Big 12 Football: 10 2013 Recruits Bound for Stardom
As recruiting season nears its frenzy, every college fan around the nation is eagerly waiting to see which young men will be leading their chosen program for the next three or four years.
The Big 12 is no different and, as the commitments keep coming in, this year's crop of new players look as strong as ever.
But which of these players are going to be stars in a year or two? Read on to find out.
And, considering recruiting can be such of a crapshoot at times, let me know in the comments if you think another guy is going to make a bigger impact than these 10.
A'Shawn Robinson
1 of 10School: Texas
Position: Defensive Line
The Skinny: As Scout.com notes, A'Shawn Robinson could probably play either side of the ball equally well. Watching some tape, shows us a few things. First off, he's a giant, but more importantly, he's quick getting off the line and excels at shedding blocks. Look for him to make an immediate impact.
Keith Ford
2 of 10School: Oklahoma
Position: Running Back
The Skinny: It's hard not to like Keith Ford's game after watching this play. If you watch more of that video, you see a player who has elite vision and cutback ability, coupled with some legitimate power and tackle-breaking skill. Oklahoma has a star in the making here.
Kent Perkins
3 of 10School: Texas
Position: Offensive Tackle
The Skinny: When you watch Kent Perkins run-block, it's not even fair that this kid plays against high schoolers. At 6'6", he's a mammoth of a man and uses that size to dominate defensive linemen. Not only is he great in the running game, but he rarely gets beaten while pass-blocking. He's the total package.
Robbie Rhodes
4 of 10School: Baylor
Position: Wide Receiver
The Skinny: Robbie Rhodes might be the fastest man at his position in this class and that makes him one of the best downfield threats coming into college next year. One of the best parts of watching his tape is that he beats his man on almost every play, is underthrown by his quarterback and still makes the play. Imagine what he'll do with an NCAA QB.
Darius James
5 of 10School: Texas
Position: Offensive Tackle
The Skinny: Generally, it's hard to call a center a "star" player, but that's just how good Darius James could be. His highlight tape shows a guy who absolutely mauls people in the running game and gets up field with ease to make secondary blocks that free his running back. This guy is going to be playing on Sundays very soon.
D.J. Ward
6 of 10School: Oklahoma
Position: Defensive End
The Skinny: The scary thing about D.J. Ward is that, right now, he's just making plays on pure athleticism and desire. Watch his tape and notice that he doesn't really have any moves other than being fast and strong. When he gets with OU coaches and works on his technique, he's going to be a monster.
Tyrone Swoopes
7 of 10School: Texas
Position: Pretty Much Anything (Likely Quarterback)
The Skinny: Tyrone Swoopes is going to remind some people of former Longhorns' quarterback Vince Young. Athletically, the comparison isn't very far off. He's a long strider and an amazing athlete who throws a soft, catchable ball. He might not turn into the same quarterback Young was, but he's going to make an impact somewhere on the field.
Cody Thomas
8 of 10School: Oklahoma
Position: Quarterback
The Skinny: Cody Thomas is pretty much the prototypical QB to run OU's offense. He's a big guy at 6'5" and also brings a big, accurate arm. As long as Thomas doesn't decide to go pro in baseball, the Sooners might be looking at one of the best quarterbacks they've had take the field in a few years.
Deoundrei Davis
9 of 10School: Texas
Position: Linebacker
The Skinny: Anytime a player is referred to as a "heat-sinking missile" I take notice. Just watch the highlights and tell me he doesn't remind you of West Virginia's true freshman stud Karl Joseph. If this kid's nickname isn't "Crash" ("Smash"?) Davis by the end of the year, then I'll be utterly flabbergasted.
Stanvon Taylor
10 of 10School: Oklahoma
Position: Defensive Back
The Skinny: Stanvon Taylor might be a little on the smallish size, but he's an exceptional athlete. He played both ways in high school, but will probably make his impact as a cornerback for the Sooners. Taylor is a high-energy guy who should standout at Oklahoma.
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