QUARTERBACKS:
1. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
He flew under the radar in the Big 12 thanks to all the attention given to McCoy, Bradford, Robinson and Reesing, but that won’t be the case this season. Johnson threw for 300 or more yards in six games and threw 30 touchdowns. He showed off his dual-threat abilities late in the year with 231 rushing yards in his final three games, including 97 in a stunning performance against Texas. He’s a supreme talent surrounded by talented backs and receivers.
2. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
I know, I know, how could any Nebraskan think highly of Gabbert. But a look at his debut year stats confirm Gabbert was already one of the league’s best signal callers as a sophomore: He ranked 11th nationally in total offense (292 ypg) and second in the Big 12 in passing yards (3,593). His ankle is healthy now, but losing receiver Danario Alexander won’t help.
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Jones did an admirable job of adjusting on the fly in trying to replace Heisman winner Sam Bradford early in the season. Remember, OU’s O-line was downright terrible last year, so if it can make any progress in that area, Jones is surrounded by enough playmakers that he could have a big year.
4. Robert Griffin, Baylor
Griffin was undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the Big 12 as a true freshman in 2008, but year two was cut short by an ACL injury three games into the season. If the former Big 12 Freshman of the Year can stay healthy, he’s an electrifying talent that could lead the Bears into bowl contention.
5. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
Potts led Texas Tech to three straight wins to end the year in spite of all the turmoil that was beginning to take place. He threw for 3,440 and 22 scores last year, but he’ll need to fend off Steven Sheffield in order to get his job back.
6. Zac Lee, Nebraska
We’ll see which Zac Lee steps up this fall: the one who was smooth and effective against Arizona, the one who did just barely enough when he needed to against Missouri, or the one who was overmatched and tried to do too much against Texas. Once he’s healthy, he should take back the starting job easily.
7. Garrett Gilbert, Texas
The fact Gilbert held his own in the second half against Alabama’s monster defense merits credit. He’s going to be a special player, but he’ll take his lumps this year like all other first-year starters. The fact Texas is moving towards a more balanced offense should help Gilbert adjust
8. Austen Arnaud, Iowa State
Arnaud threw for 2,015 yards and 14 scores in his first year in a spread offense. He also rushed for 50 or more yards in six games, and he led ISU to a bowl game win over Minnesota. He can be a solid starter this year, but first he’ll have to beat out talented backup Jerome Tiller.
9. Stephen Sheffield, Texas Tech
“Sticks” threw for 234 yards and a score at Nebraska last year to help Tech put up 31 points – the most NU’s amazing defense allowed all year. In six games, he threw for 1,219 yards and an amazing 14 touchdowns, but he has some work to do to convince Tommy Tuberville he’s Tech’s starter this year.
10. Tyler Hansen, Colorado
It’s hard to know what to expect of Hansen this year. He’s a bit of an erratic passer who’s stuck in one of the worst offenses in the Big 12, but having Scotty McKnight and Michigan transfer Toney Clemons could make him look a lot better – unless coach Dan Hawkins benches him mid-season in favor of his son.
Honorable mention: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Carson Coffman, Kansas State; Kale Pick, Kansas
RUNNING BACKS
1. DANIEL THOMAS, KANSAS STATE
The fact that more people around the nation don’t know about Thomas is kind of a joke. He transferred to K-State last year after becoming a star junior college quarterback and immediately became a workhorse back for the Wildcats. He became a starter from day one and rushed for 1,265 yards and 11 scores. One area of concern: he had 247 carries last year, and KSU will surely rely on him even more this year.
2. DEMARCO MURRAY, OKLAHOMA
Murray probably doesn’t deserve to be this high on the list, considering he’s overhyped and gets injured a bit too often. But he’s the D-I active career leader in touchdowns with 45, and he’s rushed for 2,471 yards in three seasons. Now that Chris Brown is in the NFL, Murray will have no more excuses and should have a huge season for OU.
3. ROY HELU, NEBRASKA
When he’s healthy, there’s no stopping him – Helu’s 169-yard performance at Virginia Tech and his 156-yard game at Kansas are proof enough. But his combined 36 yards against Texas and Arizona are a concern, and he’ll get more competition now that Rex Burkhead is back. If Helu can become a more decisive runner, Nebraska’s run game could be one of the Big 12’s best.
4. ALEXANDER ROBINSON, IOWA STATE
Robinson rushed for 1,195 yards but only six scores last year as the focal point of ISU’s offense. He had six 100-yard games, highlighted by 152 yards and two scores at Kansas and another 137 in the Insight Bowl. Though he missed the Nebraska game, Robinson was the key reason ISU played so many close games last year.
5. KENDALL HUNTER, OKLAHOMA STATE
Hunter went from one of the nation’s best running backs to Keith Toston’s backup last year due to foot injuries. He showed people what he can do in the Cotton Bowl, rushing for 94 yards on only nine carries, but Hunter still has plenty to prove this season. If he can go back to being a 225-plus carries back for OSU, perhaps the Cowboys’ dropoff this year won’t be as significant as expected.
6. CHRISTINE MICHAEL, TEXAS A&M
Michael was one of the nation’s best freshman backs last year and plays in a perfect situation: he stays fresh by splitting carries equally with Cyrus Gray, and A&M has a strong enough passing game that neither are overused. Michael rushed for 276 yards and four scores in A&M final four games and will thrive this fall behind revamped line.
7. RODNEY STEWART, COLORADO
Stewart was one of the only brightspots for CU last year. Once touted back Darrell Scott quit the team, Stewart got the job for good. The 5-foot-6 scat back had five 100-yard games, but the Buffs don’t stand a chance if he has more games like he did against Missouri: 10 carries, three yards.
8. BARON BATCH, TEXAS TECH
He’s been long overlooked due to Tech’s pass-happy attack, but Batch is the perfect compliment for such a system. In 2009, he had his second straight season with 1,200-plus total yards. He caught 57 balls out of the backfield last year, and Tuberville would be wise to continue utilizing him primarily out of the shotgun.
9. DERRICK WASHINGTON
Washington was a bit of a disappointment last year in a solid but never stellar season. He rushed for 865 yards and 10 scores but wasn’t much of a receiving threat. When Gabbert is healthy, they can be a potent duo in zone read plays, but he’ll need to step up this year while MU breaks in new wideouts.
10. CYRUS GRAY, TEXAS A&M
Gray disappeared in A&M’s final two games (eight carries, 16 yards), in part due to Michael’s development. He had three 100-yard games in Big 12 play and pairs well with Michael – two small backs who hits holes well and are strong in the open field. It’ll be interesting to see if A&M can keep both backs happy with their role and their carries this fall.
Honorable mention: Tre’ Newton, Texas; Toben Opurum, Kansas; Rex Burkhead, Nebraska