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Tuesday, we identified the three defenses who need the most improvement in 2010. Wednesday, we'll see who will have the easiest time doing it.

Roads to recovery

1. Texas A&M

The Aggies have by far the most talent returning of the three teams, but they'll have to make it work in new coordinator Tim DeRuyter's 3-4 scheme to get better. Von Miller has to be the key to the pass rush once again, nose tackle Lucas Patterson will have to muck up opponents' running games and Trent Hunter will have to be everywhere in the secondary for the Aggies to see real success. No amount of offense will offset the defense if it struggles like it did last season. If Texas A&M can find some more solid players around those three, it should get better. Look for defensive back Lionel Smith to make an impact early.

2. Baylor

We've talked about Baylor's competition in the secondary this spring that will only intensify in the fall, but it still has to replace linebackers Antonio Jones and Joe Pawelek, along with defensive lineman Jason Lamb. I probably would have pointed to Baylor as the most "talented" of these three teams in 2009, but it lost most of that talent. Four of its top five tacklers from last year's team graduated. Bouncing back will prove difficult, and if the Bears do it well enough to claw into a bowl game, Art Briles' legend in the Lone Star State will only grow.

3. Kansas

Senior defensive lineman Jake Laptad is probably the only Jayhawk defender with a chance to make a preseason All-Big 12 team. Kansas' linebackers will probably be one of the team's quiet strengths, and perhaps its deepest position. Defensive coordinator Carl Torbush said his backers wowed him in spring practice, even without the team's leading tackler, Drew Dudley. Justin Springer, Huldon Tharp and Steven Johnson are among a handful that will battle in two-a-days for playing time in Turner Gill's first season in Lawrence. But like Baylor, Kansas lost talent like Darrell Stuckey and Justin Thornton from a defense that still struggled last season.

2009 overall record: 4-8

2009 conference record: 1-7

Returning starters: Offense (6), Defense (6) P/K (2)

Top returners: QB Robert Griffin III, WR Kendall Wright, RB Jay Finley, OT Danny Watkins, LB Antonio Johnson, DT Phil Taylor, P Derek Epperson

Key losses: C J.D. Walton, WR David Gettis, LB Antonio Jones, LB Joe Pawelek, S Jordan Lake, DL Jason Lamb

2009 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Jay Finley* (370 yards)

Passing: Nick Florence* (1,786 yards)

Receiving: Kendall Wright* (740 yards)

Tackles: Joe Pawelek (109)

Sacks: Tracy Robertson*, Jason Lamb (3)

Interceptions: Chance Casey* (2)

Three spring answers

1. The return of RG3. He does still exist. And though he was only a partial participant in spring practice, fans got to see him back on the field for the first time since September. Griffin unsuccessfully campaigned with Baylor coach Art Briles to let him play in the spring game, but says he’s about 80-90 percent recovered from knee surgery.

2. Deeper and deeper. Briles finally feels like his team has a quality two-deep full of players who won’t have a significant dropoff if forced into action. It’s something he didn’t have in the team’s first two seasons under Briles, and now his focus shifts to becoming as deep as some of the teams who routinely finish above them in the Big 12 South.

3. Patching together the O-Line. Baylor is replacing All-American J.D. Walton, among others on the offensive line, and the spring was the first step to filling those holes. Briles says offensive tackle Danny Watkins could be one of the best in the conference, and juco transfer Robert T. Griffin will compete for time at guard in the fall after recovering from shoulder surgery in the middle of this spring.

Three fall questions

1. Is Robert Griffin really back? He’ll be back on the field, but will he be the same Griffin? There isn’t a lot of reason to think he won’t be, but you never know until he takes the field. Whether it’s in his mind or in his legs and arms, a layoff from live action for almost a year could be tough to come back from.

2. Competition in the secondary? Baylor brings in two talented recruits in Prince Kent and Ahmad Dixon in the secondary, along with a few others, but the Bears have three seniors and sophomore Chance Casey leaving the spring with starting positions. The fall camp could play host to heated competition from the talented youngsters.

3. Bowl-bound Bears? This season, not unlike the last, begins with plenty of optimism and legitimate hopes of reaching the program’s first bowl game since 1994. By turning down Texas Tech in the offseason, Briles re-affirmed his commitment to doing it, and he’ll get a chance to prove it when the season arrives.

Here's a look at Baylor's 2010 recruiting class.

Baylor Bears

Total class: 25

ESPNU 150: 1

By position: WR 4, DE 3, OT 3, CB 3, LB 2, DT 2, QB 2, G 2, S 2, ATH 1, RB 1

By state: Texas 20, Oklahoma 2, California 1, Florida 1, Georgia 1

Already enrolled in school: 4

The big ones: S Ahmad Dixon: The nation’s No. 3 safety is the best defensive recruit ever attracted by Art Briles. CB Prince Kent: Prep school transfer is formerly No. 5 national cornerback before spending season at Hargrave Military Academy.

Sleeper: LB Bryce Hager: Son of former Texas LB Britt Hager turned down a chance to walk on for the Longhorns to accept a scholarship offer from the Bears.

Needs met: The Bears added five defensive linemen after losing starters Jason Lamb and Trey Bryant and having Phil Taylor and Earl Patin enter their senior season. They added five players, including Dixon and Kent, in the secondary where they lost starters Jordan Lake and Jeremy Williams. And they added quarterbacks Bryce Petty and Tyrell Jenkins despite having Robert Griffin apparently for three more seasons.

Analysis: This was the best talent haul in Art Briles’ coaching tenure and arguably the best in the Bears’ Big 12 history. A massive infusion of help in the secondary should enable the Bears to better stand up against the passing barrage in the Big 12. The Bears added some much-needed depth in the trenches. The most important factor in getting the Bears into Big 12 contention will be Robert Griffin’s health. Adding the bigger second version of Robert Griffin to the program as an offensive lineman should help that in the future.

What Art Briles said: “Last year’s recruiting class was kind of about the offensive line and the receivers. This year the strength of the class is definitely the defense. Top to bottom this is a class that really fills a lot of needs for us. We feel real good about the way that the numbers fell for us this year.

Scouts Inc. grade/rankings: C-plus, sixth in Big 12.

Here's a look at what each of the South Division teams need to address in terms of recruiting with signing day fast approaching.

Baylor

Defensive line: After losing starters Jason Lamb and Trey Bryant and having Phil Taylor and Earl Patin entering their senior seasons, the Bears need to add immediate depth. Xavier Ruben and Anthony Gonzales will help shore up the deficiencies and the Bears still are in the hunt for top prospects like Carlos Thompson and Byran Jones.

Secondary: Starters Jordan Lake and Jeremy Williams have graduated and four juniors in the two-deep roster will start their senior seasons. Coach Art Briles has already lured surprising strength in the defensive backfield with Ahmad Dixon, Tyler Stephenson and Prince Kent. That trio makes it one of the finest positional groupings for Baylor in recent history.

Robert Griffin’s redshirt season has lessened the immediate need at quarterback: With Griffin now having three years of eligibility remaining, recruits now see only a two-season window to play. But another Robert Griffin should help the Bears as well. Baylor coaches see the other Griffin, a junior college transfer from Coriscana Junior College, being able to contend for the starting position at right tackle from his first day in the program.

Oklahoma

Running back: With Chris Brown graduating and DeMarco Murray entering his senior season, the Sooners need some producers at the position. Bob Stoops has never hesitated to playing top freshman players in the past if they can help. Don’t be surprised if top recruits like Brennan Clay and Roy Finch get an early chance in 2010 with the Sooners.

Receiver: Ryan Broyles is entrenched in the slot, but the Sooners are looking all over for pass catchers who can challenge existing players. Recruits Kenny Stills, Joe Powell, Julian Wilson and Sheldon McClain all should challenge this summer to battle their way into the rotation.

Defensive tackle: Injuries and NFL declarations have riddled the Sooners’ depth at the postion. Gerald McCoy will leave early for the NFL draft with JaMarkus McFarland ready to take over. Adrian Taylor was set at the other position, but his nasty ankle injury sustained in the Sun Bowl has depleted the Sooners’ depth. Redshirt sophomore Casey Walker and four incoming freshmen are all that is in place as far as depth at the critical position.

Oklahoma State

Offensive line: The Cowboys lose four senior starting offensive linemen from the Cotton Bowl team, including the left side of their offensive line in tackle Russell Okung, guard Noah Franklin and center Andrew Lewis, as well as right tackle Brady Bond. Mike Gundy needs some immediate help at the position, both from existing players and incoming ones.

Defensive tackle: Starters Swanson Miller and Derek Burton both will graduate and top backups Shane Jarka and Chris Donaldson both will be senior this season. Defensive coordinator Bill Young needs to find some defensive linemen who can challenge for playing next season.

Linebackers: Young also will have to rebuild this group after the underrated group of Andre Sexton, Donald Booker and Patrick Lavine helped sparked the Cowboys’ surprising defensive growth last season. All will be gone this season, putting pressure to add some more contributors to add to the returning mix of players including James Thomas, Tolu Moala and Justin Gent.

Texas

Defensive end: With Sergio Kindle graduating and Sam Acho and Eddie Jones both entering their senior season, the Longhorns need a talent boost here. It also just happens to be the position where top target Jackson Jeffcoat would immediately fill the rather sizable hole.

The left side of the offensive line: Tackle Adam Ulatoski, guard Charlie Tanner and center Chris Hall combined for 114 starts during their careers.The Longhorns has some strong arriving talent, but they’ll still miss the leadership and savvy that this trio provided over the years.

Quarterback: Even with Garrett Gilbert seemingly entrenched as the Longhorns’ quarterback of the future, the Longhorns added depth with the commitments of Connor Wood and Colt’s little brother Case McCoy. It will make for some interesting competition this spring and fall as the rotation sorts itself out.

Texas A&M

Defensive end: The Aggies received a huge boost when Von Miller announced he would return for his senior season, but A&M needs to prepare for his departure -- particularly after losing starting defensive end Matt Moss and Miller’s backup Matt Featherston as departing seniors from 2009.

Tight end: Starter Jamie McCoy graduated and top replacements Kenny Brown and Craig Raschke both will be seniors next season. Adding at least one player would be beneficial as the Aggie coaches hope they can find a combination blocker/receiving threat at the position like McCoy was.

Offensive tackle: The Aggies lose bookend senior starters Michael Shumard and Lee Grimes. They do have Stephen Barrera and Danny Baker in the depth chart but would like more depth to help the line develop.

Texas Tech

Defensive line: The Red Raiders’ biggest need is at defensive end where all three players in the two-deep roster -- Brandon Sharpe, Ra’Jon Henley and Daniel Howard were seniors. At defensive tackle, Richard Jones departs as a senior and Colby Whitlock will be a senior next season. New coordinator James Willis needs to find some productive players in the trenches quickly.

Linebackers: Starters Bront Bird and Brian Duncan will be back as seniors next season, but Tech loses departing starter Marlon Williams on the other side. They need some depth to help build for the future at the position.

Quarterback: Taylor Potts and Steven Sheffield will wage one of the closest-watched battles for playing time in the nation during the spring and summer. But both will be seniors, meaning the Red Raiders need to prepare for their departure by grooming some young talent like Scotty Young, a recent commitment at the position.

To go along with our look at the past decade in the Big 12, I'll also be releasing my own all-decade team for each Big 12 school.

I'll do four each day, starting with Baylor.

Along with my all-decade team, I'll also pick an offensive and defensive player of the decade, the top coach and the most memorable moment for each Big 12 school.

First will be Baylor.

OFFENSE:

QB: Robert Griffin

RB: Rashad Armstrong

RB: Brandon Whitaker

WR: Dominque Ziegler

WR: Kendall Wright

WR: Reggie Newhouse

OL: Jason Smith

OL: Don Gay

OL: Greg Jerman

OL: Will Blaylock

C: J.D. Walton

DEFENSE:

DL: Khari Long

DL: Jason Lamb

DL: Marcus Foreman

DL: Ethan Kelly

LB: Joe Pawelek

LB: John Garrett

LB: A.C. Collier

DB: Jordan Lake

DB: Willie Andrews

DB: Gary Baxter

DB: C.J. Wilson

P: Daniel Sepulveda

K: Ryan Havens

KR: Robert Quiroga

Offensive player of the decade: Robert Griffin. Spectacular player who won the award with barely a season of production.

Defensive player of the decade: Joe Pawelek. Most consistent Baylor defensive player of his era.

Coach of the decade: Art Briles. Had the Bears pointed to their first bowl game before Griffin's 2009 injury. He'll break that streak before too long.

Moment of the decade: Shawn Bell's overtime touchdown pass and dramatic two-point pass to Dominique Ziegler led the Bears to a wild 35-34 victory over Texas A&M in 2004, snapping an 18-game winless streak to the Aggies.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Fifteen Big 12 players, including quarterbacks Sam Bradford of Oklahoma and Todd Reesing of Kansas, were selected Thursday on the 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District team.

The Big 12 area includes two districts with South teams in District 6 and North teams in District 7.

Players who were selected to the first team will be placed on the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.

Here's the list of players who were selected.

Big 12 players on 2009 CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District teams DISTRICT 6 FIRST TEAM Pos. Name School Yr. Hometown GPA Major QB Sam Bradford Oklahoma Jr. Oklahoma City, Okla. 3.94 Finance WR Alex Torres Texas Tech So. El Paso, Texas 3.34 Business OL Will Harvey Texas Sr. Houston, Texas 3.52 Finance OL Adam Ulatoski Texas Gr. Southlake, Texas 3.53 Corp. Comm. (BA); Adv. (MA) DB Cody Davis Texas Tech So. Stephenville, Texas 3.61 Business LB Joe Pawelek Baylor Sr. San Antonio, Texas 3.71 Finance / economics DL Sam Acho Texas Jr. Dallas, Texas 3.62 Honors business DL Jason Lamb Baylor Sr. Richardson, Texas 3.33 Mgmt / HR mgmt. P Derek Epperson Baylor Jr. Southlake, Texas 3.47 Management / MIS DISTRICT 7 FIRST TEAM Pos. Name School Yr. Hometown GPA Major QB Todd Reesing Kansas Sr. Austin, Texas 3.64 Finance & economics TE Jeron Mastrud Kansas State Sr. Beaverton, Ore. 3.81 Management OL Kurtis Gregory Missouri Gr. Blackburn, Mo. 3.48 Agriculture OL Nate Solder Colorado Jr. Buena Vista, Colo. 3.45 Biology DB Austin Cassidy Nebraska So. Lincoln, Neb. 3.84 Psychology LB Drew Dudley Kansas Jr. College Station, Texas 3.67 Civil engineering

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

1. Texas: The Longhorns took the weekend off to prepare for Colorado. The break almost came at a bad time for Texas, considering their performance against UTEP last week. And after the Miners’ stunning upset over Houston Saturday night, how good does Texas’ beatdown victory over the Miners look now?

2. Oklahoma State: After a week off, the Cowboys will travel to Texas A&M this weekend. The break was good for Mike Gundy’s team as it gave key players like Dez Bryant, Perrish Cox, Kendall Hunter and Jeremiah Price a week to heal. But the Cowboys might have received another injury concern when learning emerging freshman running back Jeremy Smith could be undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

3. Kansas: Maybe the Jayhawks’ victory over Southern Mississippi doesn’t look as attractive today, after the Golden Eagles’ loss at UAB. But Kansas still heads into Big 12 play heavy with momentum after the week off. The Cyclones have a score to settle with Iowa State after the Cyclones’ near-upset last season at Ames. Figure that Kansas will be focused for this one back home.

4. Nebraska: Coach Bo Pelini begins Big 12 play with one of his toughest Big 12 games first as the Cornhuskers travel to Missouri on Thursday to start conference play -- a place where they haven’t won since 2001. The Cornhuskers’ defense has been emerging in recent weeks and will be the key for their effort on Thursday night. And, yes, the Cornhuskers might have a score to settle with new Missouri quarterback -- and former Nebraska commit -- Blaine Gabbert.

5. Oklahoma: The Sooners dropped their second one-point decision of the season, struggling without much offensive firepower when Ryan Broyles joined Jermaine Gresham and Sam Bradford on the sideline. And that lack of productivity finally bit them when the Sooner defense finally wore down late against Miami, allowing the Hurricanes to kill the clock. Bob Stoops has always excelled when his back was against wall and facing big challenges. He might be facing the biggest test of his 11-season coaching career with the Sooners in the next few weeks.

6. Missouri: The Tigers have been the biggest early surprise in the conference and take a big step forward into North title contention with a victory over Nebraska. A win would continue their recent mastery over the Cornhuskers and prove their 4-0 start was no fluke. One particular key will be running the ball against the Cornhuskers, keeping Gabbert out of long-yardage situations against Nebraska’s fearsome pass rush.

7. Texas Tech: Mike Leach might be facing a rarity as Taylor Potts attempts to overcome a concussion that idled him for much of Saturday’s victory over New Mexico. Steven Sheffield immediately juiced the Red Raider offense, scoring on his first four possessions. But as the Red Raiders get ready for Kansas State, Leach has to be concerned about Tech’s five turnovers vs. New Mexico and the five sacks allowed after yielding only six in the first three games. Tech’s defense has some improvement as well after allowing New Mexico to produce its season-high in passing and total yards last week.

8. Baylor: Impressive relief performances by Nick Florence and Jarred Salubi enabled the Bears to finish off a 3-1 nonconference record. It won’t get any easier as Baylor travels to wounded Oklahoma for its conference opener. The defense remains a concern after Kent State rolled up season-best totals of 424 total yards and 259 passing yards. But Baylor’s special teams came up big with three blocked kicks -- two by Jason Lamb and one by Phil Taylor.

9. Kansas State: Bill Snyder had a trick up his sleeve and pulled it by using transfer Grant Gregory as his starter. Gregory responded with a strong night (206 passing yards, two TD passes, one TD run) to direct a comeback that produced the tight victory over Iowa State. The triumph helps Kansas State claim its first conference game for only the second time in the past nine seasons. And KSU’s victory was preserved by a blocked extra point with 36 seconds left by Emmanuel Lamur -- Kansas State’s 36th blocked kick since 2002.

10. Iowa State: The Cyclones had their chances before a disappointing loss to Kansas State that was settled on a blocked extra point in the last minute. The Cyclones played well at times without leading offensive threat Alexander Robinson, but were done in by too many defensive mistakes in critical situations and a lack of offensive rhythm. Three fourth-quarter three-and-outs on offense and two fumbles were simply too much for the Cyclones to overcome.

11. Texas A&M: After a fast start, the Aggies were exposed down the stretch by a faster and more talented Arkansas team to provide for their first loss of the season. It looked like 2008 all over again as the Aggies struggled to protect Jerrod Johnson. And after dominating early against Arkansas, Von Miller and the Aggies’ pass rush disappeared for most of the game. Those struggles mean that Mike Sherman has his work cut out as he starts facing even stronger teams in the Big 12 South.

12. Colorado: It won’t get any easier for Colorado as the Buffaloes face Texas and Kansas the next two weeks after their disappointing 1-3 record in nonconference play. They showed flashes at West Virginia, but were undone by the same problems that have vexed them all season. Their lack of productivity and defensive struggles are best indicated in this statistic: Colorado has produced only two plays of 40 or more yards in the first four games of the season, compared to allowing 11 plays of 40 yards or more on defense.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

This will be the last weekend until the bowls that Big 12 teams will be able to build a little national respect in a majority of nonconference games.

Texas A&M and Oklahoma hope to carry the conference's banner in their games Saturday night with a little more success than Colorado was able to muster last night.

Here are a few links to get you ready for all of the upcoming games.

• The Dallas Morning News’ Chuck Carlton details why Texas A&M is relying on so many freshman players this season.
• The Oklahoman’s Berry Tramel writes that Oklahoma’s defense will be the key factor in the Sooners’ game Saturday night at Miami.
• Missed opportunities doomed Colorado’s hopes of stealing an upset victory at West Virginia Thursday night, the Boulder Daily Camera’s Neill Woelk writes.
• The Lincoln Journal Star’s Steve Sipple opines that Nebraska has a psychological edge over Missouri heading into their conference opener next Thursday night.
• The Kansas City Star’s Kellis Robinett writes about Kansas State’s attention to developing its special teams.
• The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal’s Don Williams writes that Taylor Potts’ early struggles aren’t that unusual compared with Mike Leach’s previous quarterbacks.
• The Waco Tribune-Herald’s John Werner profiles Baylor senior defensive lineman Jason Lamb.
• Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn tells the Boulder Daily Camera’s Kyle Ringo he’s exploring a naming-rights deal at Folsom Field that he hopes will provide millions to the cash-strapped athletic department.
• The Kansas City Star's Blair Kerkhoff details Iowa-bred Paul Rhoads' steps to restore the Iowa State program.
• The Austin American-Statesman’s Suzanne Halliburton analyzes Texas' progress after the Longhorns’ first four games of the season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Sometimes the spring provides a chance for personnel holes to be filled. Sometimes it doesn't.

Here are some of the notable positions around the Big 12 that picked up some assistance during the spring.

Baylor: The quick development of defensive tackle Phil Taylor, a heralded transfer from Penn State, should turn a traditional position of weakness for the Bears into a strength. Joining him at the position will be Jason Lamb, who showed some promise after moving over from defensive end before spring practice.

Colorado: The emergence of hulking 260-pound middle linebacker Marcus Burton and B.J. Beatty at outside linebacker have helped transform the Buffaloes' defense. Burton led the team in tackles and was a prime playmaker in the spring game with eight tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. He had eight tackles in 10 games last season.

Iowa State: Redshirt freshman quarterback Jerome Tiller outplayed starter Austen Arnaud in the spring game, passing for 210 yards and getting free for a 65-yard touchdown run. I'm not sure that Tiller will be starting come September, but he'll make Arnaud work harder to earn his job.

Kansas: The Jayhawks had questions in the defensive line before the spring, even with the return of all-Big 12 honorable mention selections Caleb Blakesley and Jake Laptad and late season starting defensive tackles Richard Johnson and Jamal Greene. The development of tackle Darius Parish and end Max Onyegbule should add to the depth. And that doesn't even account for the arrival of heralded junior college transfer Quintin Woods, who originally signed with Michigan out of high school before heading to Bakersfield (Cal.) Community College to get his grades in order.

Kansas State: The emergence of linebackers like Alex Hrebec, Ulla Pomele and John Houlik has helped turn the position into the strength of the defense, even as the Wildcats are transforming to a 4-2-5 alignment. Hrebec, a former walk-on, contributed 19 tackles in the spring game and Houlik is a huge hitter despite his 5-foot-11, 219-pound size.

Missouri: Redshirt freshman Aldon Smith has only added to the Tigers' depth at defensive end, which already featured Brian Coulter and Jacquies Smith in front of him. Smith was voted as the team's most improved player in the spring. Throw in converted offensive tackle Brad Madison and redshirt freshman Marcus Marlbrough and you'll see why Gary Pinkel considers it his best collection of defensive ends at Missouri.

Nebraska: The Cornhuskers had serious questions at quarterback, particularly after the departure of projected starting challenger Patrick Witt before spring practice and Kody Spano's knee injury. But the strong spring by Zac Lee and the surprising development of converted linebacker LaTravis Washington eased some of offensive coordinator Shawn Watson's concerns. Their strong spring work also should mean that heralded freshman Cody Green likely won't be thrown into action perhaps as quickly as Watson might have feared before the spring.

Oklahoma: After losing starters Nic Harris and Lendy Holmes, safety was the only position without returning starters for the Sooners on defense. Quinton Carter nailed down one starting position and Sam Proctor and Joseph Ibiloye are poised to fight for the other job beside him. Emmanuel Jones and Desmond Jackson also had strong spring efforts to challenge for playing time.

Oklahoma State: Defensive tackle was enough of a question that new coordinator Bill Young moved Derek Burton inside from defensive end to help bolster depth at the position. Burton and Swanson Miller appear to have won starting jobs with redshirt freshman Nigel Nicholas and junior Chris Donaldson providing strong depth. Their strong play helped the Cowboys rack up seven sacks in the spring game - more than half of their 2008 season total of 13.

Texas: The Longhorns were concerned about defensive end after the departure of NFL draft picks Brian Orakpo and Henry Melton from last season. Those fears appear to be assuaged after the seamless transition of Sergio Kindle to the position from linebacker and the quick assimilation by freshman Alex Okafor. Toss in Sam Acho and Russell Carter and the return injured pass-rushing threat Eddie Jones and the Longhorns appear stacked at the position.

Texas A&M: Safety was a question mark before spring camp after the loss of Devin Gregg and Alton Dixon and the move of 2008 starting free safety Jordan Peterson to cornerback. But the strong return to safety by converted cornerback Jordan Pugh and the noticeable development by Trent Hunter helped solidify the position during the spring. And the Aggies' depth at the position was improved after the move of wide receiver Chris Caflisch to the position along with strong play from DeMaurier Thompson.

Texas Tech: The departure of two-time Biletnikoff Award winner Michael Crabtree and underrated Eric Morris was supposed to cripple the Red Raiders' receiving corps. Mike Leach appears to have found several serviceable replacements after Tramain Swindall, Lyle Leong, Detron Lewis and walk-on flanker Adam Torres all emerged during the spring. And that doesn't include Edward Britton, who was in Leach's doghouse much of the spring after falling behind in the classroom but still is perhaps their most athletic force on the field.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin

Having a scintillating player like Robert Griffin should clearly benefit Baylor's recruiting for the next several seasons -- even though the Bears likely won't getting too many quarterback prospects.

Coach Art Briles won't mind that much. As he works to lure a recruiting class that will help send his team bowling for the first time since 1994, Briles likely will lean on the same philosophy he employed to turn around Houston in his first college head-coaching job. It will likely include a heavy concentration of players from smaller Texas high schools rather than those from the Dallas and Houston areas.

Briles has clicked on that strategy over the years and appears set to do that with his second recruiting class with the Bears.

The Bears need an upgrade in the trenches after losing starting tackles Jason Smith and Don Gay and they will start seniors at both guard positions and at center in 2009. Smith and Gay combined for 73 career starts. The depth at the position is aggravated because only redshirt freshman Joe Korbel was in the late-season depth chart.

Most of the skill position talent is young -- Griffin and leading receiver Kendall Wright are coming off their freshman seasons and leading rusher Jay Finley was a sophomore. But an upgrade of talent still could be used at all positions.

Most of the defensive talent is back as the Bears lose only two starters. But the Bears could use some additional young personnel at linebacker where both potential All-American Joe Pawelek and Antonio Jones will be seniors next season. And replacements will need to be cultivated for seniors-to-be like nose guard Trey Bryant, defensive end Jason Lamb and safeties Jordan Lake and Jeremy Williams.

Briles knows his way around Texas high school recruiting after a legendary career as a four-time state championship coach at Stephenville High School after earlier stops at Hamlin and Georgetown. Don't be surprised to see him lean on some of that familiarity as he beats the bushes to help fill in the roster around Griffin.