10 players to watch in the Big 12

As spring practice gets underway, keep an eye on these 10 players in the Big 12.

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Mar 8, 2017

10 players to watch in the Big 12

Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma QB

After finishing fourth and third in the Heisman Trophy voting the past two seasons, could 2017 be the year Mayfield claims the award. To do so, he'll need to identify a new go-to receiver now that Dede Westbrook is gone.

James Washington, Oklahoma State WR

After catching 71 passes for 1,380 yards with 10 touchdowns, Washington could have easily moved on to the NFL. Luckily for college football fans, he's opting to spend another year in Stillwater.

Connor Williams, Texas OT

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A second-team All-America lineman in 2016, Williams is back to protect the blindside for whoever emerges as the Longhorns' starting quarterback.

Allen Lazard, Iowa State WR

One of the biggest offensive weapons Iowa State has had in a while, the 6'5" Lazard caught 69 passes for 1,018 yards with seven scores in 2016.

Dalton Risner, Kansas State OT

Risner moved from center to tackle last season and didn't miss a beat. He anchored a Wildcats offensive line that tied for second in the Big 12 in sacks allowed.

Travin Howard, TCU LB

travin-howard-tcu-big-12-players-to-watch-spring-football.jpg — Matthew Visinsky/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

One of the busiest defensive players in the country, Howard ranked sixth in the country last season with 130 tackles. That was a step up from the already impressive 105 he posted in 2015.

Justin Crawford, West Virginia RB

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The former juco product surpassed all expectations in his first FBS season, rushing for 1,184 yards on 7.3 yards per carry in 2016. As the Mountaineers transition to Will Grier at QB, they'll look to Crawford to keep the offense rolling.

Dorance Armstrong, Kansas DE

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Who would have guessed one of the best defensive players in the Big 12 would come from Kansas? Armstrong is a disruptive force who led the Big 12 in tackles for loss (20) and finished second in sacks (10).

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, Oklahoma LB

Okoronkwo is a ferocious pass-rushing linebacker who finished third in the Big 12 with nine sacks in 2016. Not bad for his first season starting.

Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State QB

Like his favorite target, James Washington, Rudolph passed on the NFL despite throwing for over 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns last season. Now he and Washington get to light up Big 12 secondaries again.