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This time last year, we broke down which Big 12 players would most likely reach the benchmarks for their positions in 2011.

The benchmark for running backs is clearly 1,000 yards. Here's what I wrote about the Big 12's 1,000-yard rushers.

It's time to revisit those projections.

Forty-seven players in college football topped 1,000 yards rushing last season. I ranked the Big 12 backs in order of the likelihood they'd hit 1,000 yards, not how many yards I projected them to reach. The Big 12 had five of them. Here's who I picked to do it:

1. James Sims, Kansas -- As a true freshman in 2010, Sims didn't play in the opener, but it was clear as the season went on that he's the Jayhawks most consistent runner. Kansas is deep at the position, but Sims figures to get the biggest share of carries for a team with big questions at quarterback. The Jayhawks averaged nearly 40 rushing attempts per game last year. I don't see that number dropping this year. Sims got just 168 of those 470 carries, and he still managed 742 yards.

Final 2011 yardage tally: 727 yards

Thoughts: Sims simply didn't improve his production as expected from his true freshman year in 2010, even though his carries jumped from 168 to 182. I thought he'd get a few more touches, but the production wasn't there, and Kansas was limited in how often it could run the ball, considering some of the lopsided losses it suffered.

2. Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M -- Gray and his teammate in the backfield, Christine Michael, should both have very good years. I like both of them to clear 800 yards, and it's possible they both hit 1,000 yards, but there's only so much offense to go around. Ryan Tannehill and Jeff Fuller, along with the rest of the talented receiving corps, will have to get theirs. Considering the way Gray closed the season, he's likely to start out with the biggest share of carries.

Final 2011 yardage tally: 1,045 yards

Thoughts: Right on the money for Gray. Yes, Christine Michael was injured, which allowed Gray to grab a few more carries, but remember, Gray didn't play in the final two games of A&M's season. Still, a strong senior campaign.

3. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State -- Randle will also be in split backfield along with Jeremy Smith, but he showed plenty of pop as a true freshman last year. Only DeMarco Murray caught more passes as a running back last year, so he may clear 1,000 yards of offense without doing it on the ground. But the Cowboys run an Air Raid system with a commitment to the run, so the touches should still be there for Randle with Kendall Hunter gone to the NFL.

Final 2011 yardage tally: 1,216 yards

Thoughts: Nailed the upside on Randle. Unlike Sims, he took a huge step forward as a sophomore, in part because of his featured role. Randle finished second in the Big 12 in rushing, and added 24 touchdowns, too.

5. Roy Finch, Oklahoma -- Finch has the talent to do it. No doubt. But there's no getting around doubting his health. A stress fracture in his foot caused him to miss almost half his freshman season, and the Sooners are mindful of that with a good group of backs behind him that might sap a few carries. Finch will have to hit a few big runs to get to 1,000, but if he gets hurt again, perhaps true freshman Brandon Williams or Brennan Clay could step in.

Final 2011 yardage tally: 605 yards

Thoughts: Whiffed on this one. Finch inexplicably couldn't get on the field early in the season while walk-on Dominique Whaley dominated before breaking his leg in a win over Kansas State. In Finch's defense, after he started getting touches, he topped 83 yards four times in five games late in the season. He also averaged 5.45 yards a carry.

In 2011, I missed out on three of the five rushers. Baylor's Terrance Ganaway rumbled to 1,547 yards rushing and led the Big 12. Kansas State quarterback Collin Klein led the league in carries and rushed for 1,141 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Missouri running back Henry Josey took advantage of the injuries to two backs ahead of him on the depth chart and had a breakout year, rushing for 1,168 yards before suffering a catastrophic knee injury against Texas. He likely won't return in 2012, and just underwent an additional surgery earlier this week.

How would you grade my projections?

Alabama's defense faced one offense in the nation's top 80 all season. It faced five outside the top 100. But if you want to crown 'em, crown 'em.

• Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy says he thinks his team would score against LSU. That and more thoughts on the title game with Steve Wieberg of USA Today.
• A playoff is coming, though, a BCS official told Matt Hayes of Sporting News.
• Dorial Green-Beckham may be the biggest recruiting prize left. He's keeping his options open, reports Ben Frederickson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
• An Iowa State safety has been charged with assault stemming from a January 2011 incident.
• Gina Mizell of The Oklahoman checks in on four players enrolling early at Oklahoma State this semester.
• Former Oklahoma running back Brandon Williams explains his decision to leave Oklahoma and go to Texas A&M.
• The times are changing for TCU in recruiting, writes Matthew Reagan of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

It's always fun to keep track of the ESPNU 150, the list of the nation's top recruits. Last year, we took a look back at what each had done before the 2011 season, and now, with a year under their belts, here's how the 2011 ESPNU 150 did in their first year on campus, courtesy of ESPN Recruiting.

Also, here's how the last few years of Big 12 ESPNU 150 recruits shaped up:

• Big 12 signees in the 2006 ESPNU 150
• Big 12 signees in the 2007 ESPNU 150
• Big 12 signees in the 2008 ESPNU 150
• Big 12 signees in the 2009 ESPNU 150
• Big 12 signees in the 2010 ESPNU 150

2011:

No. 7: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas: Brown led the Longhorns in rushing with 707 yards despite playing in just nine games because of various injuries. Brown averaged 4.4 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns. Clearly, Brown showed he can be a go-to tailback at Texas, but he'll need to get bigger and stronger to withstand a full season in the Big 12. Knee and toe injuries affected his productivity late in the season.

No. 21: Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas: Diggs led the Longhorns in interceptions with three and tied for the team lead in passes defended with 16. He also had 43 tackles, including four for loss, and two forced fumbles. Diggs was the Longhorns' kick returner, with 17 returns for 324 yards, and returned 8 punts for 181 yards and a 22.6-yard average "You just keep adding more and more [to Diggs' responsibilities], and he seems to be handling it all," secondary coach Duane Akina told the Austin Statesman. "All of this is on top of him being a very productive defensive player in a very explosive offensive conference."

No. 31: Desmond Jackson, DT, Texas: Jackson was originally planning to redshirt in order to add some size to his 6-foot-1, 280-pound frame but ended up playing in all 11 games. Jackson had a big fall camp and was able to get into the rotation at tackle, although he was never able to crack the starting lineup. He finished the year with eight tackles and a sack and is expected to compete for a starting job next fall.

No. 35: Brandon Williams, RB, Oklahoma: Williams was able to graduate high school early and enrolled at OU in time for spring ball. His playing time increased each game this year and he finished the year with 46 carries for 219 yards, averaging almost 5 yards a carry. He had his breakout game against Iowa State, rushing 11 times for 80 yards.

No. 51: Trey Metoyer, WR, Oklahoma: Metoyer, who committed to Oklahoma, was declared academically ineligible for the 2011 season and played at Hargrave Military Academy this fall.

No. 55: Steve Edmond, LB, Texas: Playing in 10 games, Edmond was an ace on Texas' special teams. He made five tackles on the unit, which was fourth on the team. He also forced a fumble and had two tackles for loss this season for the Longhorns.

No. 64: Danzel Williams, ATH, Oklahoma: Ranked as an athlete, Williams is at Oklahoma playing running back, a position the Sooners have always stockpiled with talent. Fellow freshman back Brandon Williams did see some time this season for the Sooners, so Danzel Williams will be a little behind the eight ball, as the Sooners aren't scheduled to lose any of their backs going into next season.

No. 87: Josh Turner, ATH, Texas: Turner was recruited as an athlete, and he has found a home as a defensive back and special teams contributor. As a gunner, Turner has blocked a punt, which was returned for a touchdown, and has six tackles and a fumble recovery.

No. 93: Sedrick Flowers, OL, Texas: Flowers has played in three games for the Longhorns, and he is expected to compete for a starting job next season. It won't be easy, though, as Texas will lose only three of its 18 linemen to graduation at the end of the year.

No. 101: Nathan Hughes, DE, Oklahoma: Hughes redshirted for the Sooners.

No. 103: Jordan Wade, DT, Oklahoma: Wade was academically cleared in October and will be in Norman, Okla., in January.

No. 119: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma: Phillips, who wasn't cleared to play until just before the start of the season, redshirted this year.

No. 124: Herschel Sims, RB, Oklahoma State: Sims played in eight games, and finished as the Cowboys' third-leading rusher with 242 yards and two touchdowns. He was also a standout on special teams.

No. 133: Leroy Scott, CB, Texas: Scott played in eight games, mostly special teams, and had 10 tackles and a blocked punt.

STILLWATER, Okla. -- Sometimes, this game is pretty simple. So far, Bedlam fits the bill. Oklahoma State is dominating.

All you need to do is glance at the stat sheet to see why the Cowboys lead, 10-0.

Brandon Weeden has completed 8 of 10 passes for 115 yards, and the Cowboys offense has been as sharp as ever. The running game is rolling too. Jeremy Smith and Joseph Randle have run for 53 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. Everything Oklahoma State has wanted to do offensively is working.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma has made moving the ball on Oklahoma State look pretty difficult. Landry Jones has completed just 9 of his 18 passes for 84 yards and an interception deep downfield in the end zone.

The running game? Nonexistent. Brandon Williams has three carries for nine yards and Trey Franks added four on an end around.

Analyze it all you want. This doesn't take much.

Oklahoma State has sprinted out front and the reasons are obvious.

We're rolling out our preseason poll this week with five teams each day.

Here's where the Big 12 teams checked in so far.

• No. 24: Missouri
• No. 22: Texas
• No. 9: Oklahoma State
• No. 8: Texas A&M

Our poll was put together based upon ballots submitted by 25 ESPN.com college football analysts, columnists and reporters, including yours truly.

Now that our poll is finished, I'll unveil my personal top 25 ballot on the blog.

Next up is Oklahoma at No. 1.

If you drew up a prototype for a preseason No. 1, you would throw a bunch of young guys in the deep end two years earlier and let them learn to swim. They would struggle to go 8-5, and a year later they would win the (Big 12) league. And now, just look at them -- a playmaker with 24 starts at quarterback (Landry Jones), an All-America wide receiver (Ryan Broyles) and a veteran offensive line. Throw in a true freshman tailback who can contribute immediately (Brandon Williams). On defense, give yourself seven returning starters built around a pair of ballhawking linebackers (Travis Lewis, Tony Jefferson). Schedule your toughest game early (at Florida State) and your toughest conference opponent (Texas A&M) at home. That's the prototype. That, this season, is Oklahoma.
-- Ivan Maisel, ESPN.com senior writer

The Big 12 has released its All-Big 12 preseason team as voted on by the media, including yours truly.

Here's my ballot, for reference.

And here's the preseason team, in all its glory.

OFFENSE

QB: Landry Jones, Oklahoma
RB: Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
RB: Bryce Brown, Kansas State
RB: Roy Finch, Oklahoma
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri
OL: Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
OL: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
C: Ben Habern, Oklahoma
OL: Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech
OL: Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

DEFENSE

DL: Brad Madison, Missouri
DL: Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
DL: Kheeston Randall, Texas
DL: Frank Alexander, Oklahoma
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State
LB: Keenan Robinson, Texas
DB: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
DB: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
DB: Blake Gideon, Texas
DB: Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

SPECIALISTS

K: Grant Ressel, Missouri
P: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
KR: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
PR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU

Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Newcomer of the Year: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas

Selections by team: Oklahoma (9), Oklahoma State (4), Texas A&M (4), Missouri (3), Texas (3), Iowa State (2), Kansas State (1), Texas Tech (1)

And a few thoughts:

• Generally, I agree with most of the selections. Nothing was really shocking. Brandon Weeden vs. Landry Jones is pretty close to a coin flip, and let's not act surprised that the quarterback from the bigger program got the nod. Perception is reality, even if the numbers are so, so close. Jones has the Heisman hype coming into the season, certainly more than Weeden, based on little more than the possibility his team runs the table.
• Running back is going to get a lot of attention, but let's not get riled up. This is going to sound bad, but believe me when I say I don't mean it to: Bryce Brown's selection is more an indictment of the returning talent at running back in the Big 12 than an endorsement of the hype surrounding Brown, who isn't even the clear-cut starter at K-State just yet. Here's what I wrote when I posted my ballot earlier this month. "The second running back spot is near impossible. Just about anyone might get it on the official vote when its revealed by the Big 12. You could realistically make a convincing case for James Sims, Eric Stephens, Joe Randle, Roy Finch and even newcomers like Malcolm Brown, Bryce Brown or Oklahoma's Brandon Williams. And that's the first team!" Well, there you go. For the record, I voted for Christine Michael, and still feel good about it.
• Finch and Brown tied for votes, giving the Big 12 three running backs. There weren't three spots on the ballot. And it also explains how Malcolm Brown got Newcomer of the Year and Bryce Brown got first-team All-Big 12 running back, despite both being newcomers. It's a little confusing, I suppose, and maybe not everyone did it, but my guess is a lot of ballots had Finch as the first-team running back and Malcolm Brown as the Newcomer of the Year. Not all that surprising.
• I originally had Luke Joeckel on my ballot, but took him off for Missouri's Elvis Fisher. I think Joeckel will end up being better, and maybe even by the end of this year, but right now, Fisher is the better lineman, and that's how I define the ballot. Perhaps others see it differently. There's no concrete rubric for this.
• I'm not very surprised to see Ronnell Lewis and Blake Gideon grab spots on the team, though I voted for Tony Jerod-Eddie and Trent Hunter in those spots on my ballot. Second safety and defensive line were pretty tough for me to fill out. Neither spot is very deep in this league, and both Lewis and Gideon have two of the biggest names, which matters in a media vote.
• Quite a huge gap between Oklahoma and the rest of the league. The Sooners had a lot of guys on my ballot that were close, but five more selections than anyone else in the league? That's impressive, and if ballot deadlines had been after Jamell Fleming's reinstatement, Oklahoma might have had 10 guys on the team. My ballot had Oklahoma State leading the way with seven selections, followed by Texas A&M with six and Oklahoma with five. My ballot also only had six teams represented. The media's Bryce Brown vote put Kansas State on the board, and Lonnie Edwards at Texas Tech made it eight teams represented on the official team.

The Big 12 asked for preseason All-Big 12 ballots this week in preparation for the team announcement, and here's what mine looked like.

The full team will probably be released some time before Big 12 media days on July 25-26 in Dallas.

OFFENSE

QB: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State
RB: Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
RB: Christine Michael, Texas A&M WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri
OL: Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State
OL: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
C: Grant Garner, Oklahoma State
OL: Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
OL: Elvis Fisher, Missouri

DEFENSE

DL: Brad Madison, Missouri
DL: Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M
DL: Kheeston Randall, Texas
DL: Frank Alexander, Oklahoma
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB: Jake Knott, Iowa State
LB: Keenan Robinson, Texas
DB: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
DB: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
DB: Trent Hunter, Texas A&M
DB: Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma

SPECIALISTS

K: Grant Ressel, Missouri
P: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
KR: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
PR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

AWARDS

Offensive Player of the Year: Justin Blackmon, WR, OSU

Defensive Player of the Year: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

Newcomer of the Year: Arthur Brown, LB, Kansas State

Selections by team: Oklahoma State (7), Texas A&M (6), Oklahoma (5), Missouri (4), Texas (2), Iowa State (2)

And a few thoughts:

• Before we get into this, let's talk philosophy for a bit. There's no concrete rubric for filling this ballot out, but my approach might be in the minority. This is not a prediction. I'm not a believer in that. That's what the postseason ballot is for, i.e., what actually happened. I'm not predicting anything. My ballot is a reflection of who I see as the best at the position entering the season. This comes into play at the very top of my ballot. Do I think Landry Jones will have a better 2011 than Brandon Weeden? Well yes, yes I do. But coming into the season, I thought Weeden was more impressive than Jones in 2010, if only just barely. For more explanation on this, head over here. I've discussed it at length several times. Check the Weeden or Jones player tags on the blog for even more discussion.
• Tallying up the team counts, I feel bad that only six teams are represented on my ballot, but I'm not trying to achieve balance. I'm trying to achieve a ballot with the best player at each position heading into the season. That's just how it shook out. I'm surprised no one from Baylor cracked my ballot, and Kansas State, Kansas and Texas Tech went without any first-teamers on my ballot.
• That said, a few guys who came close: Kansas running back James Sims, Texas Tech running back Eric Stephens, safety Cody Davis and Kansas State cornerback David Garrett. I nearly had Davis on my ballot, but narrowly went with Trent Hunter.
• On that subject, the biggest observation I had filling this out: The second running back spot is near impossible. Just about anyone might get it on the official vote when its revealed by the Big 12. You could realistically make a convincing case for Sims, Stephens, Joe Randle, Roy Finch and even newcomers like Malcolm Brown, Bryce Brown or Oklahoma's Brandon Williams. And that's the first team! Unbelievable. Rex Burkhead and Rodney Stewart...where are you? If NU and CU were still in the Big 12, I'd probably put Stewart in that spot.
• They're not, though. So, I went with Christine Michael. Why? Well, before Cyrus Gray went nuts last season, Michael was significantly better than Gray was. It was obvious. Then Michael broke his leg. Now, based on what I saw this spring and hear from summer workouts, he's back to full strength and even better. Can any other running back in the league say they were better than Cyrus Gray at any point? Much less last season? Absolutely not. So, I went with Michael. Heading into the season, he's the second-best back in the Big 12 when he's healthy. Consider, also: None of those other candidates have topped Michael's 844 yards in 2009 in any of their seasons, and Michael was probably on his way to a 1,000-yard season last year with 631 yards in just over seven games before the injury. So, not only is he what I believe to be the next-best back, he also has had the most impressive career.
• I wasn't a big fan of putting three tackles and one guard on my ballot, but I did it. Deal with it. Originally, I had Luke Joeckel of Texas A&M on my ballot, but switched him out with the experienced Elvis Fisher, whose career to this point has been more impressive to me. I think Joeckel will be better eventually, but Dave Matter of the Columbia Tribune chimed in on Twitter and reminded me of Joeckel's early season struggles, and I recalled just how dominant Fisher was against some of the best defensive ends around, specifically Iowa's Adrian Clayborn and Oklahoma's Frank Alexander. I'm a bit embarrassed I even considered Joeckel over Fisher, to be honest.
• I feel pretty good about my ability to evaluate tackles, but interior linemen? Not so much. There's a lot of other things to watch during live games. So when it comes to guards and centers, I tend to rely more on coaches' evaluations, guys who spend hours in the film room evaluating. Oklahoma State offensive line coach Joe Wickline isn't one to blow smoke, and he's one of the most respected position coaches in the league. He's also been incredulous this offseason that Grant Garner is criminally underrated at the conference level. So at a position that isn't very strong in the Big 12, I gave Garner the nod.
• Some of the Big 12's strongest positions? Linebacker and receiver, clearly, where there were big snubs. (i.e., Jeff Fuller, Shaun Lewis and Emmanuel Acho). Some of the weakest positions? Defensive line, where I had some trouble finding four guys I really felt deserved a spot.
• As for my newcomer of the year, Arthur Brown? Speed kills. K-State didn't have it last year. Brown does. He'll be great.
• A few minor beefs with no real solution: I'd like to see the Big 12's ballot more reflect the style of play in the league. Not many teams are running two-receiver sets and not many teams are putting three true linebackers on the field. I'd like to see an option for a third receiver on the ballot, either in a WR/TE flex slot or by eliminating one of the running back spots. Big 12 teams aren't putting two backs on the field too often. I'd also like to see a space for a nickel back. Do I think Tony Jefferson or Ahmad Dixon are one of the best linebackers or safeties in the league? No. But at their position, they probably will be by season's end. However, they might get left off all-conference teams because of the ballot's set up.

David Ubben talks about Big 12 newcomers who could make a splash in 2011.

Thanks for all the questions, everybody. Here's the link if yours didn't make it and you've got more to say/ask.

Barry in Victoria, Texas, asked: Come-on dude. Is this running back rating an inside joke or what. You put Ok at second with not one proven back? And then Texas has the #1 back recruited in Malcolm Brown and you rate them next to last? What the %$#@ did you use for rating?, your dart board? I am NOT saying Brown will nail everyone, but if anyone has a chance out-of-the-blocks its Brown. Now, if you were trying to say Ok's overall strength at offense, especially with its passing game, could open up the running plays, well thats something to think about. But, to rate the unproven backs against another unproven back, but an incoming man among boys, is just so much crap.

David Ubben: Unproven is in the eye of the beholder. Roy Finch looked pretty fantastic when he was healthy last year. Go back and watch some highlights of his runs against Missouri or Texas Tech or Iowa State and tell me that doesn't scream future star.

Brennan Clay is somewhat of a wild card, considering his injury and time away last year, but everything we heard about Brandon Williams was that he walked right in and looked like he belonged. That's extremely hard to do, especially at a program like Oklahoma. It also bodes well for his future. he's going to get a lot better as the season goes on next year.

Offensive line has a little bit to do with it, but Malcolm Brown hasn't taken part in a single practice yet. Maybe he's good, but Texas' top two backs going in have proven for three years that they're not guys anyone in the Big 12 is really scared of. If Brown is truly great, (and maybe he is, but we'll see), Texas will probably move up those rankings, but as it stands right now, I feel comfortable saying I'd take Williams and Finch over every running back on Texas' roster.

Kyle in Saginaw, Texas, asked: David, hey loved reading your blog since you took over the Big 12. Unfortunately our time together was cut short due to Nebraska and the Big 12's divorce. Just wondering, when do you think Nebraska will meet up with a Big 12 opponent again? Will it be in a bowl game this season? Perhaps a National Title Game against Oklahoma? Or would a National Title game against UT be even better? Once again it was nice knowing you, and good luck to the Big 12 in the future!

DU: I don't see it happening in the regular season for quite awhile. But the Big 12 has tie-ins with the Big Ten in bowl games, so they're bound to cross paths at some point.

Heads up for the Insight Bowl.

Willie in Poplar Bluff, Mo., asked: Do you see Missouri running the same style of offense they have the past few years with Franklin handling the snaps? Or do you see them level out the play calling a little bit with a few more run calls?! Maybe even a little option here and there with Franklin and the MU running back committee...Also what are your expectations of Franklin coming in with very little experience yet with an offense that has plenty of experience? Thanks DU, read the blog every day at work.

DU: It will change to some degree, but Missouri's offense is still going to be based around getting the ball to playmakers. I'd expect them to use the backs a little more this year because Franklin won't be as gifted a thrower or as advanced and cerebral of a quarterback as Gabbert was. You'll see Franklin run next year more than Gabbert did, I'm sure, but this isn't going to devolve back into Missouri's offense with Brad Smith at the helm.

As for my expectations, I think he'll be fine. He'll have a couple nightmare games, I'm sure, because that's what first-year starters do, but he'll be OK. He's not going to take down any of Chase Daniel's records, but over the course of his career, Missouri is going to have better teams than Daniel had (mostly on defense), so don't be surprised if Missouri wins a little more at the back end of his career.

Jared in Ames, Iowa, asked: You had a lot of stuff with Dan Beebe last week, but you never really said much about it. What did you think about his comments?

DU: I thought he mostly made a lot of sense.

The biggest plus we're going to see in the new Big 12 is the new rivalries and a league with fans that care more about more teams. He, and others who have mentioned it, are absolutely right to say the Big 12 had become a very segmented conference. No one in Iowa or Kansas or Missouri cared about Texas-Texas Tech or even Texas-Texas A&M.

And nobody in Texas or Oklahoma cared about Missouri-Kansas.

Now, in the new league, that team might be ahead or behind you in the standings, or it could much more easily impact you. Nobody's blowing smoke on that stuff. That's absolutely right.

As for the league branding itself as "different?" I'm not so sure about that. I don't quite see the point. Beebe argued that the true point of a conference was that everyone played everyone and the best team standing is the champion, i.e., a "true champion." I'd agree that's true, but branding your conference based around that?

It's not right or wrong, necessarily. It just seems like kind of a waste of time.

Expanding that branding to market the league as the only one that lets schools keep their media rights won't make sense if the league goes that route, either. That doesn't mean much to anyone outside of people who really like non-revenue sports.

But I absolutely buy all this talk that the league is more solid than ever. I doubted it last summer, but now I really think every program really looked around and weighed their options for the next 25 years, not the next three years, and picked to be in the spots they're in.

I still believe that if the Big Ten every became seriously interested in Missouri, it would leave, but I don't have any reason to believe that's going to happen any time soon.

Here's the next in our look at the Big 12 rankings by position: Running backs.

Last year's class was one of the best in recent history, but this year's class? Unassuming to begin the season. There are a few possible stars looming, but very, very little talent returning. Cyrus Gray ranked seventh in rushing yards last year (thanks to an insane finish), but he's the only player returning to the Big 12 from the conferences' top 10 rushers in 2010.

That's nuts.

The Aggies are the only team with a truly elite backfield tandem, though I could see Oklahoma and/or Oklahoma State joining that group by the end of the year.

The rest of the league? Every team has at least a couple of players to get excited about, and teams 5-10 are all pretty close. No one is really understaffed at the position, but obviously, they're fit to be ranked.

Here's where I have them:

1. Texas A&M

I wouldn't have been surprised if Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael were the Big 12's top leading returning rushers this year, but a midseason injury from Michael prevented it from happening. Regardless, his return gives Texas A&M by far the best tandem in the Big 12, and arguably the best in the country. When Mister Jones isn't cranking the Counting Crows on his stereo, he's a pretty good reserve, alongside Ben Malena, who impressed me on my visit to College Station this spring.

2. Oklahoma

Oklahoma will try and replace do-everything forever (or whatever) back DeMarco Murray with a platoon likely led by shifty Florida native Roy Finch. True freshman Brandon Williams made a big impact in spring camp, and Brennan Clay will likely earn a few touches, too. Health concerns raise questions about a pair of other OU backs' knees (Jermie Calhoun, Jonathan Miller), but walk-on Dominique Whaley led the team in rushing in the spring game.

3. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys have a great pair in sophomores Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith, and a nice set of backs to spell them if needed, too. Kye Staley, once a top-flight recruit, returned this spring after quitting the team following a severe knee injury, and might earn a few touches this spring. Also, Abilene, Texas, native and 2011 ESPNU 150 signee Herschel Sims arrives this fall and may jockey for time and the opportunity to shed a redshirt.

4. Missouri

What the Tigers lack in a truly elite back, they have in depth. Missouri has four backs who are all capable of being very good in the Big 12, even though neither of the four topped 600 yards a year ago. A big reason for that was none of the four got more than 100 carries, but with the carries they did get, every back averaged more than five yards per carry. The platoon approach works for Missouri, but senior De'Vion Moore and junior Kendial Lawrence will lead the way with sophomores Henry Josey and Marcus Murphy not far behind.

5. Kansas

Running back will be a strength for Kansas next year, who might have found a second back this spring that perfectly complements power runner James Sims, a rising sophomore who racked up 742 yards last year after not playing in the opener. Believe it or not, he's the Big 12's No. 2 returning rusher, behind A&M's Gray. Darrian Miller burst onto the scene this spring, and figures to be a big part of the team in the fall. I see him being the Jayhawks' biggest home-run threat. DeShaun Sands and Brandon Bourbon offer even more depth at the position.

6. Texas Tech

The Red Raiders lose backfield constant Baron Batch, but have a good group lined up for 2011. Tommy Tuberville's effort to establish a more efficient running game is a realistic possibility with Eric Stephens as the likely feature back, and Aaron Crawford, Ben McRoy and Harrison Jeffers in the mix. True freshman Ronnie Daniels' strong spring likely earned him some time, too, rather than a redshirt.

7. Baylor

Baylor loses a 1,200-yard rusher in Jay Finley, and figures to use a thunder-and-lightning approach with 6-foot, 240-pound bowling ball Terrance Ganaway and shifty, 5-foot-9, 205-pound Jarred Salubi. Glasco Martin, a more balanced back, may earn a few carries, too. Regardless of who has the ball, life is good for Baylor backs, who get a bit more room from defenses that are forced to respect Robert Griffin III's legs.

8. Kansas State

The Wildcats' top two rushers, including two-time league rushing champ Daniel Thomas, are gone. Hopes are high for Wichita native and former blue-chip back Bryce Brown, but he's still entrenched in a position battle with John Hubert and Robert Rose heading into fall camp.

9. Texas

Texas brings back a pair of seniors in Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson, but if the Longhorns are going to climb up this ladder by year's end (and they might) it's likely to be on the back of hyped incoming freshman Malcolm Brown, who is on campus and set to begin fall camp. D.J. Monroe might be the fastest player in the Big 12, but he'll have to master the nuances of pass blocking to get more than a few touches every game. Jeremy Hills can offer some depth at the position, too, after Tre Newton was forced to quit the game because of concussions.

10. Iowa State

Shontrelle Johnson showed some flash last year, but he still brings just 35 career carries into his 2011 effort to replace Alexander Robinson. Jeff Woody and James White offer a bit more depth, too. Florida native DeVondrick Nealy might get into the mix if he can put together a strong fall camp.

Thanks for all the mail, folks. Good stuff this week. If yours didn't make it, send a better question or a funnier comment my way.

Bud in Spicewood, Texas asked: Why is OU favored to win the Big XII by every one? A&M returns more starters AND beat OU last year pretty handily (2 TD's). I realize the game is in Norman but all good things come to an end at some point (just ask Terrelle Pryor). Also with Johnny Manziel's athletic ability I feel you have to get him on the field somewhere as a true freshman whether it's returning kicks/punts or as a slot receiver. What are your thoughts?

David Ubben: Lots of reasons. Above all else, Oklahoma has been there before and gotten it done. Call it what you want, but that's a big deal. It's been quite awhile since Texas A&M got over the hump. And sure, A&M beat Oklahoma, but Oklahoma also won 12 games to Texas A&M's nine, and played a much tougher schedule. Also, Oklahoma didn't get embarrassed by anyone on its home field like Texas A&M did. Count up returning starters all you want, but Oklahoma brings back the core of its team and the only big loss it might have trouble replacing is at safety, but there's plenty of potential there in Javon Harris and Aaron Colvin. I think both of those guys will be outstanding.

Sure, all good things come to an end, but Oklahoma's reign atop the Big 12 won't be one of them this year.

As for Manziel, I don't quite understand A&M fans' obsession with him. I talked about what the Aggies should do with him in my mailbag last week, but I swear, I get more e-mail about him than any other freshman or reserve quarterback in the league. It's uncanny. My mailbag is wondering who this "Malcolm Brown" guy is and is wondering when Manziel will win the Heisman. Any A&M fans care to explain?

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Rachel McCoy in An Undisclosed Location asks: Since Brandon Williams (#5 ESPN RB), went through Spring Ball at OU and since Malcolm Brown wont be in Austin till the fall, Colt andd I think there is a very good chance that Brandon could make a bigger splash than Brown? (Didn't hear it from me) What do you think? P.S. Call me!

DU: That's entirely possible. Oklahoma's practices are closed and the spring game isn't broadcast, so I haven't gotten to see Williams play with my own eyes, but everything I've heard is that he looks like a big-time back with a great balance of size and speed. I saw Brown play a couple times when his high school games were on TV, and he's definitely more of a power back. Unless he gets a lot faster, I don't see him as a big-play guy in this league. He's got a great feel for creases in the line and really good balance, but the top-end speed just isn't there.

The spring definitely helps Williams. He's got a lot tougher competition and a deeper group of backs, but if he can figure out the more complex parts of being a running back, namely pass protection, I could definitely see that happening.

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Jeremy in Fort Smith, Ark. asks: With possibly 4 teams good enough to be national title contenders next year, do you think the Big 12 could be football's best conference over the SEC?

DU: The first time I read this question, I thought no way. But then I sized up the leagues side by side at the top... and it's pretty possible. LSU and Alabama are stout, and legitimate national title contenders. Arkansas is a good team with a lot of upside, easily a top 15 team. We'll see about South Carolina, and Florida might get better under Will Muschamp. Mississippi State is solid, but their upside isn't high enough to do any better than the top 20 by the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the Big 12 has just one legitimate national title contender: Oklahoma. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M are good enough to make it happen, but they're going to have to get some good bounces to make it happen and the safe bet is both of them losing two games or so. Missouri is a good team that seems to be a bit polarizing in the preseason; ultimately James Franklin will decide how far it goes. Texas, well, I'm not betting on it, but the possibility is there for a return to the top 15-20. Baylor is a bit like Mississippi State. A good team not quite deep enough to be great. Texas Tech could sneak into the top 25 this year.

The SEC will rightfully begin the season as college football's best conference, but the idea of the Big 12 becoming the best this year is far from outlandish.

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Derek Williams in Dallas, Texas asks: What do you think will come of the recent comments by Colt McCoy's wife?

DU: I'll just say this: Right now, I don't think you can absolutely rule out anything on either side of the spectrum from "it's nothing" to "it's very much something." People inside and outside the program will be looking into it.

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Mike S. in Wichita, Kan. asks: Will you be picking up NCAA 12 on release date? If so, what's the new addition you're looking forward to the most?

DU: I've done so every year since 2002 with the exception of '07, when I had to wait a month because I was in Australia. I'll be making the run as always, though. The new addition I'm looking forward to the most is pretty obvious, isn't it? Create your own conference.

FInally, I'll be able to put Texas A&M in their rightful home: The SEC.

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Otis Eader in Texas asks: Ubbenator, Do you think there are any teams that will struggle with the new "taunting/ celebration" rule that was put into place by the NCAA? From what I understand, refs will be flagging players a lot easier this season than they did in the past.

DU: Nah, I don't think so. Guys get a reputation for being celebrators, but I don't think there are a lot of guys in this league who get carried away with it. Kenny Stills (Texas Tech) and Justin Blackmon (Alamo Bowl) probably have the biggest rep for celebrating in this league, but both of those celebrations weren't that crazy. Like Ryan Broyles did after his high-step against Texas Tech while getting blown out in 2009, I think they both probably learned a lesson from it. Stills got lit up by Bob Stoops when he got back to the sideline from jumping and spiking the ball between his legs. I remember seeing an interview with Broyles shortly after and he was said something to the effect of, "As soon as I saw it, I was like, 'Oh no, here we go.'" And there they did go.

As for Blackmon, the cut across the field against Arizona was the only time he really got carried away. I didn't really care, and in my book, any celebration that's entertaining is fantastic. I love the game because it's entertainment. As long as it's not directed at an opponent, I'd like to see players celebrate any way they want. I hate this new rule. I didn't see Gundy say a ton to Blackmon, at least on the TV broadcast, but he got ripped by a few in the media for it, and I'm sure he knows that celebration was on a tape of examples shown to NCAA officials as a touchdown that would be erased under the new rule.

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GTCat in Tonganoxie, Kan. asks: Do you find your job has changed much now that we're down to 10 teams? Do you find yourself just going more in depth to each team now, or is it not noticeable? I'm sure it will be more evident during the season when you have one less game to cover per week. I know one thing's for sure you probably at least have 10% less Husker mail now that they're out of the conference (they seem to still miss the friendly confines of the conference and your blog...funny thing is the feeling's not mutual for some reason).

DU: No, not really. It's pretty much the same. I enjoy messing around with you all, but I don't think losing two teams allows you to really go much more in-depth with the ones that remain. Nonconference game weeks should be a lot easier, though. You're dead on about that one.

As for the mail, if you think 10 percent is what I got from Nebraska fans, you're sorely mistaken. Try about 40 percent. Texas A&M fans have filled that void recently. They're the ones I hear from the most by far.

This new league should be fun. Nebraska will be missed, and anyone who says otherwise is kidding themselves. That doesn't mean the Big 12 can't be a great league, but it would be fun to have them around to be in it, too.

Yesterday, we offered a first look at the ESPNU 150 for 2012, but fans will have to wait eight months to see those players officially become future players, and over a year before any of them take the field.

But the wait will only be a couple of more months for the top recruits in the 2011 class. We took a brief look at this group on signing day to cap our review of the ESPNU 150's history, but a few have made headlines even since signing.

Since you won't have to wait long to see these guys, here's where each sits as they begin summer workouts at their respective campuses:

Texas (Seven signees)

• No. 7: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas -- The incessant hype has increased the intrigue for Brown, but we'll see what kind of impact he can make when he joins the Longhorns this fall.
• No. 21: Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas -- Diggs, the younger brother of NFL corner Quentin Jammer, made a big impact this spring with his instincts, and it wouldn't surprise anyone if he opened 2011 as a starter.
• No. 31: Desmond Jackson, DT, Texas -- The Longhorns are well stocked on the defensive line, but Jackson joins the team this fall.
• No. 55: Steve Edmond, LB, Texas -- Edmond will have a chance to learn from two good ones this year: Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho, both leaders on Texas' team.
• No. 87: Josh Turner, ATH, Texas -- One of the top players in Oklahoma, Turner kept his future position coach, Duane Akina, who came back to Texas after taking a job at Arizona this offseason.
• No. 93: Sedrick Flowers, OG, Texas -- Flowers, meanwhile, will have a new coach in Stacy Searels when he arrives to campus. The Longhorns' coaching shake-up cost them just one commit, OT Christian Westerman, an Arizona native who signed with Auburn.
• No. 133: Leroy Scott, CB, Texas -- Like Turner, Scott will try to become the next great at Texas, where Akina has turned the program into DBU.

Oklahoma (six signees)

• No. 35: Brandon Williams, RB, Oklahoma -- Williams was the nation's No. 5 running back, and turned heads after he enrolled early this spring. He's already a likely contributor in the Sooners' rotation, alongside Roy Finch and Brennan Clay.
• No. 51: Trey Metoyer, WR, Oklahoma -- Metoyer hasn't officially qualified yet, but could add more depth to Oklahoma's receiving corps, among the best in the nation.
• No. 64: Danzel Williams, ATH, Oklahoma -- Williams is expected to play running back when he starts camp this fall.
• No. 101: Nathan Hughes, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 103: Jordan Wade, DT, Oklahoma
• No. 119: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma -- Hughes, Wade and Phillips should give Oklahoma some solid depth on the defensive line in the future.

Oklahoma State (one signee)

• No. 124: Herschel Sims, RB, Oklahoma State -- Sims was the Cowboys' lone ESPNU 150 signee, but he'll join a crowded backfield behind Jeremy Smith and Joseph Randle when he arrives this fall.

College football pundit Phil Steele has released his All-Big 12 team, and on the first and second teams, you'll see plenty of names you recognize.

Oklahoma's Landry Jones snagged the first-team quarterback honors, joining the league's three top receivers, Justin Blackmon of Oklahoma State, Ryan Broyles of Oklahoma and Jeff Fuller at Texas A&M.

Broyles and A&M cornerback Coryell Judie even appear on the first team twice, as punt and kick returners, respectively.

But the story of Steel's team is no doubt his confidence in a handful of unknowns, headlined by Texas incoming freshman Malcolm Brown grabbing a first-team spot at running back.

Brown, the nation's No. 2 running back in the 2011 class and No. 7 overall prospect, is expected to arrive on campus next month.

His spot seems reminiscent of North Carolina basketball player Harrison Barnes, the first freshman to be named a preseason All-American since 1986.

As Texas struggled to run the ball last season, failing to have a 600-yard rusher for the third consecutive year, Brown's commitment was welcome news. The Longhorns' 5-7 season placed even more hopes on Brown, who will compete with Fozzy Whittaker and Cody Johnson for carries once fall camp begins.

The uncertainty of the depth chart, which currently resembles an amorphous blob, will help Brown make it on the field, but he's apparently earned Steele's confidence.

He's not the only one.

Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown, a Miami transfer who made waves this spring, cracks Steele's first team, too, despite not playing a snap of Big 12 football. His brother, Wildcats running back Bryce Brown, made the second team without playing a down in the Big 12, too.

Oklahoma safety Aaron Colvin, who spent last season as a backup cornerback, is on Steele's second team. Sooners freshman running back Brandon Williams enrolled early and also has never played, but made the second team.

All of those players should have an opportunity to make an impact, and Steele believes they'll all take advantage. Looking back at Steele's preseason team last year, he didn't always take these kinds of chances.

Missouri tight end Andrew Jones was the only player on the first team before last season that would have drawn a gasp, and his teammate, Michael Egnew, ended up being a finalist for the Mackey Award as college football's best tight end.

Last year's preseason team didn't have a single newcomer or freshman on the top two teams, but could the Big 12 be chock full of new faces this time around?

I'd say about half of those players make the postseason All-Big 12 teams, but Steele sees big seasons in store for players that you ought to know before September.

Here's the first team (notoriously potent offenses and stingy defenses, thanks to 12-man sides) in its entirety:

OFFENSE

QB: Landry Jones, Oklahoma
RB: Cyrus Gray, Texas A&M
RB: Malcolm Brown, Texas
WR: Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
WR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma
WR: Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M
TE: Michael Egnew, Missouri
C: Ben Habern, Oklahoma
G: Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech
G: Lane Taylor, Oklahoma State
T: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State
T: Levy Adcock, Oklahoma State

DEFENSE

DE: Ronnell Lewis, Oklahoma
DT: Kheeston Randall, Texas
DT: Tony Jerod-Eddie, Texas A&M
DE: Brad Madison, Missouri
LB: Arthur Brown, Kansas State
LB: Keenan Robinson, Texas
LB: Travis Lewis, Oklahoma
LB: Zaviar Gooden, Missouri
CB: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
CB: Demontre Hurst, Oklahoma
S: Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
S: Blake Gideon, Texas

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Grant Ressel, Missouri
P: Quinn Sharp, Oklahoma State
KR: Coryell Judie, Texas A&M
PR: Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

Here's how many players each program had on the Steele's All-Big 12 first-fourth teams combined:

1. Texas A&M - 19
2. Oklahoma - 16
3. Missouri - 11
3. Oklahoma State - 11
3. Texas - 11
6. Baylor - 7
7. Kansas State - 6
8. Iowa State - 5
8. Kansas - 5
8. Texas Tech - 5

I've done it. You've done it.

"Hey, is that guy still around?"

Even with two fewer teams, it's hard to keep track. Our next series, which we did last year, too, takes a look at two key players for every team in the league that are taking their talents elsewhere, returning to campus, or arriving to try and write a legacy of their own.

So really, this series isn't so much for the fans of the teams in the posts, but more for everyone else. It wouldn't be a bad idea to bookmark this series.

Next up: Oklahoma

Going:

Jeremy Beal, DE

Beal will go down as one of the greatest Sooners ever, after notching 28 sacks in his final three seasons and establishing himself as one of the program's great pass rushers. He appeared in 54 games and started 43 in his four-year career, earning All-American honors as a Hendricks Award finalist in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 267-pounder was drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos.

DeMarco Murray, RB

Murray's 13-year Sooner career (we kid, but seriously, he and Beal have been around forever) finished with his name atop the storied Oklahoma record books for the career touchdowns (64) and career all-purpose yardage (6,498 yards). Throughout his career, Murray earned a reputation as an injury-prone back, but the 6-foot-1, 207-pounder played in 50 of 55 games for the Sooners, including 26 of 27 in his final two years on campus, missing only a road win over Kansas with a sprained ankle. Murray was drafted in the third round by the Dallas Cowboys, and looks likely to be replaced by a committee of running backs.

Staying:

Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles, QB and WR

The past two seasons, this has been one of the best pass-catch combos in college football. Broyles has 220 catches for 2,742 yards in the past two seasons, despite missing two games and nearly all of two others in 2009 with a fractured shoulder blade. In 2010, Jones made big strides as a passer, finding a second target opposite Broyles, Kenny Stills, and a host of other young receivers on the way to 4,718 yards and 38 touchdowns, both significantly more than any other passer in the Big 12.

Travis Lewis, LB

Lewis, like Beal and Broyles, will have four years in the spotlight after next year. Lewis has 360 tackles in three seasons, and enters 2011 as the likely favorite for the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-2, 233-pounder is one of the league's best run-stopping linebackers and the leader of the Sooners defense. The San Antonio native earned a reputation as one of the league's biggest trash talkers over the past season, but when you back it up on the field like Lewis does, it remains safely on the side of entertainment, rather than annoyance.

Coming:

Brandon Williams, RB

Williams is likely to be a big part of the running back platoon that replaces Murray. He enrolled early and made an immediate impact, sliding into a rotation along with Roy Finch and Brennan Clay at the top of the depth chart. The 5-foot-11, 189-pounder is a good balance of size and speed and came to Oklahoma as the nation's No. 7 running back.

Trey Metoyer, WR

Metoyer hasn't officially qualified yet, but if he does and makes it to campus this fall, he should give an already solid Oklahoma receiving corps a big boost. The Whitehouse, Texas, native was the nation's No. 8 receiver and at 6-foot-2, 194 pounds, could offer a big-time threat as he matures. Oklahoma already has Broyles and Stills, as well as Trey Franks and Dejuan Miller, but redshirt freshman Justin McCay, last year's top recruit, and Metoyer could make the unit even deeper.

Click here for more from The Revolving Door.

Major revelations around the league are usually reserved for the fall, but we learned plenty during an eventful spring across the slimmed-down Big 12.

Here are five takeaways from the spring:

1. Texas has a lot of work to do. There's definitely a renewed sense of purpose in Austin, but rebuilding after a 5-7 season in 2010 won't happen overnight. The Longhorns brought in a handful of new coaches, but the offensive personnel is still mostly the same, and that could mean another year without a Big 12 title contender. Mack Brown knows the truth about the Big 12 as much as anyone: A team can't win it without putting up a ton of points.

2. One quarterback competition settled. Most remain. Seth Doege all but locked down the starting spot at Texas Tech, but other than him, it's a lot of guessing elsewhere. Missouri's James Franklin and Kansas State's Collin Klein left their springs atop the depth chart after strong spring games, but they're far from locks to start the season. Meanwhile, Texas, Iowa State and Kansas each have multiple players vying for the starting job.

3. Yes, the Big 12 has a national title contender. Oklahoma had some distractions entering the spring, but it did a nice job of eliminating question marks and discovering young talent. Gabe Lynn assumed Jamell Fleming's spot at cornerback, and Aaron Colvin drew rave reviews as a safety. The Sooners converted tight end Lane Johnson to help replace injured right tackle Jarvis Jones and add some depth. Running back Brandon Williams and linebacker Corey Nelson could be big names very soon, too.

4. They're doing things differently in Stillwater. Dana Holgorsen is gone, and the Cowboys brought in Todd Monken, most recently the receivers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. But they didn't bring him in to install his system. He's learning Holgorsen's offense from coach Mike Gundy and his quarterback, Brandon Weeden. It's a unique approach; we'll see whether it pays off in the fall.

5. Long road ahead for the former Big 12 North. Things have gotten tougher for teams from the Big 12 North with the league's new scheduling format. Rarely did teams see Texas and Oklahoma every season, and sometimes they dodged both. No longer. Everyone from the North will see the South's traditional powers every year. The power is clearly leaning toward the South. The bottom three teams in the Big 12 entering next season are all from the former Big 12 North. It could be tough for them to climb with an even tougher schedule.