College Football Predictions: Pre-Season All-Big 12 Team (Offense)

It is the end of July, and we are almost a month away from the start of the 2010 College Football season. Everyone will have their own pre-season All Big 12 teams, where the teams will finish, and who will be the Big 12 MVP. And I am no different, as today I take a look at whom is the pre-season all Big 12 Team on the offensive side of the ball.

With the end of the 2009 season, the Big 12 saw a lot of their best players leave for the NFL. Gone on offense are quarterbacks: Sam Bradford (OU) and Colt McCoy (UT). At wide receiver, Dez Bryant (OSU) and Jordan Shipley (UT) left a big hole at their schools. Now, it is a new season and time for the new waive of great players of the Big 12 to step up and lead their Universities to a championship season, and maybe a Heisman trophy for one of these players.

Give it a click-through as I start with the Kicker and end with the Quarterback. All stats are from their regular season or seasons.

Place Kicker: Grant Ressel Missouri Tigers

Grant Ressel career stats:

2009: FGM (26) FGA (27) PCT (96.3%) XPM (39) XPA (39) PCT (100%)

The Kicker is either the most hated person on his school's team, or as shown in the picture above, the most loved.

Grant Ressel is the best kicker that the Big 12 has to offer this year. Only in his second year, Grant has shown that he can come up with clutch kicks in big games. Ressel started last year as a true freshman on his Missouri Tigers team. This year, he looks to stay perfect on extra point attempts and keep his high percentage of field goals made.

Kick Returner: Cyrus Gray Texas A&M Aggies

Cyrus Gray career stats:

2008: KR (49) Yards (1169) TD (1) LG (98)
2009: KR (27) Yards (642) TD (1) LG (99)

While this category used to be dominated by Jordan Shipley in previous years, it's now time for a new player to step up to take this honor. Cyrus Gray is the next in line as he is my pick for all Big 12 team.

He's a speedy running back that has big play potential. And if the Aggies offense is going to put up big numbers this year, then it will be on Cyrus to start them off with great field position.

Punt Returner: Niles Paul Nebraska Cornhuskers

Niles Paul career stats:

2007: PR (0) Yards (0) TD (0)
2008: PR (8) Yards (80) TD (0)
2009: PR (49) Yards (407) TD (1)

Just like Jordan Shipley was the best kick off returner over the past few years in the Big 12, Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant held this spot for the last few years. Now, Dez is in Dallas playing for the Cowboys.

He does lack the experience of returning punts, as last year was his first full year at the position. However, in his first full year he did take a punt back for a touchdown.

The punt returner can change a game's momentum. Nebraska will look towards Niles to hit the big home runs in the punt return game this year.

Offensive Tackle: Kyle Hix Texas Longhorns

Kyle Hix career stats:

2007: Games Started (13)
2008: Games Started (13)
2009: Games Started (14)

Kyle brings a steady presence to this University of Texas offensive line. If UT is going to get back to their pro-style offense; then Kyle will be a big part of their success.

Kyle appeared in every game in his first year at Texas in 2007. That year he helped the Texas running game average 207.5 yards per game. That year the offense averaged a total of 462.9 yards.

He continued his great work with the offense starting every game there after in the 2008 and 2009 season. And this year he is a pre-season Outland Trophy nominee as the Nation's best Offensive Linemen.

Offensive Tackle: Nate Solder Colorado Buffalos

Nate Solder career stats:

2007: Games Played (13)
2008: Games Played (12)
2009: Games Played (12)

Nate (pictured, No. 78) started his career at Colorado as a blocking tight end. After his freshman year in 2007, Nate added 30 pounds onto his body and became a starting offensive tackle.

The transition was an easy one for Nate; as he took off starting every game in the 08 season for the Buffalos. He led all linemen with 69 knockdown blocks while allowing just one sack.

Last year, 2009, Nate was the recipient of the John Wooten Award for outstanding work ethic, and was the Iron Buffalo Award winner among the offensive lineman, given to those at each position who represent hard work, dedication, toughness and total poundage lifted in the weight room.

Offensive Guard: Michael Huey Texas Longhorns

Michael Huey career stats:

2007: Games Played (13)
2008: Games Played (13)
2009: Games Played (13)

Huey is the second Texas offensive linemen to make the pre-season All Big 12 team. Along with Kyle Hix, Huey appeared in all 13 games at guard and on special teams in 2007. In that same year, he was named one of UT's Outstanding Offensive Newcomers

His sophomore year in 2008 Huey, Appeared in all 13 games, starting three, at guard and on special teams...earned UT's Boss Hog Award as the most productive lineman for his performance against Rice.

Last year, his junior, Huey kept up his outstanding play on the offensive line as he appeared in 13 games, including nine starts, at right guard...tabbed honorable mention All-Big 12 by the league's coaches.

Offensive Guard: Stephen Good Oklahoma Sooners

Stephen Good career stats:

2008: Games Played (8)
2009: Games Played (13)

Stephen came to Oklahoma in 2008 as a young freshman guard that played on a OU offensive line that helped quarterback Sam Bradford win the Heisman Trophy. That year he only played in eight games, but learned from the guys he was about to replace in the following year.

In 2009, the talent that led Oklahoma to recruit Stephen started to show. That year he played in all 13 games while starting seven on either the left or right side. He played a total of 718 snaps, third-highest on the team. That year he was second on the team to All-American Trent Williams with 79 knockdowns.

(Photo courtesy of oklahoma.scout.com)

Center: Ben Lamaak Iowa State Cyclones

Ben Lammak career stats:

2007- Games Played (12)
2008- Games Played (8)
2009- Games Played (13)

Ben came to Iowa State much like Nate Solder came to Colorado. Both were recruited as a tight end. But after their first years, as a red-shirted freshman, they were moved to the offensive line. Now in Ben's fourth year at Iowa State, he looks to center an offensive line that has star running back Alexander Robinson.

In his best year, last year, Ben started every game at left tackle and was leader in the offensive line. This year, he begins the season with 33 career starts and is a nominee for pre-season Outland Trophy.

(Photo courtesy of Athletics Communications)

Tight End: Tim Biere Kansas Jayhawks

Tim Biere career stats:

2008: Games Played (12) Rec (6) Yards (65) TD (0)
2009: Games Played (11) Rec (14) Yards (183) TD (0)

Tim was one of eight true freshmen who played during 2008. He was the team's main tight end, starting two games against Texas Tech and Missouri.

Last year, Tim saw his production grow. He was the team's top tight end, starting five of 10 games on the year (he missed the UTEP and Duke games due to injury). That year Tim, caught at least one pass in eight of his 10 games.

Wide Receiver: Kendall Wright Baylor

Kendall Wright career stats:

2008: Games Played (12) Rec (50) Yards (649) TD (5)
2009: Games Played (12) Rec (66) Yards (740) TD (4)

Kendall bursts onto the Baylor scene as a true freshman. Kendal also lead Baylor that year receptions, receiving yards and TD catches. Kendal was selected as an honorable mention Freshman All-America by CollegeFootballNews.com. He set Baylor freshman records for receptions (50) and receiving yards (649).

Kendall did not have a sophomore slump. In his second year Kendall was the team's top receiver, and played all 12 games while he started 11. He earned All-Big 12 honors and was named second-team "All-Texas" by Dave Campbell's Texas Football publication. Kendall again led the team in receptions (66), receiving yards (740) and receiving touchdowns (four).

Wide Receiver: Uzoma Nwachukwu Texas A&M Aggies

Wide Receiver: Kendall Wright Baylor

Wide Receiver: Uzoma Nwachukwu Texas A&M Aggies

Uzoma Nwachukwu career stats:

2009: Games Played (12) Rec (40) Yards (708) TD (6)

In only his first year, Uzoma was an honorable mention All-Big 12 selection by the league's head coaches. Uzoma was named to collegefootballnews.com's Freshman All-America third team and ESPN.com's Big 12 All-Freshman team. He has started every game at wide receiver as a true freshman, and was one of seven true freshmen to appear in all 12 games.

Wide Receiver: Ryan Broyles Oklahoma Sooners

Ryan Broyles career stats:

2008: Games Played (12) Rec (46) Yards (687) TD (6)
2009: Games Played (12) Rec (89) Yards (1120) TD (15)

In his freshman year, he had the most yards ever by a OU freshman receiver and tied for the most catches. In a seven-catch, 141-yard effort against Cincinnati in his first collegiate game, he set a OU record for receiving yards by a freshman.

In his sophomore year Broyles increased his numbers by going over 1000 yards receiving, and double digits in touchdowns. This while playing without Heisman Trophy winner, Sam Bradford, at quarterback. With another year with quarterback Landry Jones, Broyles should continue his big numbers, and be considered as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Running Back: DeMarco Murray Oklahoma Sooners

DeMarco Murray career stats:

2007: Games Played (11) Rush (127) Yards (764) TD (13)
2008: Games Played (13) Rush (179) Yards (1,002) TD (14)
2009: Games Played (12) Rush (171) Yards (705) TD (8)

DeMarco came onto the Oklahoma scene in a big way. He was named as a Rivals Freshman All-American, honorable mention All-Big 12 by the coaches and Associated Press, honored by the AP as both a running back and all-purpose player, and first team Academic All-Big 12 His 15 touchdowns tied the OU freshman record set by Adrian Peterson.

In DeMarco's sophomore year, he saw his first full time as a starter. Again, DeMarco was named to the All-Big 12 first team by the coaches and second team by the AP. He was named to The All-Big 12 Academic first team; second team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American. But the injury bug bit DeMarco again as he suffered a hamstring injury on opening kickoff of Big 12 Championship and missed BCS Championship. That year DeMarco set OU single-season record for all-purpose yards with 2,171 total yards.

2009 again was no different for DeMarco. It was another All-Big 12 second team by coaches and honorable mention by AP and another All-Big 12 Academic second team.

This year, DeMarco looks to continue to climb up the OU all-time record lists.

Running Back: Kendall Hunter Oklahoma State Cowboys

Kendall Hunter career stats:

2007: Games Played (12) Rush (107) Yards (696) TD (4)
2008: Games Played (13) Rush (241) Yards (1555) TD (16)
2009: Games Played (8) Rush (89) Yards (382) TD (1)

Kendall came into Oklahoma State as a true freshman. That year he Led OSU with a 6.5-yard rushing average, ran for 696 yards and four scores. He also caught 10 passes for 137 yards to rank seventh on the squad in receiving that year. In his second game against Troy, Kendall carried the ball 16 times for 125 yards. His 125 rushing yards against the Trojans were the most for an OSU true freshman since David Thompson.

His second year at Oklahoma State was his break-out year. That year Kendall was the Big 12's leading rusher by more than 30 yards per game. The 2008 season saw him run for 14 touchdowns and grab one TD pass. He was the nation's seventh leading rusher with 119.6 yards per game, including nine 100-yard rushing games. His nine 100-yard outings in a single season represent the fifth best total in Oklahoma State history.

A injury-plagued 2009 year slowed Kendall down, and kept him in a Cowboys uniform this year. In their bowl game against Ole Miss, he came back to life showing his form from the 2008 season. This year, Kendall is healthy and ready to lead the Cowboys offense.

Quarterback: Jerrod Johnson Texas A&M Aggies

Jerrod Johnson career stats:

2007: Games Played (5) Att (7) Comp (2) Yards (50) TD (2)
2008: Games Played (11) Att (326) Comp (194) Yards (2435) TD (21)
2009: Games Played (12) Att (497) Comp (296) Yards (3579) TD (30)

There isn't a person more valuable on this list than Jerrod Johnson. He plays well, and then the Aggies may have their best season ever, period. He plays terribly, and then it's another long football season for the Aggie faithful.

As a freshman in 2007, Jerrod saw little time, as he was a back-up.

However, he took over as the leader of the Aggie offense in 2008 as a sophomore. That year, he was inserted as the starter after Stephan McGee went down with an injury during the New Mexico game. That year Aggie fans saw a glimpse into their future, as the speedy quarterback threw for a then school record 21 touchdowns in just 10 games.

That was a school record until Jerrod broke it the next year, his first full year as a starter; with 30 touchdown passes. That year he was selected as a pre-season 2nd team Big 12 team member.

This year, Jerrord looks to lead his Aggies to their first Big 12 title since 1997. He already owns career records in every major passing category at Texas A&M history. The question is, can Jerrod win the big games, which he has not been able to in his previous years.

Recap: Who Did I Miss?

Well, it is time for you, the reader to sound off in the comments section below. Who did I miss? Who should be left off this list? Or just tell me how great I am and how I nailed everyone correctly!

But here is a breakdown of the number of players from each school:

Big 12 North
Kansas St: 0
Iowa St: 1
Colorado: 1
Nebraska: 1
Missouri: 1
Kansas: 1

Big 12 South
Texas Tech: 0
Texas A&M: 3
Texas: 2
Oklahoma: 3
Oklahoma St: 1
Baylor: 1