NCAA Football: Big XII Breakout Players for 2010

I’ve heard some recent complaints about Ivan Maisel’s breakout player picks for action in the Big XII next season. I can understand your frustrations, but I didn’t think those picks were too bad, outside of Ahmad Dixon possibly never making it to campus. Here are a couple of guys from each South team that I’ve got my eye on headed into the season:

Texas Longhorns

Offense: OL Tray Allen

I’m not sure if he’s an inside or outside guy this year, but in the limited tape I saw of him, the Longhorns got a lot more athletic up front with Allen in the lineup. He’ll be too good to keep off the field this year, and adds some legitimate run blocking ability.

Defense: DE Eddie Jones

Jones is a player that would have been a three-year starter by now at 11 other Big XII programs. He’s just been stuck behind first round draft picks on the depth chart.  I think he’s got elite closing speed and will prove to be trouble to a new crop of Big XII tackles.

Texas A&M Aggies

Offense: OT Luke Joeckel

He’s already on campus at 280 pounds, and in all likelihood, the best athlete of Stephen Barrera, Danny Baker, Garrett Gramling, or Shep Klinke. Jake Matthews and Cedric Ogbuehi will need to gain weight via redshirt. I’m going out on a limb here, but I think this Joeckel kid is legit enough to crack the Aggie starting lineup. 

Defense: OLB Garrick Williams

At 6′2″, 230 pounds with decent athleticism, he’s the only other guy on the Aggie defense right now, outside of Von Miller, from whom I see glimpses of quality potential.  He’s a little bit of a mess at times like the rest of the unit, but Coach DeRuyter might be able to do something with an athlete of his level. At a minimum, Williams intrigues me.

Baylor Bears

Offense: WR Kendall Wright

I’ll just pick Wright like everyone else. Robert Griffin is no secret. WR Willie Jefferson is an interesting physical specimen at 6′6″.

Defense: OLB Antonio Johnson

He’s one of the more underrated players in the Big XII, especially in coverage. Everyone assumes Johnson is terrible because he plays on the Baylor defense, but he’s a good enough athlete to be starting for just about any program in this league.

Oklahoma Sooners

Offense: OG Bronson Irwin

When Bob Stoops signed Tyler Evans last Feb., I don’t think he felt Evans would actually be starting. Like Joeckel, Irwin is another reach pick. Adam Shead is a nice inside prospect for the Sooners, and I expect one of them to be injected for a running game boost by mid-season. Irwin is on campus already, has size, and I liked his film.

Defense: MLB Tom Wort

I was going to use Austin Box here and reference the upgrade in athleticism to Ryan Reynolds. However, Wort is apparently atop the depth chart heading into spring after an injury sidelined him last fall.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Offense: TE Tracy Moore

In past Cowboys' offenses, Justin Horton and his blocking ability might have been my choice. However, look for new OC Dana Holgerson to take advantage of Moore’s 240 pound size and athletic ability as a flex tight end to attack the deep middle.

Defense: S Markelle Martin

I think Martin is potentially an NFL player. He has a good combo of speed and size with ball skills.

Texas Tech Red Raiders

Offense: LT Terry McDaniel

He’s a potential star in this league, given he returns from an Oct. knee injury. McDaniel, if healthy, can do things that historically can't be done by Tech tackles. 

Defense: OLB/DE Aundrey Barr 

He’ll most likely be the best option on the Tech roster this spring for perimeter pressure on the QB. Coach Tuberville and defensive coordinator James Willis will find a way to get the fastest player in their front-four on the field.