in Thursday's chat, but I’m interested to see how Tuberville’s second go-around with the spread offense (see: Tony Franklin) goes. Easing up on his trigger finger might be a good idea.
10. Kansas
Turner Gill loses a lot of offense without Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe. Sophomore running back Toben Opurum could emerge as one of the conference’s young stars this spring.
11. Colorado
Tyler Hansen and Toney Clemons bring some excitement to the Buffaloes spring, but the offensive line is also a concern. Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner returns from injury to help talented lineman Nate Solder protect Hansen and pave the way for running back Rodney Stewart, one of just three scholarship backs who will practice this spring.
12. Iowa State
The Cyclones depleted defense (only four starters return) could make it tough for Austen Arnaud to produce wins no matter how well he plays. Plenty of spots up for grabs there, and linebacker Jake Knott is one to watch as a new starter. Paul Rhoads impressed with a bowl win last season, but what does it say about a team when its best win (Nebraska) came by only two points when it forced eight turnovers and committed none?
Thanks for the support the first week, fans. Enjoy the weekend.
Texas has plenty of question marks, namely at receiver. Repeating as Big 12 champs would be a lot easier if one of its talented running backs emerges to flirt with 1,000 yards and takes some of the pressure off first-year starter Garrett Gilbert. Tre’ Newton is the most likely candidate, but Foswhitt Whittaker, or Fozzy Bear as I prefer to refer to the running back, wins if the tiebreaker is best name.
2. Oklahoma
The defense will be fearsome again, even after losing both starting cornerbacks and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. DeMarco Murray looks to take on an expanded role in the run game, but the offensive line will have to improve quickly for his increased touches to translate into increased yardage.
3. Nebraska
Nebraska finally made it back to the Big 12 title game after a two-year run by Missouri representing the North. Even after Ndamukong Suh’s exit, the teeth of the Husker D should be strong, with junior defensive tackle Jared Crick and sophomore defensive tackle Baker Steinkuhler mucking up the front lines. Both will be on display during the spring. The offense had one of its best performances of the season against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl, but enters the spring with plenty to prove.
4. Missouri
Blaine Gabbert will continue to mature along with his young receivers, who lose the lanky Danario Alexander. Gabbert could put up gawdy numbers as a junior, but he’ll need the secondary to improve if the Tigers can challenge for the North.
5. Texas A&M
The Aggies looked like a trainwreck at moments in 2009, (48-point loss to Kansas State? What? 55-point loss to Oklahoma? Ouch.) but their entertaining offense will take a backseat to Tim DeRuyter’s new 3-4 defense as the main attraction for spring.
6. Kansas State
The dark horse to win the North in 2010 came within a game of matching up with Texas in Dallas in 2009. Year 2 of the Bill Snyder Reboot could be fun to watch. The Wildcats had the fewest turnovers (18) of any team in the Big 12 last season, but losing Brandon Banks removes some of K-State’s explosiveness on offense.
7. Oklahoma State
Oklahoma State hoped they could make a run at the Big 12 South last season, but got embarrassed in losses to Texas and Oklahoma. A South title in 2010 might be a stretch, but the spring could set up another solid season for Mike Gundy’s Cowboys.
8. Baylor
Finding replacements for All-Big 12 defenders Joe Pawelek and Jordan Lake should be the prime concern for the spring, but it will definitely be good to see Robert Griffin III get back on the field.
9. Texas Tech
What injustice! The Red Raiders below the Bears? Tommy Tuberville is a good coach, but the transition to Tech could be a difficult one. Don’t be surprised if the Red Raiders prove me wrong, but somebody’s got to finish last in a great South division. There won’t be an easy win for anyone against South teams this season. I mentioned this in Thursday's chat, but I’m interested to see how Tuberville’s second go-around with the spread offense (see: Tony Franklin) goes. Easing up on his trigger finger might be a good idea.
10. Kansas
Turner Gill loses a lot of offense without Todd Reesing, Kerry Meier and Dezmon Briscoe. Sophomore running back Toben Opurum could emerge as one of the conference’s young stars this spring.
11. Colorado
Tyler Hansen and Toney Clemons bring some excitement to the Buffaloes spring, but the offensive line is also a concern. Maxwell Tuioti-Mariner returns from injury to help talented lineman Nate Solder protect Hansen and pave the way for running back Rodney Stewart, one of just three scholarship backs who will practice this spring.
12. Iowa State
The Cyclones depleted defense (only four starters return) could make it tough for Austen Arnaud to produce wins no matter how well he plays. Plenty of spots up for grabs there, and linebacker Jake Knott is one to watch as a new starter. Paul Rhoads impressed with a bowl win last season, but what does it say about a team when its best win (Nebraska) came by only two points when it forced eight turnovers and committed none?
Thanks for the support the first week, fans. Enjoy the weekend.
Big 12 North breakdown: Nebraska tough to unseat
March, 5, 2010
3/05/10
8:00
AM ET
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Some of you have asked for it, and since it makes sense to do it early on, I’ll be breaking down the Big 12 over the next couple of days. Today, I’ll give my take on the North and South races. Tomorrow, I’ll put them together for my own pre-spring power rankings.
Update: My pre-spring power rankings will go up later this afternoon.
Here's how I see the North shaking out next fall:
1. Nebraska
The Huskers will do without the services of the House of Spears, but the Pelini brothers’ defense was hardly built around one player. Replacing linebacker Phillip Dillard and safeties Matt O’Hanlon and Larry Asante won’t be easy, but the Nebraska defense should still be stout.
As for the offense, last season’s home loss to Iowa State in which the Huskers had more turnovers (8) than points (7) would suggest the only way to go is up.
To repeat in the North, the Huskers must defend Memorial Stadium, where they’ll get to face Missouri and Texas.
2. Missouri
Missouri returns 18 starters, including junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who threw for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore.
He’ll need support from still-maturing senior corners Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland, who gave up 427 yards passing to Baylor freshman quarterback Nick Florence (almost 200 more yards than he had in any other game last season) in an ugly home loss to the Bears, negating Gabbert’s career high of 468 yards.
For Missouri, taking back the North will mean surviving a difficult early conference schedule, which opens with Colorado but then forces the Tigers to play at Texas A&M before hosting Oklahoma. The next week, they travel to Lincoln for another showdown with Nebraska that would give the winner the inside track at a North title.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats busted in their bowl-or-bust game against Nebraska to close out last season, but will try and rebound with a run at the North title. They’ll miss Brandon Banks’ kick returns, but Daniel Thomas (1,265 yards in 2009) wouldn’t mind getting his number called almost 250 times again like he did last season. For Kansas State, the earlier the uncertainty ends at quarterback, the better. Three candidates enter spring with a chance to start.
4. Kansas
The personnel behind Kansas’ missing offensive firepower last season is gone. Kansas standouts QB Todd Reesing, receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier and running back Jake Sharp won’t return, and new coach Turner Gill will try to patch back together a team that finished last season on a seven-game losing streak after winning its conference opener against Iowa State.
Sophomore running back Toben Opurum provides a nice foundation for Gill’s new offense after playing well when Sharp sat out or was slowed with injuries.
5. Iowa State
Paul Rhoads’ team showed progress in 2009, finishing the season with a win over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl for the program’s first winning season since 2005. He’ll try to improve on that with only four defensive starters returning this season.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson return, but on the Cyclones’ schedule, so do Oklahoma and Texas. They’ll also face Utah, Iowa and Northern Illinois in nonconference games. Returning to a bowl for a second consecutive season won’t be easy.
6. Colorado
The Buffaloes didn’t earn much respect around the conference after giving up 54 points to Toledo in an early-season loss in 2009. They finished with three close losses at Iowa State and Oklahoma State before finishing the season with a home loss to North champ Nebraska.
If Colorado wants to dig itself out of the North basement, it’ll need Tyler Hansen to play like he did in the first half of a win over Kansas in Hansen’s first start, when the Buffaloes charged to a 24-3 second-quarter lead behind two Hansen touchdowns.
Update: My pre-spring power rankings will go up later this afternoon.
Here's how I see the North shaking out next fall:
1. Nebraska
The Huskers will do without the services of the House of Spears, but the Pelini brothers’ defense was hardly built around one player. Replacing linebacker Phillip Dillard and safeties Matt O’Hanlon and Larry Asante won’t be easy, but the Nebraska defense should still be stout.
As for the offense, last season’s home loss to Iowa State in which the Huskers had more turnovers (8) than points (7) would suggest the only way to go is up.
To repeat in the North, the Huskers must defend Memorial Stadium, where they’ll get to face Missouri and Texas.
2. Missouri
Missouri returns 18 starters, including junior quarterback Blaine Gabbert, who threw for 3,593 yards and 24 touchdowns as a sophomore.
He’ll need support from still-maturing senior corners Carl Gettis and Kevin Rutland, who gave up 427 yards passing to Baylor freshman quarterback Nick Florence (almost 200 more yards than he had in any other game last season) in an ugly home loss to the Bears, negating Gabbert’s career high of 468 yards.
For Missouri, taking back the North will mean surviving a difficult early conference schedule, which opens with Colorado but then forces the Tigers to play at Texas A&M before hosting Oklahoma. The next week, they travel to Lincoln for another showdown with Nebraska that would give the winner the inside track at a North title.
3. Kansas State
The Wildcats busted in their bowl-or-bust game against Nebraska to close out last season, but will try and rebound with a run at the North title. They’ll miss Brandon Banks’ kick returns, but Daniel Thomas (1,265 yards in 2009) wouldn’t mind getting his number called almost 250 times again like he did last season. For Kansas State, the earlier the uncertainty ends at quarterback, the better. Three candidates enter spring with a chance to start.
4. Kansas
The personnel behind Kansas’ missing offensive firepower last season is gone. Kansas standouts QB Todd Reesing, receivers Dezmon Briscoe and Kerry Meier and running back Jake Sharp won’t return, and new coach Turner Gill will try to patch back together a team that finished last season on a seven-game losing streak after winning its conference opener against Iowa State.
Sophomore running back Toben Opurum provides a nice foundation for Gill’s new offense after playing well when Sharp sat out or was slowed with injuries.
5. Iowa State
Paul Rhoads’ team showed progress in 2009, finishing the season with a win over Minnesota in the Insight Bowl for the program’s first winning season since 2005. He’ll try to improve on that with only four defensive starters returning this season.
Quarterback Austen Arnaud and running back Alexander Robinson return, but on the Cyclones’ schedule, so do Oklahoma and Texas. They’ll also face Utah, Iowa and Northern Illinois in nonconference games. Returning to a bowl for a second consecutive season won’t be easy.
6. Colorado
The Buffaloes didn’t earn much respect around the conference after giving up 54 points to Toledo in an early-season loss in 2009. They finished with three close losses at Iowa State and Oklahoma State before finishing the season with a home loss to North champ Nebraska.
If Colorado wants to dig itself out of the North basement, it’ll need Tyler Hansen to play like he did in the first half of a win over Kansas in Hansen’s first start, when the Buffaloes charged to a 24-3 second-quarter lead behind two Hansen touchdowns.
Big 12's top performers at the combine
March, 1, 2010
3/01/10
10:04
AM ET
By
Adam Rittenberg | ESPN.com
It was a busy weekend at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, and several former Big 12 stars found themselves in the spotlight during the extensive evaluations.
Here's a quick look at the Big 12's top performers in the combine events (more events follow today and Tuesday):
40-Yard Dash
Here's a quick look at the Big 12's top performers in the combine events (more events follow today and Tuesday):
40-Yard Dash
- Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State, third among quarterbacks (4.71 seconds)
- Colt McCoy, Texas, fifth among quarterbacks (4.79)
- Brandon Banks, Kansas State, fifth among wide receivers (4.43)
- Trent Williams, Oklahoma, second among offensive linemen (4.88)
- Keith Toston, Oklahoma State, tied for fourth among running backs (22 reps)
- Jordan Shipley, Texas, tied for eighth among wide receivers (16 reps)
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, tied for eighth among tight ends (20 reps)
- Russell Okung, Oklahoma State, second among offensive linemen (38 reps)
- Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, tied for sixth among defensive linemen (32 reps)
- Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri, second among linebackers (34 reps)
- Keenan Clayton, Oklahoma, tied for fifth among linebackers (27 reps)
- Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State, second among quarterbacks (35 inches)
- Chris Brown, Oklahoma, tied for 10th among running backs (36 inches)
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, fifth among tight ends (35 inches)
- Trent Williams, Oklahoma, first among offensive linemen (34.5 inches)
- Colt McCoy, Texas, tied for third among quarterbacks (9 feet, 6 inches)
- Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State, tied for fifth among quarterbacks (9 feet, 2 inches)
- David Gettis, Baylor, third among wide receivers (10 feet, 4 inches)
- Jared Perry, Missouri, ninth among wide receivers (10 feet, 1 inch)
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, tied for fifth among tight ends (9 feet, 5 inches)
- Trent Williams, Oklahoma, tied for second among offensive linemen (9 feet, 5 inches)
- Jared Perry, Missouri, fifth among wide receivers (6.75 seconds)
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, fifth among tight ends (7.07 seconds)
- J.D. Walton, Baylor, tied for ninth among offensive linemen (7.60 seconds)
- Riar Geer, Colorado, second among tight ends (4.29 seconds)
- Trent Williams, Oklahoma, fifth among offensive linemen (4.63 seconds)
- J.D. Walton, Baylor, tied for 10th among offensive linemen (4.69 seconds)
- Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma, fourth among tight ends (11.88 seconds)
NFL combine list dotted by Big 12 players
February, 3, 2010
2/03/10
8:08
AM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
The NFL has released its final list of late additions to its annual pre-draft player combine, which will take place in Indianapolis from Feb. 24 to March 2.
The Big 12 is well represented on the list of invited players, with every team but Iowa State and Texas A&M having at least one representative.
Here's the final list. The late invitations, typically from underclassmen who declared for the draft, are listed in bold.
BAYLOR (2)
WR David Gettis
C J.D. Walton
COLORADO (1)
TE Riar Geer
KANSAS (3)
WR Dezmon Briscoe
WR Kerry Meier
S Darrell Stuckey
KANSAS STATE (3)
WR Brandon Banks
TE Jeron Mastrud
CB Joshua Moore
MISSOURI (4)
WR Danario Alexander
G Kurtis Gregory
WR Jared Perry
LB Sean Weatherspoon
NEBRASKA (4)
S Larry Asante
LB Phillip Dillard
C Jacob Hickman
DT Ndamukong Suh
OKLAHOMA (9)
QB Sam Bradford
RB Chris Brown
OLB Keenan Clayton
TE Brody Eldridge
CB Dominique Franks
TE Jermaine Gresham
CB Brian Jackson
DT Gerald McCoy
T Trent Williams
OKLAHOMA STATE (6)
S Lucien Antoine
WR Dez Bryant
CB Perrish Cox
T Russell Okung
QB Zac Robinson
RB Keith Toston
TEXAS (7)
DT Lamarr Houston
DE Sergio Kindle
QB Colt McCoy
LB Roddrick Muckelroy
WR Jordan Shipley
S Earl Thomas
T Adam Ulatoski
TEXAS TECH (2)
G Brandon Carter
CB Jamar Wall
The Big 12 is well represented on the list of invited players, with every team but Iowa State and Texas A&M having at least one representative.
Here's the final list. The late invitations, typically from underclassmen who declared for the draft, are listed in bold.
BAYLOR (2)
WR David Gettis
C J.D. Walton
COLORADO (1)
TE Riar Geer
KANSAS (3)
WR Dezmon Briscoe
WR Kerry Meier
S Darrell Stuckey
KANSAS STATE (3)
WR Brandon Banks
TE Jeron Mastrud
CB Joshua Moore
MISSOURI (4)
WR Danario Alexander
G Kurtis Gregory
WR Jared Perry
LB Sean Weatherspoon
NEBRASKA (4)
S Larry Asante
LB Phillip Dillard
C Jacob Hickman
DT Ndamukong Suh
OKLAHOMA (9)
QB Sam Bradford
RB Chris Brown
OLB Keenan Clayton
TE Brody Eldridge
CB Dominique Franks
TE Jermaine Gresham
CB Brian Jackson
DT Gerald McCoy
T Trent Williams
OKLAHOMA STATE (6)
S Lucien Antoine
WR Dez Bryant
CB Perrish Cox
T Russell Okung
QB Zac Robinson
RB Keith Toston
TEXAS (7)
DT Lamarr Houston
DE Sergio Kindle
QB Colt McCoy
LB Roddrick Muckelroy
WR Jordan Shipley
S Earl Thomas
T Adam Ulatoski
TEXAS TECH (2)
G Brandon Carter
CB Jamar Wall
All-Big 12 teams show recruiting hits and misses
February, 2, 2010
2/02/10
1:00
PM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
As we all pore over the recruiting ratings of each school for the next few days, it's wise to take all of these rankings and ratings with a healthy grain of salt.
Recruiting is, always has been and always will be an inexact science. For every can't miss product, there are others who emerge out of nowhere to become standout players.
This trend was shown after I analyzed the first- and second-team All-Big 12 teams from the 2009 season and went back to check their original ESPNU grades. On some, the service hit. But on many others, it missed like Sean Weatherspoon and Danario Alexander.
Both had scores of 40 when they came out in their recruiting class. Weatherspoon weighed 195 pounds. Alexander was projected as a safety. And both put aside their dubious recruiting marks to develop into two of the best players in the country at their position over the course of their college career. I thought it was interesting to go back and look at the best players in the conference and see where they were ranked coming into college.
The ESPNU ratings database goes back only to 2006. That does not allow us to get ratings for players who took a redshirt year during their college careers. But it gives a pretty accurate picture about the crap shoot that college recruiting really is.
Here's a look at the Big 12's coaches' first and second teams for 2009. The positional rankings, typically listed second for most players, are national rankings.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Colt McCoy, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
RB: Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2009.
RB: Keith Toston, Oklahoma State: 77 rating; ranked 44th among all safeties; ranked 73rd in state.
FB: Bryant Ward, Oklahoma State: Walk-on.
WR: Jordan Shipley, Texas: Class of 2004, no information available.
WR: Danario Alexander, Missouri: 40 rating (as safety), ranked 229th in state.
WR: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas: 40 rating, ranked 363rd in state.
TE: Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State: 40 rating, ranked 13th in state.
OL: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: 73 rating, ranked 61st among all tackles, 138th in state.
OL: Trent Williams, Oklahoma: 76 rating, ranked 22nd among all guards, 78th in state.
OL: Nick Stringer, Kansas State: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Brandon Carter, Texas Tech: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Nate Solder, Colorado: 40 rating (as tight end), ranked 48th in state.
PK: Grant Ressel, Missouri: Walk-on.
KR/PR: Brandon Banks, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2008.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: Class of 2005, no information available.
DL: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma: 89 rating, ranked 2nd among all defensive tackle, ranked first in state, ranked 21st in nation.
DL:Von Miller, Texas A&M: 77 rating, ranked 37th among all defensive ends, ranked 52nd in state.
DL: Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech: Junior-college class of 2007.
DL: Jared Crick, Nebraska: 73 rating, ranked 86th among all defensive ends, ranked seventh in state.
LB: Jesse Smith, Iowa State: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri: 40 rating, ranked 294th in state.
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma: 75 rating, ranked 86th among all running backs, ranked 96th in state.
DB: Earl Thomas, Texas: 71 rating, ranked 75th among all cornerbacks, ranked 170th in state.
DB: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State: 77 rating, ranked 25th among all cornerbacks, ranked 57th in state.
DB: Dominique Franks, Oklahoma: 74 rating, ranked 53rd among all cornerbacks, ranked 15th in state.
DB: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: 78 rating, ranked 31st among all running backs, ranked fifth in state.
DB: Larry Asante, Nebraska: Junior college class of 2007.
P: Derek Epperson, Baylor: 76 rating, ranked 15th among all kickers, ranked 87th in state.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M: 79 rating, ranked first among all athletes, ranked 29th in state.
RB Roy Helu Jr., Nebraska: 73 rating, ranked 113th among all running backs, ranked 97th in state.
RB: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma: 92 rating, ranked first among all running backs, ranked first in state, ranked sixth in nation.
FB: Jamie McCoy, Texas A&M: Class of 2005, no information available.
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: 77 rating, ranked 58th among all wide receivers, ranked fourth in state.
WR: Kerry Meier, Kansas: Class of 2005 , no information available.
WR: Brandon Banks, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2008.
TE: Riar Geer, Colorado: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: J.D. Walton, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available (transfer from Arizona State).
OL: Chris Hall, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Kurtis Gregory, Missouri: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Adam Ulatoski, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Brody Eldridge, Oklahoma: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Lee Grimes, Texas A&M: Class of 2005, no information available.
PK: Alex Henery, Nebraska: Walk-on.
KR/PR: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State: 77 rating, ranked 25th among all cornerbacks, ranked 57th in state.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Sergio Kindle, Texas: 92 rating, ranked first among all outside linebackers, ranked second in state, ranked seventh in nation.
DL: Lamarr Houston, Texas: 78 rating, ranked seventh among all fullbacks, ranked fourth in state.
DL: Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma: 80 rating, ranked 11th among all defensive ends, ranked 17th in state, ranked 137th nationally.
DL: Jaron Baston, Missouri: Class of 2005, no information available.
DL: Daniel Howard, Texas Tech: Junior college class of 2007
LB: Joe Pawelek, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Phillip Dillard, Nebraska: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Jamar Wall, Texas Tech: 72 rating, ranked 79th among all safeties, ranked 142nd in state.
DB: Quinton Carter, Oklahoma: 77 rating, ranked 39th among all safeties, ranked third in state.
DB: Brian Jackson, Oklahoma: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Jordan Lake, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Cha’pelle Brown, Colorado: 40 rating, ranked 287th in state.
DB: Trent Hunter, Texas A&M: 68 rating, ranked 90th among all cornerbacks, ranked 250th in state.
P: Tress Way, Oklahoma: 78 rating, ranked sixth among all kickers, ranked sixth in state.
It's interesting to note that only four members of the two teams were ESPNU top 150 selections: Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, DeMarco Murray and Jeremy Beal and Texas' Sergio Kindle.
Recruiting is, always has been and always will be an inexact science. For every can't miss product, there are others who emerge out of nowhere to become standout players.
This trend was shown after I analyzed the first- and second-team All-Big 12 teams from the 2009 season and went back to check their original ESPNU grades. On some, the service hit. But on many others, it missed like Sean Weatherspoon and Danario Alexander.
Both had scores of 40 when they came out in their recruiting class. Weatherspoon weighed 195 pounds. Alexander was projected as a safety. And both put aside their dubious recruiting marks to develop into two of the best players in the country at their position over the course of their college career. I thought it was interesting to go back and look at the best players in the conference and see where they were ranked coming into college.
The ESPNU ratings database goes back only to 2006. That does not allow us to get ratings for players who took a redshirt year during their college careers. But it gives a pretty accurate picture about the crap shoot that college recruiting really is.
Here's a look at the Big 12's coaches' first and second teams for 2009. The positional rankings, typically listed second for most players, are national rankings.
FIRST TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Colt McCoy, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
RB: Daniel Thomas, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2009.
RB: Keith Toston, Oklahoma State: 77 rating; ranked 44th among all safeties; ranked 73rd in state.
FB: Bryant Ward, Oklahoma State: Walk-on.
WR: Jordan Shipley, Texas: Class of 2004, no information available.
WR: Danario Alexander, Missouri: 40 rating (as safety), ranked 229th in state.
WR: Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas: 40 rating, ranked 363rd in state.
TE: Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State: 40 rating, ranked 13th in state.
OL: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: 73 rating, ranked 61st among all tackles, 138th in state.
OL: Trent Williams, Oklahoma: 76 rating, ranked 22nd among all guards, 78th in state.
OL: Nick Stringer, Kansas State: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Brandon Carter, Texas Tech: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Nate Solder, Colorado: 40 rating (as tight end), ranked 48th in state.
PK: Grant Ressel, Missouri: Walk-on.
KR/PR: Brandon Banks, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2008.
FIRST TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska: Class of 2005, no information available.
DL: Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma: 89 rating, ranked 2nd among all defensive tackle, ranked first in state, ranked 21st in nation.
DL:Von Miller, Texas A&M: 77 rating, ranked 37th among all defensive ends, ranked 52nd in state.
DL: Brandon Sharpe, Texas Tech: Junior-college class of 2007.
DL: Jared Crick, Nebraska: 73 rating, ranked 86th among all defensive ends, ranked seventh in state.
LB: Jesse Smith, Iowa State: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri: 40 rating, ranked 294th in state.
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma: 75 rating, ranked 86th among all running backs, ranked 96th in state.
DB: Earl Thomas, Texas: 71 rating, ranked 75th among all cornerbacks, ranked 170th in state.
DB: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State: 77 rating, ranked 25th among all cornerbacks, ranked 57th in state.
DB: Dominique Franks, Oklahoma: 74 rating, ranked 53rd among all cornerbacks, ranked 15th in state.
DB: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska: 78 rating, ranked 31st among all running backs, ranked fifth in state.
DB: Larry Asante, Nebraska: Junior college class of 2007.
P: Derek Epperson, Baylor: 76 rating, ranked 15th among all kickers, ranked 87th in state.
SECOND TEAM OFFENSE
QB: Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M: 79 rating, ranked first among all athletes, ranked 29th in state.
RB Roy Helu Jr., Nebraska: 73 rating, ranked 113th among all running backs, ranked 97th in state.
RB: DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma: 92 rating, ranked first among all running backs, ranked first in state, ranked sixth in nation.
FB: Jamie McCoy, Texas A&M: Class of 2005, no information available.
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma: 77 rating, ranked 58th among all wide receivers, ranked fourth in state.
WR: Kerry Meier, Kansas: Class of 2005 , no information available.
WR: Brandon Banks, Kansas State: Junior college class of 2008.
TE: Riar Geer, Colorado: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: J.D. Walton, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available (transfer from Arizona State).
OL: Chris Hall, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Kurtis Gregory, Missouri: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Adam Ulatoski, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Brody Eldridge, Oklahoma: Class of 2005, no information available.
OL: Lee Grimes, Texas A&M: Class of 2005, no information available.
PK: Alex Henery, Nebraska: Walk-on.
KR/PR: Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State: 77 rating, ranked 25th among all cornerbacks, ranked 57th in state.
SECOND TEAM DEFENSE
DL: Sergio Kindle, Texas: 92 rating, ranked first among all outside linebackers, ranked second in state, ranked seventh in nation.
DL: Lamarr Houston, Texas: 78 rating, ranked seventh among all fullbacks, ranked fourth in state.
DL: Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma: 80 rating, ranked 11th among all defensive ends, ranked 17th in state, ranked 137th nationally.
DL: Jaron Baston, Missouri: Class of 2005, no information available.
DL: Daniel Howard, Texas Tech: Junior college class of 2007
LB: Joe Pawelek, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Roddrick Muckelroy, Texas: Class of 2005, no information available.
LB: Phillip Dillard, Nebraska: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Jamar Wall, Texas Tech: 72 rating, ranked 79th among all safeties, ranked 142nd in state.
DB: Quinton Carter, Oklahoma: 77 rating, ranked 39th among all safeties, ranked third in state.
DB: Brian Jackson, Oklahoma: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Jordan Lake, Baylor: Class of 2005, no information available.
DB: Cha’pelle Brown, Colorado: 40 rating, ranked 287th in state.
DB: Trent Hunter, Texas A&M: 68 rating, ranked 90th among all cornerbacks, ranked 250th in state.
P: Tress Way, Oklahoma: 78 rating, ranked sixth among all kickers, ranked sixth in state.
It's interesting to note that only four members of the two teams were ESPNU top 150 selections: Oklahoma's Gerald McCoy, DeMarco Murray and Jeremy Beal and Texas' Sergio Kindle.
Kansas State was a dominant North division power early in the decade, earning title-game berths in 2000 and 2003. The Wildcats had three teams that finished among the top 15 teams nationally in the first four seasons of the decade.
That success vanished later in the decade, but Bill Snyder returned to help turn around the program in 2009.
Here are my choices for the top Kansas State players of the last decade.
OFFENSE
QB: Ell Roberson
RB: Darren Sproles
RB: Daniel Thomas
WR: Quincy Morgan
WR: Jordy Nelson
TE: Jeron Mastrud
OL: Ryan Lilja
OL: Nick Stringer
OL: Jeromey Clary
OL: Andy Eby
C: Randall Cummings
DEFENSE
DL: Tank Reese
DL: Ian Campbell
DL: Monty Beisel
DL: Mario Fatafehi
LB: Ben Leber
LB: Terry Pierce
LB: Josh Buhl
DB: Jerametrius Butler
DB: Terence Newman
DB: Jon McGraw
DB: Dyshod Carter
P Tim Reyer
K Jamie Rheem
KR Brandon Banks
Offensive player of the decade: RB Darren Sproles. The key player on the Wildcats’ 2003 Big 12 title team rushed for a school-record 4,979 yards during his career, scoring 45 rushing touchdowns and notching three 1,000-yard seasons. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 2003 after rushing for a school-record 1,986 yards to spark the Wildcats' championship season.
Defensive player of the decade: CB Terence Newman. Finished as the most decorated defensive player in Kansas State history, earning All-America honors and the Big 12’s defensive player of the year in 2002. In that season, Newman won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a finalist for the Nagurski Award.
Coach of the decade: Bill Snyder. Even a three-season sabbatical couldn’t diminish Snyder’s accomplishments for Kansas State. His 2003 team earned the school’s only Big 12 football championship, punctuating a run of four-straight bowl appearances to start the decade. After returning, he nearly took the team to another bowl game in his first season back in 2009, pushing the Wildcats into the Big 12 North title hunt until its final game of the season.
Moment of the decade: Kansas State notched a 35-7 victory over Oklahoma to earn the 2003 Big 12 title. The Wildcats overcame an early-season three-game losing streak to finish with a seven-game winning streak capped by the title-game upset over the No. 1 Sooners. Darren Sproles rushed for 235 yards and Ell Roberson threw four touchdowns in the wild upset -- the last time a North team has won the Big 12 championship game.
That success vanished later in the decade, but Bill Snyder returned to help turn around the program in 2009.
Here are my choices for the top Kansas State players of the last decade.
OFFENSE
QB: Ell Roberson
RB: Darren Sproles
RB: Daniel Thomas
WR: Quincy Morgan
WR: Jordy Nelson
TE: Jeron Mastrud
OL: Ryan Lilja
OL: Nick Stringer
OL: Jeromey Clary
OL: Andy Eby
C: Randall Cummings
DEFENSE
DL: Tank Reese
DL: Ian Campbell
DL: Monty Beisel
DL: Mario Fatafehi
LB: Ben Leber
LB: Terry Pierce
LB: Josh Buhl
DB: Jerametrius Butler
DB: Terence Newman
DB: Jon McGraw
DB: Dyshod Carter
P Tim Reyer
K Jamie Rheem
KR Brandon Banks
Offensive player of the decade: RB Darren Sproles. The key player on the Wildcats’ 2003 Big 12 title team rushed for a school-record 4,979 yards during his career, scoring 45 rushing touchdowns and notching three 1,000-yard seasons. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 2003 after rushing for a school-record 1,986 yards to spark the Wildcats' championship season.
Defensive player of the decade: CB Terence Newman. Finished as the most decorated defensive player in Kansas State history, earning All-America honors and the Big 12’s defensive player of the year in 2002. In that season, Newman won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and was a finalist for the Nagurski Award.
Coach of the decade: Bill Snyder. Even a three-season sabbatical couldn’t diminish Snyder’s accomplishments for Kansas State. His 2003 team earned the school’s only Big 12 football championship, punctuating a run of four-straight bowl appearances to start the decade. After returning, he nearly took the team to another bowl game in his first season back in 2009, pushing the Wildcats into the Big 12 North title hunt until its final game of the season.
Moment of the decade: Kansas State notched a 35-7 victory over Oklahoma to earn the 2003 Big 12 title. The Wildcats overcame an early-season three-game losing streak to finish with a seven-game winning streak capped by the title-game upset over the No. 1 Sooners. Darren Sproles rushed for 235 yards and Ell Roberson threw four touchdowns in the wild upset -- the last time a North team has won the Big 12 championship game.
Thirty-two invited to combine from Big 12
January, 12, 2010
1/12/10
3:15
PM ET
By Tim Griffin | ESPN.com
The Big 12 will be well represented when the NFL holds its scouting combine in Indianapolis.
The official list has not been released, although SportingNews.com has accounted for most of the early players. The list does not include juniors and other players who might be invited late to the festivities, which will begin Feb. 24 in Indianapolis.
I would think Baylor linebacker Joe Pawelek, Baylor safety Jordan Lake and Texas center Chris Hall all will be invited later.
And I would expect eligible juniors such as Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant to get their opportunity at the combine.
Baylor: WR David Gettis, C J.D. Walton.
Colorado: TE Riar Geer.
Iowa State: None.
Kansas: WR Kerry Meier, S Darrell Stuckey.
Kansas State: WR Brandon Banks, TE Jeron Mastrud.
Missouri: WR Danario Alexander, G Kurtis Gregory, WR Jared Perry, LB Sean Weatherspoon.
Nebraska: S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, C Jacob Hickman, DT Ndamukong Suh.
Oklahoma: RB Chris Brown, TE Brody Eldridge, TE Jermaine Gresham, CB Brian Jackson, T Trent Williams.
Oklahoma State: CB Perrish Cox, T Russell Okung, QB Zac Robinson, RB Keith Toston.
Texas: DT Lamarr Houston, DE Sergio Kindle, QB Colt McCoy, LB Roddrick Muckelroy, WR Jordan Shipley, OT Adam Ulatoski.
Texas A&M: None.
Texas Tech: G Brandon Carter, DB Jamar Wall.
The official list has not been released, although SportingNews.com has accounted for most of the early players. The list does not include juniors and other players who might be invited late to the festivities, which will begin Feb. 24 in Indianapolis.
I would think Baylor linebacker Joe Pawelek, Baylor safety Jordan Lake and Texas center Chris Hall all will be invited later.
And I would expect eligible juniors such as Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford and Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant to get their opportunity at the combine.
Baylor: WR David Gettis, C J.D. Walton.
Colorado: TE Riar Geer.
Iowa State: None.
Kansas: WR Kerry Meier, S Darrell Stuckey.
Kansas State: WR Brandon Banks, TE Jeron Mastrud.
Missouri: WR Danario Alexander, G Kurtis Gregory, WR Jared Perry, LB Sean Weatherspoon.
Nebraska: S Larry Asante, LB Phillip Dillard, C Jacob Hickman, DT Ndamukong Suh.
Oklahoma: RB Chris Brown, TE Brody Eldridge, TE Jermaine Gresham, CB Brian Jackson, T Trent Williams.
Oklahoma State: CB Perrish Cox, T Russell Okung, QB Zac Robinson, RB Keith Toston.
Texas: DT Lamarr Houston, DE Sergio Kindle, QB Colt McCoy, LB Roddrick Muckelroy, WR Jordan Shipley, OT Adam Ulatoski.
Texas A&M: None.
Texas Tech: G Brandon Carter, DB Jamar Wall.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ubben
Ubben joined ESPN.com in March 2010 after covering Big 12 football for two seasons at the Columbia Missourian and The Oklahoman. Ubben, a native of Springdale, Ark., lives in Dallas.
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