Midseason's Best in the Big 12 North

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

Although competition itself for the Big 12 North crown seems to be entirely up for grabs, it hasn't discouraged certain individuals in the geographical upper-half of the conference from distinguishing themselves as some of the NCAA's best.

With regard to only performances (not only stats) during the first seven weeks of this season, here is my Midseason All-Big 12 North Team...

Defensive Backs

Tysyn Hartman (Kansas State S, So.), Darrell Stuckey (Kansas S, Sr.), Joshua Moore (Kansas State CB, Jr.), and Cha'pelle Brown (Colorado CB, Sr.)

Stuckey hasn't been spectacular but makes the list on the 50 tackles and amazing consistency he brings to a horrible defense.

Hartman barely gets the nod over teammate Emmanuel Lamur thanks to his 32 tackles, four interceptions, nine passes defended, five passes broken up in seven games, and usefulness on special teams.

Brown is not your ordinary cornerback; he gets his work done in the backfield and has totaled three sacks, two more tackles for a loss, and 45 tackles total.

Moore, like Hartman, is pure in coverage and has tallied two picks, 31 tackles, nine passes defended and seven broken up.

Best of the Rest: Chris Harris (KU S, 44 tackles, 3.5 for loss, five passes broken up/defended), Emmanuel Lamur (KSU S, two blocked kicks, 36 tackles), and David Sims (ISU S, 44 tackles, three picks)

Linebackers

Jesse Smith (Iowa State, Sr.), Fred Garrin (Iowa State, Sr.), and Sean Weatherspoon (Missouri, Sr.)

Smith's 75 tackles are enough to put him on this list.  His teammate Garrin is a little more versatile, racking up 46 tackles, four for losses, two picks, three passes broken up, and two forced fumbles. 

Weatherspoon does not quite match runners-up Jeff Smart and Drew Dudley statistically (50 tackles, five for loss, 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble), but is a far better leader and the focal point of every opposing offense he faces.

B.O.T.R.: Drew Dudley (KU, 53 tackles, 7.5 for loss, three sacks) and Jeff Smart (CU, 58 tackles, three for loss, one sack, one pick, three passes broken up)

Defensive Linemen

Jake Laptad (Kansas DE, Jr.), Pierre Allen (Nebraska DE, Jr.), Ndamukong Suh (Nebraska DT, Sr.), and Jeff Fitzgerald (Kansas State DT, Sr.)

Laptad is the only constant threat from Kansas' front four (27 tackles, seven for loss, 5.5. sacks), while Allen flourishes in constant one-on-one situations (28 tackles, seven for loss, three sacks) thanks to playing on the best line in football.

Speaking of Nebraska, Suh's team-leading 36 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, and a pick out of the tackle position make him a given at the top of any list. 

The lesser-known Fitzgerald also puts up great stats for a tackle (22 tackles, seven for loss, 4.5 sacks, one pick, two forced fumbles) despite similarly being the constant focus of double teams. 

He gets a very tight bump over Nebraska's Jared Crick for not having the benefit of playing next to (or with any, whatsoever) an All-American.

B.O.T.R.: Marquez Herrod (CU DE, six tackles for loss, four sacks), Barry Turner (NU DE, seven tackles for loss, two sacks), Aldon Smith (MU DE, 27 tackles, five for loss, three sacks), and Jared Crick (NU DT, 28 tackles, five for loss, 3.5 sacks)

Offensive Linemen

Kurtis Gregory (Missouri T, Sr.), Nick Stringer (Kansas State T, Sr.), Reggie Stephens (Iowa State G/C, Sr.), Tim Barnes (Missouri G/C, Jr.), and Jacob Hickman (Nebraska G/C, Sr.)

Gregory is a good-sized, athletic right tackle who could find his way into the pros as a guard, while Stringer is a smaller, quicker tackle with great technique on the left side of the line.

Stephens is a great team leader up front, Barnes will only keep getting better, while Hickman should find his way into Sunday games next season. All three are very versatile and experienced.

B.O.T.R.: Sal Capra (KU G, Jr.) He lacks size and experience, but Mark Mangino does nothing but rave about his toughness, intelligence, and versatility.

Tight Ends, Fullbacks

Jeron Mastrud (Kansas State TE, Sr.)

I made sure to include him. His stats won't blow you away (16 receptions, 196 yards, one touchdown), but neither will his quarterbacks. He's a great blocker, has an endless supply of experience, and I hope he gets a chance professionally.

B.O.T.R.:

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