ESPN College Football

Look, I know that you're concerned, but I'm designing t-shirts now. They're gonna be huge. Also medium and small.

• Clemson hasn't talked to any other leagues, but it would consider leaving.
• Here's what it was like to say goodbye to former WVU coach Bill Stewart at his memorial service on Thursday.
• Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman says WVU's Fiesta Bowl romp over the Sooners was the 15th worst loss of the Stoops era.
• An Iowa State football player had theft charges dropped.
• Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin did what he wanted to do at the NCAA track meet on Thursday, reports Randy Riggs of the Austin American-Statesman.
• Kansas discussed Big 12 expansion and life with two new teams at its board meeting this week, reports Matt Tait of the Lawrence Journal-World.
• Andy Staples of SI.com shows a few examples of some ridiculous rules in the NCAA rulebook.

Marquise Goodwin already has a reputation as one of the fastest players and best athletes in the Big 12.

The aspiring Olympic hopeful only solidified that reputation on Saturday, winning his third consecutive Big 12 title in the long jump.

He leaped 26 feet and 10.5 inches to break the conference championship and stadium record in Manhattan, Kansas on his first jump.

"I popped off my longest jump of the competition on the first jump," Goodwin said in a statement. "That was big for me because I had to run over and run the 100 meters in between jumps. I knew everybody was going to come out and do well, but that jump ended up winning it so it was all good."

Goodwin's jump was a personal best and two inches longer than any other athlete in the nation. He is the only athlete in Big 12 history to win both the indoor and outdoor long jump two straight years.

Last year, Goodwin caught 33 passes for 421 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the ball 22 times for 220 yards and returned 11 kicks for 247 yards.

He planned to redshirt the 2011 season and focus on reaching his goal of qualifying for the Olympic team, but Goodwin returned to the team and showed up to fall camp just before the season began.

The 5-foot-9, 177-pounder will be a senior in 2012.

SAN DIEGO — There was a time, not too long ago, that Marquise Goodwin didn't know where he was going.

A play would be called and the junior would look to his left and look to his right and finally ask “Where am I supposed to line up?”

The wide receiver found himself in all the right spots against Cal. Goodwin, who missed all of spring, all of fall camp and the first couple of weeks of the season, proved to be the most explosive player on the field in the Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl. He caught a 47-yard touchdown pass and cut back an end around for 37 yards to set up another Texas score. And he was a good throw away from breaking a 98-yard touchdown.

In other words, it was a typical game for Goodwin.

“What he did this year was save us,” Texas coach Mack Brown said.

And this was a team that needed a lot of saving. The wide receiving corps was thin, and for a time when Jaxon Shipley went out, didn’t have a reliable option. The quarterbacks were young and jittery, not knowing where to throw, always looking for a security blanket. And the offense was always in search of someone, anyone, to make an explosive play. Goodwin proved to be the man for every job.

Goodwin finished the season third in receptions and fifth in rushing. His two touchdowns are not a huge number but this is an offense that only scored 40.

It was also a considerable amount considering where Goodwin was in the spring and summer. The world-class track athlete had given up football to compete in the long jump. At that time, he was unsure whether or not he would come back. But after missing the world championship long jump finals by 1 centimeter in South Korea, Goodwin started to think about playing football again.

“I thought about how they were getting ready for the season, working hard and pulling together, but it really hit me when I was in the airport on my way back from Seoul,” Goodwin said. “People were texting and Tweeting me with updates from the [Rice] game.”

After a talk with Brown, Goodwin was welcomed back with open arms. Now he is being embraced.

“Marquise is getting so much better every day and we just get him half a year,” Brown said.

What Texas has to learn to do is maximize that time.

“He will be around some, be able to work in the weight room and we want him to win the Olympics. So we're pulling him in a lot of directions,” the Texas coach said. “But he's matured and grown up, and I'm glad he came back this year.”

After watching him against Cal, Brown is undoubtedly not the only one.

Before Saturday, Texas quarterback Case McCoy hadn't thrown an interception his entire career.

Through almost three quarters, he has two against Baylor.

The biggest kicker: He's thrown three touchdown passes, too, after throwing just four all season.

Baylor leads, 38-24, after the Bears took advantage of the second interception with Robert Griffin III's second rushing touchdown of the day.

McCoy got off to a great start with the three scores, including one for 80 yards to Marquise Goodwin.

Did he get a bit too comfortable? It's possible. Either way, he's put Texas back in a 14-point hole after the Longhorns already climbed out of a 14-0 deficit to begin the game.

For the Heisman-inclined, RG3's put up a worthy stat line thus far: He's 9-of-14 for 191 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He's run eight times for 18 yards and two scores.

Stat of the half: Texas did not punt. And while that might not seem like a big deal, this was a team that punted 11 times against Texas A&M a week ago, and 26 times in the past three weeks. Texas was able accomplish this without having its top two running backs, Malcolm Brown (knee) and Joe Bergeron (hamstring). Texas was able to move the ball down the field through the air and had some timely runs by Jeremy Hills and Cody Johnson. Texas had 339 yards of offense in the first half and 12 first downs.

Best player in the half: It is a toss-up between the two quarterbacks, Baylor's Robert Griffin III and Texas' Case McCoy. For the first time this season, Texas has come out and moved the ball through the air. McCoy, in his fourth start, was 11-of-18 for 232 yards with three touchdowns. His 80-yard touchdown pass to Marquise Goodwin was the longest passing touchdown for Texas since 2009 when Colt McCoy hit Jordan Shipley for 88 yards. Griffin was extremely hot early leading the Bears to 14 points in the first seven plays. He finished the half 5-of-10 for 132 yards with two passing touchdowns, a rushing score and an interception.

What Texas needs to do: Take care of the football. Texas went up seven and then was careless with the ball. First Dominic Espinosa and McCoy had a miscommunication on a snap. On the very next series, McCoy threw his first pick of the season. That set Baylor up at the 2-yard line. Baylor scored two plays later to take a 24-21 lead.

What Baylor needs to do: The Bears need to continue to test Texas' safeties deep. Griffin had tremendous success going up top on the first two series. If the Bears can get Terrance Ganaway going and set up some more play-action, they will have a chance to once again pick on Blake Gideon and Christian Scott.

Lots of personnel news across the Big 12 on Monday.

Missouri loses two more

Missouri is already playing without senior left tackle and captain Elvis Fisher, who will miss the season with a torn patellar tendon. So far this season, the Tigers are dealing with more injuries than any team in the Big 12.

Starting senior linebacker Will Ebner will miss Friday's game against Arizona State with a high ankle sprain, Gary Pinkel announced on Monday. He sprained the ankle in the first half of Saturday's win over Miami (OH) and did not return.

Defensive end Jacquies Smith will also miss Friday's game after dislocating his elbow in Saturday's game.

The Tigers already were playing without center Travis Ruth, and he won't make his return on Friday.

Marquise Goodwin in

Texas receiver Goodwin missed the spring and looked like he'd miss the first part of fall camp to compete on the track.

So, he decided to redshirt and return to the team in 2012. Until Monday, that is, when Goodwin announced he'd be returning to the team and be in practice on Tuesday.

"Words can't even explain how I excited I am right now to be getting back on the football field," Goodwin said in a release. "When I was overseas, I was missing football, the guys and being a part of the team so much. I thought about how they were getting ready for the season, working hard and pulling together, but it really hit me when I was in the airport on my way back from Seoul."

Goodwin caught 31 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore in 2010.

Tech starter out with 'deflated lung'

Defensive end Leon Mackey was one of the most hyped newcomers on Texas Tech's team, but he made just four tackles before being injured in Saturday's win over Texas State. On Monday, coach Tommy Tuberville announced the injury was a "deflated lung," suffered on a big hit.

The injury forced him to spend 24 hours in the hospital.

"It's up in the air how long he'll be out," Tuberville told reporters Monday. "Probably several weeks, maybe more."

Texas is easily the wildest card in the Big 12 deck this season, but how do you see the Longhorns faring in 2010?

The defense returns six starters, and is the strength of the team, despite losing Chykie Brown, Curtis Brown and Aaron Williams to the NFL. The team's safeties, Kenny Vaccaro, Christian Scott and Blake Gideon are solid, though Scott will be sidelined the first three games because of a suspension.

The front seven is loaded with potential, and the Longhorns have two of the best linebackers in the league, Keenan Robinson and Emmanuel Acho. Alex Okafor and Jackson Jeffcoat are exciting defensive ends offsetting Kheeston Randall, one of the league's best overall linemen.

Offensively, well, the Longhorns have a lot to prove. They're the only Big 12 team left that doesn't know its starting quarterback for the opening weekend. Eight starters from last year's offense return, but some of the team's biggest hype is coming from players new to campus.

Running back Malcolm Brown and receiver Jaxon Shipley showed up to campus this summer, but quarterback David Ash impressed coaches after enrolling early this spring.

The offensive line will have to be better, especially if any of those three will have success. Shipley should add some solid playmaking ability to a receiving corps depleted with the losses of Marquise Goodwin (Olympic track qualifying) and Malcolm Williams (personal issues), who won't be with the team this year. Mike Davis will likely be the team's go-to receiver, at least to start the season.

So how do the Longhorns stack up?

Thanks for the emails, which kept flowing in even while I was away. Glad you missed me, I suppose. Switching it up Friday with a morning mailbag.

James in Atlanta, Ga., asked: Here's an interesting water-cooler-conversation I came across - if Nebraska (or in a long shot, Colorado) do REALLY well in their new conferences... will that still reflect back on the strength of the Big XII? I think the media won't spin it that way because the head-to-head games are a more direct comparison, but I don't think its that far out of the question for people to re-evaluate the day in and day out toughness the Big XII demands compared to the Big 10 and Pac 12. What do you think?

David Ubben: True or not, it's absolutely going to happen. Nebraska proved the last couple years it had emerged to be a very good team in the Big 12. But it was not a great team, and not a team that could win the Big 12, all possibilities aside.

If they walk into the Big Ten, which is wiiiiiide open this fall, and win it, how does that not reflect on the Big 12? The same is true if they walk in and win 6-7 games. Nebraska will be good, but I highly doubt it's significantly better or worse than it was last season. Top 15, etc.

So, in that sense, you're definitely right. Nebraska will be fun to watch, but make no mistake: both conferences' reputations are at stake if Nebraska strays very far from what's expected.

For Colorado, the same is true. I'd expect the Buffs to be a little bit better than last season's team, but if it scraps and wins eight games in a somewhat top-heavy Pac-12, that says a whole lot about the Pac-12's depth.

The same is true of Colorado wins a game in conference and gets embarrassed by any teams other than Stanford and Oregon.

For Big 12 fans, it should be fun to watch, even if they're doing it from afar. I know I'll be watching.

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GTCat in Tonganoxie, Kan., asked: I know we're done with this whole trying to rename the conference thing, but can we at least coin a new nickname? If a Baker's Dozen is 13, can the Big 12 become a Beebe's Dozen? Man I want some doughnuts now, chocolate with chocolate frosting and powercat sprinkles please.

DU: It's official: We have found my favorite moniker for the new Big 12. Prepare for plenty of Beebe's Dozen references on the blog from here on out.

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Collin in Irvine, Calif., asked: David, I just finished the second season of Friday Night Lights yesterday. Tell me it gets better... Please....

DU: Oh, it does. Season Two? Well, it's not very good. The makers of the show readily admit this (spoiler alert), and it's a product of pressure from the TV studios.

But no worries. It gets much better. Seasons 1, 3, and 5 are the best, and Season 4 breathes a fantastic new life into the show that was very, very risky on the part of the writers. Plus, the series finale is one of the best ever. Have no fear, Collin. You won't be disappointed by the next three seasons.

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Chef in Austin, Texas, asked: I've noticed that the big 12 seems to be the only big 6 conference without an institution under NCAA scrutiny this offseason. If the big 12 stays clean, what implications do you think that will have on the overall perception and quality of the schools?

DU: This hasn't been lost on me, but I wouldn't keep saying that out loud too often. You never quite know when something will leak. There's no one under serious investigation currently (despite A&M fans' best efforts re: Rachel McCoy/Longhorn Network) for now.

If this continues for, oh, a decade or so, then you'll definitely see the Big 12 cement a reputation as college football's cleanest league, especially one that produces success. I wouldn't be surprised to see it written about if it continues for another couple years and more scandals like the one at Georgia Tech continue, but don't look for the Big 12 to advertise it much. If that status changes, things like that look pretty embarrassing in retrospect. Regardless of when you get caught, if things are going on behind closed doors and you say one thing, and it's clearly not the case, you look very, very out of touch.

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Sarah Smith in Austin, Texas, asked: In regards to whether or not Marquis will get scholarship or not, at least for this year while he is redshirting they are honoring his scholarship. Texas does not in general revoke scholarships. The general consensus around here is that we wish him the very best and hopes that he can represent us and the US in the olympics. If he were to gain success and go to the olympics, I doubt that he would return here.Just thought you would like to know! Oh, and thank you for not bashing Garrett. He is good friend of mine and it urks me beyond no belief when people want to put all of the blame of last season on his shoulders. I think fans and analysts will be surprised at what our team brings to the table this year. No one is expecting much, and we will use that to our advantage.I enjoy your blog very much! Hook 'Em!

DU: Interesting info. Thanks for the heads up. Take note, UT fans.

As for Gilbert, I'd agree completely. Obviously, he wasn't anything close to what people thought he'd be last year, and he deserves a good portion of the blame for that, but he got no help at all. Just go look at where Texas ranked at the skill position rankings. Spoiler alert for the offensive line rankings on the way: Texas will not be high.

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Dave in Temple, Texas, asked: How can you keep abandoning us in the middle of the most critical time in the year??? Your blog is what keeps us football fans sane in July. What are we going to do - watch baseball???

DU: My bad. I'll take that into consideration. My next vacation time is scheduled for the first week of September, the first week of December, and the first two weeks of January.

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Mr. Oblivious in Hollywood, Calif., asked: Mr. Ubben: Do you think that with the pressure of quarterbacking the Mizzou Tigers, AND simultaneously coaching a young Vanderbilt team, James Franklin can hold onto his starting position this fall? Or will the stress be too much and allow Costello, Glaser, or even Berkstresser to challenge him in August? (There's no way T.Gabbert is returning, right? right?!) thank you,Mr.O

DU: It'll be tough, no doubt. Especially the travel. But I think he can manage. As for Gabbert, no. I've heard the rumors he asked to return after leaving Louisville suddenly, but every indication I've heard is that the door closed behind him at Missouri. He'll find a good fit somewhere else, I'm sure.

(Email of the week there.)

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Nuria in Tulsa, Okla., asked: Dear Dave, I know you've compared and contrasted Brandon Weeden and Landry Jones enough times to give you a headache, but each time you do so it seems that you draw a different conclusion. First you rate Weeden as the better Big 12 player, but Jones as the better quarterback. I know that Weeden works well in a group that clicks, and Jones is a great athlete on a dominant team. If you could clear the fog as to who you think is better, it would be much appreciated.

DU: Yeah, I've talked about this at length several times, but let me be clear about this: I think Jones has more upside, and it sounds like he's really taking control of this team. That'll be good for him. His head was kind of spinning in 2009. Last season was kind of the process of him taking control of the team, and now, he has it. I really think that confidence will pay off for him.

Their numbers were very, very close last season, especially when you look at the short passing numbers Jones put up.

Last season, I thought Weeden was ever so slightly better because when he made mistakes, they were much less costly, and he played well in both of OSU's losses. The Cowboys scored 41 points in both of their losses, versus Jones, who really struggled early against Texas A&M and late against Missouri and really hurt his team.

I think Jones will be the better quarterback and put up better numbers in 2011, but heading into the season, I give Weeden a very, very slight edge in a race that's unbelievably close.

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PB in Houston asked: rapid fire minute for ubben; go! 1) best game of the first weekend? 2) what fall camp are you most excited to go to before the season starts? 3) of other CFB pundits, who's stock do you put most in of someone else's opinion? 4) will the willie lyles story have a big effect on any of the conference members? 5) nachos or waffles? thanks and gig 'em!

DU: Ha, alright, let's close this in style.

1) Baylor versus TCU, closely followed by Texas A&M versus SMU.

2) Texas

3) I always love reading Pat Forde's stuff. The Forde-Yard Dash is a weekly must-read during the season.

4) My guess is no, barring new information. As for what we don't know, I'm not betting one way or the other.

5) I'm a breakfast man. Waffles, clearly. Which reminds me of an age-old debate we had during high school. It was always 50/50. Which do you prefer: jalapeños or gravy?

Not a strong set of questions this week. You guys gotta step up your game. Until then, enjoy the weekend, everybody. Didn't get yours answered? Send me a better one.

Sheldon in Angleton, Texas, asked: If Oklahoma loses to FSU and then wins out, what are the chances they still get in the national championship game? (Assuming FSU is top 5) OU wouldn't drop that much and with wins over A&M, Mizzou, and OSU would that be enough?

David Ubben: As long as there's only one undefeated team, Oklahoma would probably be the best contender with one loss. So, I'd say the Sooners have a pretty good shot.

You're talking about a best-case scenario loss for Oklahoma if it loses and wins out. One, it was to a very good team. Two, it's early in the year. Three, it's on the road. Four, it's out of conference, so the Sooners don't have to worry about sharing a conference title. If you're going to lose a game and still get to the national title game, FSU would be a nice time to do it.

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Brett in Kansas City asked: What feature are you most looking forward to in NCAA 12?

DU: I actually finally got to play the demo yesterday after downloading it awhile back when it came out. I've been busy. Anyway, I really liked the new tackling physics. Much more realistic, and a good next step toward what they've been trying to do for awhile.

The new grass looks ridiculous, though. It mostly looks like it needs to be mowed, rather than looking more realistic.

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Hunter in Dallas, Texas, asked: Are there rumors about whether Jaxon Shipley will redshirt like his brother did or play as a true freshman?

DU: Everything I've heard is he's stood out this summer enough to play. We'll see, of course, and that might change once they get into fall camp, but Texas is pretty shallow at receiver, and he's not going to have to beat out very many guys to earn some time on the field.

I'd say the safe bet is he ends up playing if he can run a solid route, catch the ball and play instinctively. After spending a few months working out with his brother Jordan like he did after graduating early, you've got to think he's learned a lot.

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Ben in San Antonio asked: David, Are you ready for some college football?

DU: Yes. (Email of the week.)

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Clark in Lima, Ohio, asked: Why are you such a hater? Some sort of scam? Can't report the news without adding your own personal bias or jealously!

DU: I assume you're talking about my remarks re: Maty Mauk. To that, I say your sense of humor needs tweaking.

But seriously, until I see Matt Mauck and Maty Mauk in the same room, I will remain skeptical.

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James in Scottsdale, Ariz., asked: Can UT find a way to win 10 games if they receive just "average" QB play? Or does the fate of a 10 win season rest on the shoulders of the potential for greatness in Gilbert?

DU: Yeah, definitely, if they can run the ball. Of course, I think that would produce much better-than-average QB play. If Texas can run the ball as well as Bryan Harsin's offenses at Boise State have been able to do in the past, Texas has a great shot to win 10 games. I doubt their its to do so because its offensive line hasn't given me much reason to believe, regardless of the back toting the ball.

To your second point, though, no: I don't think Texas' whole season rests on Garrett Gilbert's shoulders. For one, there's not a lot of pressure on Texas this season to do much more than get back to a bowl game. The pressure to start getting back to Texas' big winning ways will probably come next year.

And to do that, it's going to need great quarterback play. Is Gilbert the guy to provide it? My guess is we'll find out pretty quick this year.

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Todd in Houston asked: Do you really think that Marquis Goodwin will return to football. I just think that after an entire year of no football and all track, he'll definatly be less likely to return.

DU: I hadn't really considered it, but now that you mention it, yeah, it's possible. However, he might have to if he wants his education. I'm unsure of what the rules are, but I'd think if he doesn't play football, his scholarship wouldn't be honored. And I highly doubt he'd just not come back to school at all.

I suppose it's possible, but right now, I think he's got every intention of coming back. I don't know him well and haven't really talked about how he sees this whole track thing in relation to football, but I'd be surprised if he never played another game for Texas. That said, if he doesn't, I don't think Texas fans would lose a ton of sleep. He's done a great job for the track team, and had some memorable moments on the football field, but he's not exactly a game-changer.

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Evan in Columbia, Mo., asks: I know it's still early and we won't know how James Franklin will develop, but do you think Maty Mauk could compete for the starting job his freshman year?

DU: You kind of already hit on it. The only person who can ultimately answer that question is James Franklin. If he's at the very least solid this year, we'll feel a bit ridiculous looking back on this question. But if he struggles, I could see it. Especially if Mauk enrolls early.

Corbin Berkstresser and Ashton Glaser will be in the mix, too, but Franklin struggling would certainly spice up Missouri's spring next year.

That said, I think Missouri's coaches would much rather have a boring spring after the season with no questions about their quarterback.

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Justin in Houston writes: You officially have ZERO credibility. I hope you enjoy eating crow, and your words, because there is no chance Baylor finishes ahead of Texas. Seriously are you out of your mind? How much dope were you smoking in Cali? Stay with your boys in Jokelahoma this year, because you are not welcome in Austin.

DU: LOL.

I'm back from an extended weekend jaunt to the Midwest from Texas, and a new BBQ discovery. Bogart's Smoke House in St. Louis gets my highest recommendation. Ribs: it's what's for... lunch? (They're only open until 4 p.m.)

Here's a bit of what we missed while I was away:

Longhorns' receiver plans to sit out 2011

Marquise Goodwin has missed the past two spring camps to focus on his track career. Now, he'll sit out the 2011 season.

Goodwin plans to redshirt the 2011 season in favor of track, and plans to return as a junior in 2012.

Goodwin has won three Big 12 long jump championships, and recently qualified for the World Championships in Korea, which would have caused him to miss all of preseason camp and likely the season opener vs. Rice.

Goodwin won the U.S. Championships with a jump of 27 feet, four inches to qualify for the worlds, and will try and focus on qualifying for the 2012 Olympics in London.

“We are so proud of Marquise," Texas coach Mack Brown said in a release. "What an unbelievable accomplishment to be the U.S. long jump champion and earn a spot in the World Championships, especially at such a young age. Obviously he has established himself as one of the premier long jumpers not only in America, but the world. With the World Championships coming up and the Olympics next August, his focus needs to be on track and field."

Sounds like Goodwin has Brown's blessing. Goodwin caught 61 passes for 603 yards and a pair of scores the past two seasons, and while he was a contributor to the Longhorns' offense, he was hardly an integral piece. His loss hurts, but it's not crippling for Texas' offense, which has a few young receivers who'll get some opportunities with Goodwin gone.

Bears' season-ticket promotion paying off

Baylor drew some nationwide attention for its Fourth of July season-ticket promotion, which allowed fans to purchase a season-ticket package for the price of whatever the high temperature in Waco was on the holiday.

Temperatures reached 101 degrees, and sure enough, the Bears debuted their season ticket package shortly after.

From the release:

"There is tremendous anticipation for the Bears' 2011 season, and we are grateful for those fans who already have purchased season tickets," said Baylor Executive Associate Athletics Director/External Affairs Nick Joos. "The price-point for this special July 4th promotion affords fans a discount of more than 30 percent off our Super Fan ticket price, and we are hopeful that will be appealing to many, especially considering the attractiveness of our 2011 home schedule."

It's a good schedule, no doubt. TCU, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri all come to Waco this year, where the Bears are preparing for one of the most anticipated seasons in school history (until 2012). The promotion only runs through July 10, but the program has already sold over 1,000 of the packages.

ESPN's Page 2 also helped offer a few other season ticket promotion suggestions, thanks to the Bears.

New KU quarterback difficulties?

Tom Keegan of the Lawrence Journal-World also opined rather loudly that Brock Berglund, the top prospect in Colorado and a Kansas quarterback signee in 2011, would never suit up for the Jayhawks.

Berglund committed to Colorado initially before placing a call to Turner Gill after Dan Hawkins was fired as coach of the Buffs. Since then, he's made plenty of headlines.

He planned to enroll at Kansas a semester early. He did. But he went back home to Colorado before spring practice began. He also made some comments which may not have been interpreted as he intended but rubbed some people the wrong way.

"I would say Tim Tebow, Michael Vick and Peyton Manning, kind of all put together," Berglund said, when asked to describe his game. He expounded on the comments, which are re-hashed in Keegan's column, but Keegan says they're indicative of a larger attitude that has caused problems with his new team in Lawrence.

Keegan writes:

Once he showed up on campus, teammates found him to be the personification of those boastful words. They put him in his place. Now, whether they did so with words or one player took it a step beyond is a matter of conjecture. Either way, he took his ball and went home.

Still, he was given another chance by coach Turner Gill. No way Berglund can get a uniform now that he hasn’t been showing up for the “voluntary” conditioning workouts. Now an exit strategy must be formulated. Gill can’t run him for not attending workouts the NCAA labels optional.

For now, sophomore Jordan Webb sounds like he's taking hold of the job ahead of senior Quinn Mecham. Hopes were high for Berglund, perhaps as high as becoming the starter in 2011. It's far too early to tell if that will happen, but after his spring absence and Webb's apparent emergence, I wouldn't count on that happening.

The Big 12 might be weak at the top of the running back heap, but it's definitely not at receiver. The conference has at least three of the top five receivers in the country, and the top two. They highlight a very strong group of receivers across the league, and I continue our position rankings with receivers today.

Remember that depth plays a big part of these rankings. We'll be ranking the top 10 individuals at each position later on before the season begins.

Other position rankings:

• Quarterbacks
• Running backs

1. Oklahoma

The Sooners have the nation's No. 2 receiver, Ryan Broyles, but found a handful of others to surround him in 2010 and should have a couple more in 2011. Sophomore Kenny Stills broke Broyles' freshman receiving record and looks like a budding star. Dejuan Miller came on strong before a season-ending knee injury, but he's back. The Sooners lose Cameron Kenney, but Trey Franks had a strong freshman campaign, and freshmen Justin McCay (redshirt) and Trey Metoyer could provide even more playmakers.

2. Oklahoma State

The Cowboys boast the returning Biletnikoff Award winner and 2011 favorite, Justin Blackmon, with a great group around him, too. Slot machine Josh Cooper returns for his senior year, and fellow senior Hubert Anyiam (the team's leading receiver in 2009) is hoping to return to form after being slowed by an ankle injury in 2010. Isaiah Anderson is a shifty speedster, while Michael Harrison and Tracy Moore offer a more aerial approach to receiving.

3. Texas A&M

The Aggies have the Big 12's No. 3 receiver, Jeff Fuller, who is arguably one of the top-five in the college game. But they also have the Big 12's most experienced receiving unit, with guys who won't be surprised by anything they see in Big 12 play. Juniors Ryan Swope and Uzoma Nwachukwu are the team's second and third options, but fellow juniors Kenric McNeal and Brandal Jackson could be bigger pieces of the offense in 2011. Tight end Nehemiah Hicks should see his profile rise in his coming sophomore year.

4. Baylor

Top target Kendall Wright will likely end his career as the Bears' leading receiver for all four of his seasons on the field, and 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior Josh Gordon looks like the new Jeff Fuller. Terrance Williams, Lanear Sampson and Tevin Reese round out the Bears' top five, who all had at least 40 catches last season, and all return.

5. Missouri

Missouri still lacks a proven big-play threat, but has two pass-catchers who have some of the best hands in the game. Receiver T.J. Moe and tight end Michael Egnew won't drop many passes, and combined to catch 182 for 1,807 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson bring a lot of experience and both had at least 39 catches last season. If Marcus Lucas or Rolandis Woodland can become a consistent downfield threat, Missouri will rise up these rankings by season's end.

6. Texas Tech

Tech's top two receivers, Lyle Leong and Detron Lewis, must be replaced, but the Red Raiders have a few solid candidates to do it. Junior Alex Torres will likely lead the group, but fellow junior Austin Zouzalik and seniors Jacoby Franks and Tramain Swindall will be counted on for more production. Dark horse/juco newcomer Marcus Kennard could blossom into a household name across the Big 12 by season's end.

7. Texas

Sophomore Mike Davis and redshirt freshman Darius White are loaded with potential, but two of the team's top three receivers (James Kirkendoll, John Chiles) are gone, and no Texas receiver caught more than two touchdowns last season. Malcolm Williams and Marquise Goodwin are as different as two receivers could be, but both need to break out to help whoever becomes the Longhorns quarterback next fall.

8. Kansas State

Brodrick Smith will be back this season after breaking his leg in a loss to Nebraska. But two of the team's top three receivers are gone, leaving converted quarterback Chris Harper as the leading returner, though Smith might have held that title if he'd stayed healthy. Sophomore speedster Tramaine Thompson can make plays if he gets the ball with some space.

9. Iowa State

The Cyclones will be breaking in a new quarterback this season and they will need a playmaker to step up. Tight end Collin Franklin led team in receiving last season but he is now gone. Darius Reynolds looks like a possible candidate to fill the role, although incoming slot receiver Aaron Horne might rack up a few catches in space. Darius Darks and Josh Lenz should earn some more targets too.

10. Kansas

Converted defensive back Daymond Patterson is the team's top receiver, but the team's No. 3 receiver junior Bradley McDougald, moved to safety in the middle of the season. Tight end Tim Biere is one of the Big 12's best and led the team with four touchdowns last season. Chris Omigie and D.J. Beshears have some potential, and converted quarterback Christian Matthews keeps showing up in spring games. But all three, along with the rest of the group, would benefit from some consistency at the quarterback spot.

ESPN's Bruce Feldman released his annual "Freaks" list, but only one player from the Big 12 made his top 10 list and 11 others who just missed the cut.

Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin got the nod this year. Last year, Colorado offensive lineman Nate Solder was the only Big 12 player on the list.

Feldman on Goodwin:

Over the weekend, the 5-9, 177-pound junior set the Big 12 long jump record with a leap of 26 feet, 9 3/4 inches. In 2010, he won the NCAA long jump title. Goodwin also has run on Texas' 4x100 relay team and placed fifth in the Big 12 Indoor Championships in the 60-meter dash. The first-team Academic All-Big 12 pick caught 31 passes for 324 yards and a touchdown last fall.

It's been an impressive run for Goodwin, but for as big of a name on the track as he's become, the same hasn't been true on the field. In 2009, he had 30 catches for 279 yards and a score.

Granted, it's worth noting that the one score in 2009 was a huge one. Goodwin caught a short slant, broke a tackle and scored a third-quarter, go-ahead touchdown -- the Longhorns' only touchdown of the day -- in a 16-13 win against Oklahoma to remain undefeated on the way to the national title game.

The Longhorns will need more plays like that from their resident freak in 2011. Mike Davis is the team's leading returning receiver, but Goodwin is No. 2, and whoever wins the Longhorns' quarterback battle is going to need some help. Goodwin has to be a bigger part of the offense next season.

Who else would make your Big 12 freaks list?

I'd throw in a vote for Missouri linebacker Zaviar Gooden and Kansas defensive end Toben Opurum (leading rusher to contributor at defensive end in one season? Unreal.), but what about you?

Taj Gibson's wingspan is just slightly less than that of a 747.

• Marquise Goodwin, a Texas receiver, took home the Big 12 title in the long jump.
• Oklahoma State could be adding another impact receiver this fall, writes Brandon Chatmon of The Oklahoman. He also has a look at the Cowboys' 2012 class needs.
• Kansas safeties coach Robert Wimberly is next up in the Jayhawks' coach profiles.
• Tom Kensler of the Denver Post writes about what he'll miss about the Big 12 now that the Buffs are gone.
• He also checks in on some of the current Buffs to get their thoughts.
• J. Brady McCollough of the Kansas City Star digs deeper into D.J. Marshall's road back to the football field from Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• The Oklahoman has a Q&A with former Sooners star Sam Bradford.

The eighth in our series looking at the strongest and weakest position for each team in the Big 12: The Texas Longhorns.

Strongest position: Pass-rushers

Key returnees: Keenan Robinson, Jackson Jeffcoat, Alex Okafor, Emmanuel Acho

Key losses: Sam Acho, Eddie Jones

Analysis: Sam Acho was the best of the bunch last year, but Texas is loaded with young talent up front that can put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Robinson and Emmanuel Acho are budding stars who both were in the backfield plenty last year, and Jeffcoat showed potential to be the best defensive end in the league last year before being slowed by an ankle injury.

He should be much better this year and likely the most disruptive pass-rusher on the team.

Okafor, though, switched to defensive end from defensive tackle and drew rave reviews all spring, capping it with a five-sack performance in a spring game. Yes, it's a spring game, but still. He was impressive and constantly disruptive. Texas has a young secondary and a developing offense, but if the Longhorns bounce back in 2011, the front seven will be a big reason why.

Weakest position: Skill positions

Key returnees: WR Mike Davis, QB Garrett Gilbert, RB Fozzy Whittaker, RB Cody Johnson

Key losses: WR James Kirkendoll, WR John Chiles, RB Tre' Newton

Analysis: Texas has a lot of work to do here, but may rely on new faces heavily next year. Gilbert didn't show much last year, but he didn't have much help, either. He now has to win his job back, and there's no guarantee that will happen.

At running back, Whittaker and Johnson haven't shown much game-breaking ability or consistency, and they'll be seniors this year. Running back D.J. Monroe is the biggest home-run threat of the group, but a lack of playbook knowledge and pass-blocking acumen kept him off the field last year. In its spring game, though, Texas showed a strong intent to get him the ball in space. When that happens, he can make plays. Freshman running back Malcolm Brown also brings loads of expectations with him to fall camp.

Davis could blossom into a star this year at receiver, but he needs help from his quarterback. Darius White looked good at the spring game, but Texas also needs receivers like DeSean Hales and Marquise Goodwin to be more consistent. Malcolm Williams didn't do it, and as a senior this year, Texas' biggest target looks like he'll spend more time at H-back than he will at receiver.

More spring superlatives:

• Baylor
• Iowa State
• Kansas
• Kansas State
• Missouri
• Oklahoma
• Oklahoma State

You could have married him, Mom! Laura Linney could have played you in the HBO original movie, "Moon Wives"!

• Former Texas Tech running back Baron Batch was impressive in his pro day on Thursday, writes Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
• Oklahoma made a small profit on its trip to the Fiesta Bowl, thanks to the Big 12's policy of absorbing the cost of unsold tickets, reports Desmond Conner of the Hartford Courant. The Big 12 took on over 1.8 million of the ticket losses, leaving Oklahoma to cover just $337K.
• Barry Sanders Jr., an Oklahoma City native and one of the top running backs in the 2012 class, is keeping his options open. That means Oklahoma State is still very much in the game, writes colleague Jamie Newberg.
• Oklahoma picked up the fourth commitment in its 2012 class on Thursday.
• Texas receiver Marquise Goodwin is trying to become a national champion tonight in the long jump, writes Randy Riggs of the Austin American-Statesman.
• Backup quarterback Jacob Karam is narrowing the gap between himself and starter Seth Doege, but the defense won the Red Raiders' third scrimmage on Thursday.