ESPN College Football

Today's the finale of our month-long countdown of the Big 12's top players.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

Who did I get wrong? Who missed? Who's too high? Who'll be there next year?

I'll touch on a few of those throughout the rest of the day. Send me your complaints/comments, and I'll address them in a Mailbag later this week.

Finally, for those of you unfamiliar with how we do it here on the Big 12 blog, I usually reserve the tops of links posts for sarcastic/nonsensical comments. My mailbag over the weekend assured me that we're not all on the same page on that one.

Without further ado, here's the man with the target on his back for 2010 as the Big 12's best:

No. 1: Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M


2009 numbers: Third in the Big 12 with 3,579 passing yards. Led the Big 12 and finished No. 5 nationally with 30 touchdown passes, while throwing just eight interceptions. He also rushed for 506 yards and eight touchdowns on 145 carries.

Most recent ranking: Johnson was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.


Making the case for Johnson: I remember sitting down to make this list over a month ago and complaining that unlike the 2009 season, there wasn't a clear candidate for the conference's best player. When people say "Jerrod Johnson," that's not the first thing people think. There are still plenty of people outside College Station whose response would be, "Who?" Six wins in 2009 is a part of that.

But looking at his production last season, it's clear that he is the Big 12's best player and the top performer at its most important position. Only one quarterback (Blaine Gabbert) threw for more yards and only one quarterback (Austen Arnaud) ran for more yards. Johnson has plenty of talent around him to help produce those numbers, but he's the guy that makes it all go. He's big, smart, elusive and does whatever is necessary to move the ball.

He'll have the ball in his hands a lot in 2010, but he'll have the Aggies' fate, too. If he plays well, they'll have a chance at winning the division for the first time in a decade. If he plays poorly, they won't improve much past six wins.

The rest of the list:

• No. 2: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State
• No. 3: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
• No. 4: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
• No. 5: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
• No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 24 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 2: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State

2009 numbers: Led the Big 12 with 1,265 yards rushing on 247 carries, the most in the league. Tied for third in the Big 12 with 11 rushing touchdowns. Also caught 25 passes for 257 yards.

Most recent ranking: Thomas was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Thomas: Here's what's perhaps most impressive about Thomas' first season in the league. The secret on his ability was out a few games into conference play. Teams focused on him. He got little help from his quarterback and he still put up staggering numbers. Grant Gregory and Carson Coffman completed under 60 percent of their passes for the fewest yards on the fewest attempts in the Big 12. The pair threw just six touchdowns. Sure, he had 16 more carries than any back in the league, but he was also one of just five Big 12 backs to average more than five yards per carry with at least 100 touches. Defenses focused on Thomas, and he still rushed for more than 90 yards in eight games. He was also held under 79 yards just twice. Without him, Kansas State surely loses to Kansas and Iowa State, and maybe Colorado and UMass.

The rest of the list:

• No. 3: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
• No. 4: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
• No. 5: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
• No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 23 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 3: Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma

2009 numbers: Fourth in the Big 12 with 109 tackles. Made 9.5 tackles for loss. Also made one sack and intercepted a pass.

Most recent ranking: Lewis was ranked No. 9 in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Lewis: How do you know a linebacker's good? When 109 tackles is a down year. He was second in the Big 12 with 144 tackles as a freshman and is the conference's top returning tackler in 2010. Lewis was quiet and didn't make a lot of big plays as a sophomore, but he was still in on plenty of plays, as his numbers show. More of a run stopper than a free-wheeling pass rusher, Lewis doesn't get pushed around in the trenches very often at 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds. He's made it obvious this spring he's done being quiet, but even without the big plays, expect him to clear the double digits easily as the leader of a top-notch Oklahoma defense in 2010.

The rest of the list:

• No. 4: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
• No. 5: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
• No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 22 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted somewhat toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 4: Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M

2009 numbers: Had the most sacks (17) in the nation. Made 48 tackles, including 21.5 for loss. Also broke up five passes and forced four fumbles, the most in the Big 12.

Most recent ranking: Miller was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.


Making the case for Miller: The conference's resident sack master, Miller has no peer when it comes to the pass rush. He notched five more sacks than the next-best returning defender in the conference, and playing a new position that fits his strengths perfectly should set him up for another big year of hounding the conference's quarterbacks. His services are especially useful in a pass-happy Big 12 South. He's one of just four players on the All-Big 12 first team to return in 2010. Only 1.5 of his 17 sacks came in the final four games of the season, and he was held to just one tackle and no sacks against Oklahoma, which is somewhat troublesome, but there's no doubt he's one of the league's elite defensive stars.

The rest of the list:

• No. 5: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
• No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 21 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted somewhat toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top 25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 5: Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma

2009 numbers: No. 4 in the Big 12 in receptions (89). No. 4 in receiving yards (1,120). Also averaged a Big 12-best 15.87 yards per punt return, nearly three yards more than the next-best. No. 3 in the Big 12 in all-purpose yards per game (148.0). Most importantly, led the Big 12 in touchdowns (17).

Most recent ranking: Broyles was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.


Making the case for Broyles: Don't expect much of an argument for naming Broyles the most electrifying player in the conference with the ball in his hands. He's one of the fastest players in the Big 12, and the hardest to get two hands on in the open field. He also could have made the list of workout warriors from last week: He benches 310 pounds at 5-foot-11 and 178 pounds. Broyles impressed most in 2009 with his finish (22 rec., 259 yards, 3 TD in final two games) and his quick recovery from a fractured shoulder blade that held him completely out of one game (Baylor), all but one series of another (Miami) and limited his availability in a third (Texas). Outside of that stretch, Broyles caught at least seven passes in all but one game (BYU), when he had four receptions and a touchdown. A quick glance at the top 25 list shows how far the gap is between Broyles and his closest peer. With a maturing quarterback in Landry Jones, he should be ready for his first All-America year, especially if he keeps his position as Jones' safety blanket. The emergence of a second consistent, reliable target for Jones could open up the field more for staggering numbers from both Broyles and Jones.

The rest of the list:

• No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado
• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 20 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted somewhat toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 6: Nate Solder, LT, Colorado

2009 numbers: An All-Big 12 first-teamer, Solder helped Colorado rush for over 1,000 yards in 2009.

Most recent ranking: Solder was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Solder: Don't let the shortcomings of Colorado's banged-up offensive line last season distract you from Solder's play. He's talented, experienced, and as you learned last Friday, works just as hard off the field as he does on it. Add that up, and you get the best offensive lineman in the Big 12 and perhaps the country's best at the offensive line's most valuable position, left tackle. The next time you see the Buffaloes play, take a series off and just watch Solder work. He'll deliver. A former tight end, his 6-foot-8, 305 pound frame is limber and quick yet powerful. He'll begin the season on more than a couple All-American lists, and look for him to stay on them in the postseason. That includes this list, too.

The rest of the list:

• No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 19 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted somewhat toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 7: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

2009 numbers: Intercepted three passes. Made 34 tackles, including two sacks and 4.5 for tackles for loss.

Most recent ranking: Williams was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Williams: Don't worry about Williams' pedestrian numbers. He's the best cover corner in the conference, and though the Big 12 isn't as pass-happy as was last year or the year before, having a guy like him helps any defense look good. Williams is the third member of the Longhorns secondary to make the list, and each player makes the other look good, but Williams is the best out of the group. Last season was his first as starter, but he saved two of his best games for the biggest. He had five tackles and an interception against Nebraska, and made three tackles and broke up two passes against Alabama in the national championship game. His size (6-foot-1, 192 pounds) has caught the eye of NFL scouts, too, and should make him an early first-round pick in the 2011 draft.

The rest of the list:

• No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 18 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is intentionally weighted somewhat toward positions that have a greater amount of impact on a large percentage of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 8: DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma

2009 numbers: Ran for 705 yards and eight touchdowns on 171 carries. Also caught 41 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns.

Most recent ranking: Murray was ranked No. 11 in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Murray: Murray's topped 700 yards in each of his three seasons, topping 1,000 yards once while splitting carries with several backs throughout his career. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops thinks Murray's in for a big year, and I expect him to reach a career high this season if he can stay healthy with nearly 2,500 career rushing yards and 35 touchdowns behind him. To do that, he needs the offensive line to improve. While it struggled in 2009, so did his production, and he saw dips in every rushing category with a similar amount of carries. His combination of size and speed make him perhaps the toughest player in the conference to tackle in the open field, and he's among the best at both making defenders miss and breaking tackles. Murray is one of Oklahoma's best weapons, and if the offensive line struggles again, look for Murray to get plenty of receptions in the flats like he did last season. He proved he's a reliable receiver there, and common sense suggests he'll only improve.

The rest of the list:

• No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 17 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

We're inside the top 10 now, and I kind of expect discussion on this to get pretty heated. I feel pretty good about where I've slotted guys, but we'll see if we need to do a mega-mailbag at the end of all this so I can defend my order. You'll notice the list is weighted somewhat toward more important positions. That's intentional and you won't see any more defensive linemen on this list. Plenty more running backs and linebackers that have impact on bigger portions of the field.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 9: Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska

2009 numbers: Recorded 9.5 sacks to rank sixth in the conference and finished with 12.5 tackles for loss. Also made 73 tackles.

Most recent ranking: Crick was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Crick: The Big Question Crick won't be able to escape until perhaps conference play is how he'll perform without Ndamukong Suh next to him. He grabbed the conference's attention with a five-sack performance against Baylor and was one of the best defenders on the best defense in college football. This year, he'll be expected to lead and continue -- if not exceed -- his production. I expect him to do it. I've got a lot of faith in the Pelini Bros. to develop talent on defense, and you don't need to look much further than Big Suh to see why. Before they arrived, he was still a fairly pedestrian player. He left a legend. I don't expect Crick to reach those heights, but if he's anywhere close, he'll earn his spot on this list as the best defensive lineman in the conference.

The rest of the list:

• No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 16 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 10: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

2009 numbers: Completed 45 of 69 passes for 481 yards. Threw four touchdowns and no interceptions. Ran for 77 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. Missed final nine games of 2009 with a torn ACL.

Most recent ranking: Griffin was ranked No. 5 in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Griffin: I would bet Griffin trends upward in the postseason list, but you can't ignore his play in the first three games of last season. Not exactly a record-setting pace. He didn't throw for more than 200 yards against Connecticut or Wake Forest, and his running was limited against both. Three of his passing touchdowns came against Northwestern State in a 68-13 win. Griffin earned every bit of his 2008 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award, but you also can never tell how a player will look when he returns to full speed from such a serious injury. That's especially true for Griffin, who relies so heavily on his athleticism. There's no doubt he's one of the conference's most accurate quarterbacks, at least on his mid-range throws. He's also perhaps the conference's most dynamic and athletic player -- much less quarterback (See: 2008 Big 12 title in 400m hurdles). Defenses will focus even more heavily on him, but if talent like Jay Finley and Kendall Wright can take some of that attention away, it could give way to the long-awaited sequel to his impossible-to-look-away freshman effort.

The rest of the list:

• No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma
• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 15 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward players' actual accomplishments in their college careers, as well as their likely impact on their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 11: Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma

2009 numbers: Fifth in the Big 12 in sacks (11). Third-most tackles for loss (19), for the league's most-lost yardage (126 yards). Also made 69 tackles, forced three fumbles, broke up three passes and had an interception.

Most recent ranking: Beal was ranked No. 23 in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Beal: The senior has started each of the past 27 games, and progressively gotten better for the Sooners, entering 2010 as the conference's best defensive end and one of the best in college football. A third-team All-American, Beal was named to the All-Big 12 first-team in each of the past two seasons. His 11 sacks were the fourth-most in a single season in Oklahoma history, and he had three sacks in consecutive games against Tulsa and Miami, the first time in program history a player had recorded two three-sack games in the same season. Beal is one of the fastest defensive ends in the country, but his 6-foot-3, 261-pound frame makes him one of the most balanced ends, too. With plenty of talent around him on the defensive line, offenses won't be able to focus solely on Beal, which should set him up for another big season. He should be a strong candidate for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

The rest of the list:

• No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 14 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward actual accomplishment in players' college careers, as well as the likely impact for their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 12: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

2009 numbers: Second in the Big 12 in passing yards (3,593). Fourth-most touchdown passes (24). Second-fewest interceptions among full-season starters (8). Second-highest QB rating (140.46).

Most recent ranking: Gabbert was unranked in the past offseason's ranking of the conference's top-40 players.

Making the case for Gabbert: In his first season as starter, Gabbert nearly matched former Tigers quarterback Chase Daniel's numbers, and in Daniel's second season, he threw for almost 800 more yards, five more touchdowns and led his team to a North title and No. 1 ranking in December. There's no telling what's in Gabbert's future, but a similar jump could be a possibility. Though Daniel was more accurate, Gabbert has a stronger arm, and a prototypical quarterback frame at 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds. As a sophomore, he threw for at least 290 yards in eight games, and his numbers aren't skewed in any direction home or away, somewhat surprising for a first-year starter. Gabbert also played with a badly injured ankle for much of the conference season, courtesy of Ndamukong Suh in the conference opener. Though he loses his top target in Danario Alexander, the nation's leader in receiving yards, he'll have some experienced new receivers to throw to in Jerrell Jackson and Wes Kemp, as well as newcomer T.J. Moe.

The rest of the list:

• No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 13 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward actual accomplishment in players' college careers, as well as the likely impact for their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 13: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

2009 numbers: Tied for fourth in the Big 12 in interceptions (5). Ranked fourth in the Big 12 in passes defended (16). Also made 64 tackles.

Most recent ranking: Amukamara was unranked in last offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Amukamara: The Husker corner was named an All-Big 12 first-teamer by the league's coaches and every publication except the Associated Press. This season, he'll have a case as the conference's best corner. Three starters from last year's team were drafted, and Amukamara should follow their lead in 2011. But not before joining defensive tackle Jared Crick as one of the Blackshirts' leaders on a defense that has a chance to retain its position as the nation's best. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he has exceptional size for his position, and since he's only been playing the position for a few years, he still has a lot to learn. That means he could get considerably better very fast.

Finally, like his superstar teammate last year, his name will be butchered by countless on-air personalities this season. For reference, it's ah-MOO-ka-mara.

The rest of the list:

• No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State
• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 12 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward actual accomplishment in players' college careers, as well as the likely impact for their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 14: Alexander Robinson, RB, Iowa State

2009 numbers: Ranked third in the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,193). Had second-highest rushing yards per game total (99.42). Scored five touchdowns. Also caught 18 passes for 263 yards.

Most recent ranking: Robinson was unranked in last offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Robinson: He spent 2009 as Iowa State's workhorse. If not for an injury that held him out of the win over Nebraska, he might have led the conference in carries, too. His 231 carries were second-most in the league to Kansas State's Daniel Thomas. The only thing keeping Robinson from a league rushing title this season is the Cyclones' difficult schedule. He's by far the best offensive player on his team, and the offense has to operate through him to be successful. Despite quarterback Austen Arnaud's struggles, Robinson had his best season ever by almost 500 yards. Thomas and Robinson will have as many carries as they can take this season, and the rushing title will likely be decided between the two of them.

The rest of the list:

• No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas
• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas

Today is Day 11 of our countdown of the Big 12's 25 best players entering the 2010 season. The full results are locked in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player per day until we reach the top of the list.

Remember, this isn't a list of the top-25 NFL prospects in the league. It's heavily weighted toward actual accomplishment in players' college careers, as well as the likely impact for their teams in the 2010 season.

No. 15: Sam Acho, DE, Texas

2009 numbers: Tied for seventh in the Big 12 in sacks (7). Tied for tenth in the Big 12 with 13 tackles for loss. Also made 59 tackles.

Most recent ranking: Acho was unranked in last offseason's ranking of the conference's top 40 players.

Making the case for Acho: In his first season as starter, Acho earned All-Big 12 honorable mention and was a semifinalist for the Lott Trophy. His combination of size and speed on the edge sets him apart from the players with similar production at his position. Few players in college football can move like Acho does at 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds. The Dallas native could be a dark horse candidate for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and will be counted on for more production in a defense that should rank among the nation's best. Last year, with future NFL draft picks Lamarr Houston and Sergio Kindle lining up beside him, he wasn't required to be a playmaker. This year the Longhorns will look to him to make some plays.

The rest of the list:

• No. 16: Roy Helu, Jr., RB, Nebraska
• No. 17: Curtis Brown, CB, Texas
• No. 18: Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
• No. 19: Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 20: Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M
• No. 21: Tim Barnes, C, Missouri
• No. 22: Brian Duncan, LB, Texas Tech
• No. 23: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
• No. 24: Tanner Hawkinson, OT, Kansas
• No. 25: Blake Gideon, S, Texas