Big 12 Conference All-Time Football Team : Offense

In the 13 year history of the Big 12 Conference, we have seen some of the greatest college football players that have ever donned a collegiate jersey.

The question I am posing, is who are the best of the best?  The elite of the elite?

Who are the best players to have ever played football in the Big 12?

I present to you, my all-time Big 12 team.  I'll start first on the offensive side and put together another list later on the defensive side of the ball.

(Qualifications are that the player has to have played at least 1 season in conference play since the start of the Big 12 play in 1996).

OFFENSE:

QB:  Vince Young - Texas (2002-2005):  Pictured here getting his jersey retired, Vince Young is easily recognized as one of the best QB's to have ever played College Football.  In the 2006 Rose Bowl, he almost single-handedly beat one of the best teams we have seen in recent memory, the 2005 USC Trojans. You could argue there were three Heisman Trophy winners at this position in the Big 12 (Eric Crouch, Jason White and Sam Bradford), but none of them meant more to their team's success than Vince.  And none of those guys brought home the ultimate hardware; a crystal football.

Other nominees:  Sam Bradford, Colt McCoy, Jason White, Eric Crouch, Brad Smith, Michael Bishop

RB:  Ricky Williams - Texas (1995-1998):  This is a no-brainer. The 1998 Heisman Trophy winner broke Tony Dorsett's 22-year-old record for most career yards rushing for a Division IA (FBS) running back. (This record would be broken a year later by Ron Dayne). The fact Ricky went on to become a verifiable nut job in the NFL has nothing to do with his amazing production while in College.

RB:  Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma (2004-2006):  Arguably the most talented RB to ever play in the Big 12, Adrian Peterson burst onto the collegiate scene in 2004 with 1,925 yards rushing and a runner-up finish for the Heisman Trophy, the highest finish ever for a freshman player. Hampered by injuries in his 2005 and 2006 seasons, Peterson finished his career as the No. 2 all-time rusher in OU history, falling only 73 yards short of the legendary Billy Sims still standing record. 

Other nominees:  Darren Sproles, Cedric Benson, Byron Hanspard, Troy Davis, Darren Davis, Chris Brown (CU) 

TE:  Jermaine Gresham - Oklahoma (2006-present):  This may be a tad bit early, but Jermaine Gresham is easily recognized as this year's most prolific TE in the entire country. In two years of starting duty, Mr. Gresham has racked up 26 TD receptions along with 1,629 yards receiving.  At 6'6" and 261 lbs., Jermaine is a nightmare match-up for any defense. 

Other nominees:  Daniel Graham, Brandon Pettigrew, Martin Rucker, Chase Coffman, Alonzo Mayes, Tracey Wistrom, Bo Scaife, Jermichael Finley, Martellus Bennett

OL:  Jammal Brown - Oklahoma (2000-2004): A key cog that allowed Adrian Peterson to ramble for 1,925 yard in his Freshman season, Jammal Brown was the recipient of the Outland Trophy in his senior year. Along with the Outland, Mr. Brown was a two-time All Big 12 selection and two-time All-American. It can be easily argued that Mr. Brown in the best OL to ever play in the Big 12.

OL:  Justin Blalock:  Texas (2002-2006):  As a red-shirt freshman in 2003, Justin Blalock was immediately inserted as the starting Right Tackle where he earned Freshman All-American team honors for the very deep and talented Texas Longhorns.  Three years later, he left Texas as a three-time All Big 12 conference selection and 2-time All-American.  He never won the Outland Trophy, but is an easy selection as to what may be the best OL to ever play in the Big 12.  To seal his legacy at Texas, Justin is the only player in Texas history to start 50 consecutive games. An unheard of accomplishment for any player, much less an offensive lineman at a school like Texas.

OL:  Andre Gurode:  Colorado (1997-2001):  Another sure-fire lock on this squad, Andre Gurode was responsible for paving the way for Chris Brown and Bobby Purify during the Buffaloes memorable late season run in 2001 in which they upset No. 1 Nebraska and No. 3 Texas in back to back games in securing the Big 12 title. Andre was a two-time All Big 12 conference selection and on many All-American lists following the 2001 season.  Gurode's selection to three pro bowls while a member of the Dallas Cowboys has solidified his position on this list.

OL:  Aaron Taylor:  Nebraska (1993-1997):  Selected as the Outland Trophy winner following the 1997 season, Aaron Taylor is one of the more decorated offensive lineman in Nebraska football history. The two-time All Big 12 selection was also selected as a 3rd team member of Sports Illustrated's College Football All Century team. Taylor was also selected to the Walter Camp All Century team in 1999. 

OL:  Seth McKinney:  Texas A&M (1997-2001):  This was a tough final selection, but due to McKinney's four years of starting experience for the Aggies puts him over the top.  A two-time All Big 12 selection, McKinney started all 50 games at Center or Guard for Texas A&M. It is his versatility that has also extended his career in the NFL. 

Other nominees:  Leonard Davis, Duke Robinson, Phil Loadholt, Dominic Raiola, Johnathan Scott, Mike Williams, Vince Carter

WR:  Michael Crabtree:  Texas Tech (2006-2008):  Likely the easiest selection on the list.  The only two-time Biletnikoff Award winner, Crabtree was a two-time All Big 12 and All-American in his only two seasons of play. Even with only two years under his belt at the collegiate level, Crabtree ranks fourth on the all-time Big 12 receiving yardage list and No. 2 in TD receptions. 

WR:  Roy Williams:  Texas (2000-2003):  This was tough. Rashaun Woods was more productive than Roy Williams during their same time, same four year careers in college, but I selected Williams due to his overall impact on a game. When your nickname is "The Legend" you are doing something right. The two-time All Big 12 conference selection ranks 2nd in career receiving yards and third in receiving TD's. (Yes, he is behind Rashaun Woods in both categories). Roy Williams later went on to become the 7th player selected in the 2004 NFL draft.

Other nominees:  Rashaun Woods, Wes Welker, Mark Clayton, Jeremy Maclin, Justin Gage, Quincy Morgan, Malcolm Kelly, Jarrett Hicks

K:  Mason Crosby:  Colorado (2003-2006):  It's a kicker. He is likely the best.

Other nominees:  Martin Gramatica, Josh Brown, Jamie Rheem   

KR:  Ben Kelly:  Colorado (1997-1999):  Ben Kelly is a 3 time All Big 12 Conference selection as a KR in his only three years of playing time.  Kelly is also the all-time leader in conference history with a 28.1 yard per return average, and took 3 kickoffs in his career back for a TD.  There is some strong competition in this group, but Kelly's 3-time all-conference selection puts him over the top.

Other nominees:  Jeremy Maclin, Wes Welker, Perish Cox, Danny Amendola, Terrence Newman