Big 12 Top 10 Players

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Aug 16, 2008

Big 12 Top 10 Players

Joe Mortensen, LB

Mortensen switched from outside linebacker to middle linebacker prior to last season, and it's safe to say the transition went smoothly. Mortensen racked up 117 tackles -- including 15 tackles for loss -- en route to first-team All-Big-12 honors.

Duke Robinson, LG

Many consider Robinson to be the best guard in America. The enormous (6-foot-5, 335 pounds) lineman is extremely physical and most of his opponents are noticeably overmatched.

DeMarco Murray, RB

It didn't take long for Murray to adjust to the college game, as he rushed for five touchdowns in his first game against North Texas. He is one of the nation's biggest homerun threats out of the backfield. With the graduation of Allen Patrick, Murray will take on an increased workload this season.

Graham Harrell, QB

Harrell has thrown 86 touchdown passes in his first two seasons in Lubbock. In 2007 he threw at least three touchdown passes in 11 of 13 games and won the Sammy Baugh Trophy as the nation's top passer.

William Moore, FS

Moore established himself as one of the top safeties in America last season, recording an NCAA-high eight interceptions. He could easily become a first-round selection in the NFL draft with a big senior season.

Auston English, DE

Despite playing just 11 games last season, English led the Big 12 with 9 1/2 sacks. The junior had an appendectomy in late July, so it may take him a few weeks for him to get back into premier playing shape.

Sam Bradford, QB

Bradford was named Oklahoma's starting QB just before the start of last season, but he went on to set a freshman record for touchdown passes (36). He also ended up as the nation's most efficient passer.

Jeremy Maclin, WR

Maclin was overshadowed by Chase Daniel in 2007, but he was one of the nation's best all-around playmakers in 2007. He set a freshman record with 2,776 all-purpose yards.

Chase Daniel, QB

Daniel finished fourth in the Heisman voting last season, throwing for 4,306 yards and 33 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. The 2007 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year will continue to rewrite the Missouri record books as a senior.

Michael Crabtree, WR

Crabtree caught 17 touchdown passes in the first six games of his college career and went on to enjoy one of the most prolific receiving seasons ever. He led the NCAA in receptions (134), yards (1,962) and touchdown catches (22) and become the first freshman ever to win the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver.