Big 12 College Football’s Next Group of Studs
Sunday, 14. February 2010
Next in Line at the Big 12 Schools
It’s the way of college football. It’s why everyone follows college football recruiting as
if it is its own sport. The jerseys stay the same, but the players always change.
Who are going to be the new stars of the Big 12 Conference? Which players are going to
have the hometown fans lined up early at the ticket offices trying to catch a glimpse?
I have compiled all the data, and I have done all the leg work for you.
Keep reading to find out.
Click here to check out this year’s Big 12 Schedule
Baylor
Ivory Wade, Sophomore, Offensive Guard
Wade was a freshman last year out of Dickinson, TX. It took him a while to crack the
starting lineup, but once he did he was there to stay. For a true freshman to start
at a position along the offensive line, you know he must be etremely talented. Baylor
has had a good history recently of turning out pro caliber offensive linemen. Wade, standing
at 6′5″ 315 pounds, could be the next in line for the Bears. He made some all-freshman
teams last year, and I expect him to contend for an all Big 12 spot this year.
Colorado
Ryan Deehan, Junior, Tight End
Deehan was a solid contributor for the Buffs in his sophomore season. The three tight ends for
Colorado last year, Geer, Devenny and Deehan combined for 59 catches and over 600 yards.
Geer and Devenny were both seniors, so that opens things up for Deehan to fill the void.
He should be able to build upon a 10 catch 91 yard sophomore season this year. Tyler Hansen will
more than likely be running for his life a lot againt his year, meaning that his drop off to the
tight end could be a staple in the Colorado attack.
Iowa State
Darius Darks, Junior, Wide Receiver
Darks is a junior from out of Austin, TX. He has already been a nice part of the Cyclones offense, but
his production should really pick up this year with the departure of number one receiver Marquis Hamilton.
Darks caught 28 balls for 303 yards and 2 td’s a year ago. Darks had an even better freshman season with
49 catches for 477 yards receiving. An injury set him back a little last year, but this will be his year
really break out and show the rest of the Big 12 what he is about.
Kansas
Toben Opurum, Sophomore, Running Back
Opurum has already seen plenty of action for the Jayhawks. He was probably their more dangerous back last year
if you just look at the data with unbiased eyes. Jake Sharp was a warrior for Kansas, and Mangino stuck by
his guy, but Opurum was the back opposing defenses did not want to see. Opurum is a 6′2″ 235 pound bowling
ball. This past year as a true freshman, Opurum put up 554 yards and 9 td’s on the ground.
With Sharp graduating, I expect Opurum to put up first team All Big 12 type numbers this year barring
injury. Kansas may have a down year, but Jayhawk fans should get their tickets now if only to see this guy.
Kansas State
Brodrick Smith, Sophomore, Wide Receiver
Smith sat out last year after transferring from Minnesota following his true freshman season. For the gophers,
Smith logged time in 12 games as a true freshman. He only caught a couple of balls, but the athleticism and ability
are both there. Kansas State is losing a lot of firepower in the receiving crew with Brandon Banks and Snipes
having used up their eligibility. Smith should be an immediate difference maker for the Wildcats.
Missouri
Jerrel Jackson, Junior, Wide Receiver
Jackson caught 37 balls for 458 yards last year as a sophomore. Of that, 19 catches and 274 yards came in the
last three regular season games. This means to me that he was becoming more and more a part of the offense as the
season went forward. Danario Alexander and Jared Perry, the two leading receivers for the tigers a year ago
both graduated, so even more of the burden is going to fall on Jackson. I believe that he is ready to take the hits
and become to number one receiver for the Tigers every Saturday.
Nebraska
Cody Green, Sophomore, Quarterback
Green was probably better than Zac Lee towards the end of the season. Lee was the safer choice though, so he
remained the starter. Green is 6′4″ 220 pounds and can run like a deer. He has a stronger arm than Lee, he
is faster than Lee and will probably make more wise decisions than Lee by the midway point of this season.
Cornhusker fans have a lot to be excited about with three more years of watching Cody Green at the quarterback
position.
Oklahoma
Jaz Reynolds, Sophomore, Wide Receiver
Reynolds did not catch a ball in six of the first nine games for the Sooners. In the last four, including the bowl game,
8 balls for 180 yards. The even better part for the Sooners was that he was just a true freshman and looked good catching
those balls. He has size and speed and appears to be a natural receiver. The Sooners have a lot of talented receivers,
but I feel like the passing game as a whole will be better this year for Oklahoma and Reynolds showed enough to get more balls
thrown his way.
Oklahoma State
Brandon Weeden, Junior, Quarterback
Weeden joined the Cowboys after a few years of kicking around in minor league baseball. This means he was 26 years old last
year as a sophomore. He has the maturity to handle the quarterback position now that Zac Robinson has moved on after what seemed
like a 7 year career with Oklahoma State. Weeden is a big, strong armed guy, standing at 6′4″ 215 pounds. He performed well
in sot duty last year when Robinson was out. Weeden’s game against Colorado, replacing an ineffective Alex Cate, was very impressive.
He went 10-15 for 168 yards and 2 td’s with no interceptions. He will have a fight on his hands to win the starting job, but he
should win if his performance to date is any indication.
Texas
Christian Scott, Junior, Strong Safety
Scott played a bit in 2008 as a true freshman. He saw a lot of special teams action as well as some time at safety. He performed
particularly well against Kansas after Blake Gideon was injured, laying a couple of big licks and causing and recovering a fumble.
Scott was expected to compete for a starting position in 2009, however academic issues held him out throughout the entire regular season.
He played some special teams in the MNC game against Alabama. With Earl Thomas going pro, this opens the door for a guy like Christian
Scott to step in and take over. He has the experience and the ability to be an all-conference type defender for the Horns.
Texas A&M
Christine Michael, Sophomore, Running Back
It was hard to justify putting Michael here, not because he is does not deserve it, but because he is probably already pretty well known
throughout the Big 12. Michael was a true freshman out of Beaumont West Brook last year. He rushed for 844 yards and 10 td’s at a 5.1 ypc
clip. He split carries with Cyrus Gray a lot last year, but I think Michael will start to see more and more of the carries this year
as his talent allows him to distance himself from Gray. Michael is a future NFL running back, and he will begin to dominate this year.
Texas Tech
Pearlie Graves, Freshman, Defensive Line
It may be unclear where Graves will play along the line now that the Red Raiders are switching to a 3-4, but his talent is undeniable.
Originally committed to Michigan, he switched his commitment at the end of the process and decided to go to Lubbock. He redshirted
last year, but he would have been one of the first few defensive tackles off the bench had he played. The Red Raiders just need to hope
he stays put and does not contemplate moving on now that Leach is gone. Graves could be a monster.