Who will be the spring breakout star?

March, 1, 2012
3/01/12
1:46
PM CT
The Big 12 has three teams practicing during the spring, but every year, we see players earn buzz during the spring and awards during the fall.

Which Big 12 talent will be the biggest breakout star this spring?

Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor: Seastrunk left his controversial recruitment behind at Oregon and transferred to Baylor after failing to scale high enough on the Ducks' depth chart. There's no denying his speed and shiftiness, and with Terrance Ganaway gone, the nation's No. 6 running back in the 2010 class will try to make his mark.

Jordan Hicks, LB, Texas: Hicks was the nation's No. 1 linebacker in the 2010 class, and already made an impact at Texas in 2011, but was overshadowed by fellow linebackers Emmanuel Acho and Keenan Robinson. He missed last spring with a broken foot, but he's back on the field and ready to build on his 65-tackle effort last year.

Darrin Moore, WR, Texas Tech: Injuries derailed what could have been a huge season for Moore, who got off to a big start before suffering an ankle injury early in the Red Raiders' third game. Tech's already banged up at receiver this spring, but Moore caught 21 passes for 339 yards and four touchdowns in his first two games. Will he show more of that potential this spring?

Dayne Crist, QB, Kansas: Crist has the biggest profile of this group, but he's still a relative unknown in Big 12 country. Crist was in and out of the starting lineup at Notre Dame, but the No. 3 quarterback in the 2008 class has rejoined Charlie Weis, the coach who recruited him to South Bend, at Kansas. He's been all but named the starter, but will that mean a big year at a big position of need for the Jayhawks?

Deryck Gildon, LB, TCU: TCU's defense lost three starters after a string of drug arrests, but Gildon could become the next star of TCU's defense. Tank Carder was that guy in 2011, but Tanner Brock, the All-American in 2010 expected to assume that role in 2012, was arrested and is currently "separated" from the team. Gildon stepping up and producing a few highlights would make the earlier losses much easier to swallow.

Which guy will have the biggest spring? Vote in our poll.

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