| 19 February 2010
Top 20 Players who could have breakthrough seasons in the Big 12. In the way of some context, generally a player who is a Sophomore/Junior who could contend for All Big 12 honors or more
QB- (Clearly the bar for being a breakthrough QB is tougher than at other positions. Garrett Gilbert was close to this list, but with only one start who knows what UT has at QB)
- Blaine Gabbert 6-5, 230, MU – Gabbert had very productive first year as a starter with over 3500 yards passing but the TD total was low (24) and INT number was kind of high (9). In addition the Missouri spread requires a high completion percentage than 59%. Gabbert will miss his key WR, Danario Alexander, but there are enough other options returning for Gabbert to be successful. If Missouri wants to win the Big 12 North, they need Gabbert to take that next step.
- Landry Jones 6-4, 220, OU – Landry’s first year as a starter had highs (ATM/KU/Bowl game) and deep lows (NU, Texas Tech). Clearly, an inconsistent WR core, no TE game, no running game didn’t help Landry’s adjustment to being the starter. Landry’s got to cut down on the turnovers and improve his accuracy and timing (late on throws). The Stanford game showed a different Landry and vastly improved WR core. If Landry continues to improve in his fundamentals (and QBs so far do nothing but improve under Heupel to date) and OU surrounds him with better weapons , Landry could be the difference in OU regaining control in the Big 12 South.
- Tyler Hansen 6-2, 205, CU – It’s really simple, Hawkins job is in Hansen’s hands. Hansen once he took over from the younger Hawkins provided a higher level of play at QB. Hansen provides more mobility and a hint of QB run game. Hansen needs a consistent running game from Rod Stewart and another WR to complement Scotty McKnight (Michigan transfer Toney Clemons could be that WR).
RB
- Rex Burkhead 5-11, 200, NU – Burkhead’s Holiday Bowl performance has Husker fans buzzing about his potential. Burkhead and Helu could be a big time 1-2 punch at RB, NU’s is so short of offensive playmakers you have to wonder if they will try and find some schemes to get them on the field together.
- Tony Opurum 6-0, 235, KU – Opurum had a solid first year as the RB for the Jayhawks but clearly has the potential to be a 30 carry a game feature back for the Hawks. It’s hard to know what KU will get out of their new JUCO QBs this year, so leaning on a running game early could be a possible strategy for their offense.
WR
- Dejuan Miller 6-4, 220, OU - Miller showed flashes of the physical and WR skills that could make him a Malcolm Kelly like performer for OU at WR at times last year. Miller ended the year on a high note with an excellent Sun Bowl where he demonstrated that ability to shield off defenders and move the chains on 3rd down. It’s a big spring for Miller, OU is bringing in a very talented big WR in Justin McCay in August. Miller really needs to have locked down the Big WR spot in the Sooners 3 WR look.
- Jonathan Wilson 6-3, 190, KU - Wilson’s been the 3rd WR in the Jayhawk attack behind Briscoe and Meier. It’s now time for him to step and be the lead WR. Mangino may have had many issues at KU but developing WRs was not one of them. If KU can find a QB , look for Wilson to have a big year.
- Marquise Goodwin 5-9, 175, UT - Other UT WRs have better returning stats, Goodwin with only 270 yards receiving last year, but if you watched the OU game and the Bama game other than Shipley, Goodwin was the only WR making plays, competing at an elite level. UT will need to be creative in the ways that they get him the football, but his speed is elite. Mike Davis and Darius White bring different WR skills but don’t have Goodwin’s elite speed.
TE
- Andrew Jones 6-5, 235, MU - Jones stats last year were pretty modest, but the Missouri spread has always functioned best when the QB had a TE weapon available whether it was Chase Coffman or Martin Rucker. Jones has all the physical skils, it’s just a matter development. Missouri has lost some firepower at wr as well, so the need for the TE to be a factor is huge.
OL
- Stephen Good 6-5, 300, OU - Good struggled during his first year as a starter and wasn’t really healthy most of the year. If OU is going to build an effective quality OL, Good is going to be part of that process. Good was huge five star recruit for OU and now in his Junior year OU needs him to be a leader. He has the physical skills to be a dominant OG if he can stay healthy.
DT
- Kheeston Randall 6-5, 288, UT - Randall is the tackle leader returning for the Horns at DT. He has a full spring to build a lead before UT’s talented group of freshman DTs enroll. It would hard to imagine UT starting two freshman DTs so it’s important that the someone on campus step up before August.
- Jamarkus McFarland 6-3, 295, OU - McFarland looked pretty impressive in limited playing time then due to the injury to Adrian Taylor got even more reps during the Sooner bowl. The Sooners have had an impressive run of DTs lately from Harris to Dvoracek to Granger (before he got hurt) to McCoy. Can McFarland become the next name? With Taylor out during spring, McFarland will get an early test in being the leader/playmaker for the interior DL.
DE
- Alex Okafor 6-5, 240, UT - Modest stats for Okafor his freshman year playing behind Sam Acho and Sergio Kindle at DE. Now Kindle is gone and the recruit targeted to be the next Brian Orakpo has an open spot to win with only former five star recruit Eddie Jones in the way. Okafor needs to take advantage of this spring and solidify his starting position with Jackson Jeffcoat and Reggie Wilson arriving in August.
LB
- Jonathan Stewart 6-4, 230, ATM - Solid freshman year and with new the defensive scheme moving to a 3-4 Stewart could find himself being one of OLBs, and with Von Miller being the other OLB, Stewart could find a lot of opportunities for big plays.
- Kyle Mangan 6-2, 230, ATM - Managan had the better freshman year at LB than Stewart, and should man one of the ILB spots for the 3-4 defense. In this defense, Managan is going to have to make plays for it to successful
- Jon Major 6-4, 230, CU needs a playmaker at LB and now a full two years removed from his knee injury Major could be ready to take over that role for Buffs. Major has all the physical skills, and the Buffs badly need this top recruit to make an impact.
- Sean Fisher 6-5, 225, NU - Nebraska native provided depth at LB last year. With graduation losses Fisher could end up with a starring role at OLB, and be an impact defender for the Huskers who should still have a good DL occupying blockers allowing a LB to make plays.
- Ronnell Lewis 6-3, 240, OU- If you watched OU special teams at all then you know that Ronnell Lewis makes an impact whenever he’s on the field. His play in the Sun Bowl only increased the odds that his former 8 man football star is ready to start for OU at LB.
DB
- Aaron Williams/Curtis Brown: This pair of young CBs could give UT their best pass coverage since the days of Aaron Ross/Griffin brothers. With Earl Thomas gone, both young DBs will need to make more big plays/force more turnovers. Especially early while UT’s new front four is developing, the UT secondary might need to provide that extra second or two of coverage.
Obviously, I will be redoing this list after Spring as new names come to the surface, and some of these names may fall back behind other players.
