Big 12's Top 10 Players

SI Staff | Aug 21, 2006

Big 12's Top 10 Players /

Big 12's Top 10 Players

Joel Filani, WR

The 6-3 222-pounder flourished as the Red Raiders' Z receiver last season, leading the Big 12 with 89.2 receiving yards per game. A first-team All-Big 12 player, Filani established himself as Texas Tech's best third-down option. This season he and Jarrett Hicks and a slew of other talented pass-catchers could make this the best receiving corps in Tech history.

Jamaal Charles, RB

Although Selvin Young may be Texas' starting running back, Charles will still see plenty of action following his breakout year (878 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns) as a true freshman. He used his superb speed to average a mind-boggling 7.4 yards per carry.

Frank Okam, DT

In his first two seasons Okam (97) established himself as an NFL-quality defensive tackle by compiling 70 tackles, 20 QB pressures and 11 tackles for loss. The 6-5 320-pounder lost his batterymate in DT Rod Wright (who graduated), but starting defensive ends Tim Crowder and Brian Robison are still around.

Todd Blythe, WR

With 1,833 receiving yards and 18 touchdown grabs in his first two seasons, Blythe has become the Big 12's premier pass-catcher. At 6-5, 210 pounds, he is almost unstoppable in the red zone. The favorite target of QB Bret Meyer, Blythe is one of 10 returning starters on what should be a dangerous Cyclones offense.

Adam Carriker, DE

Last season he was one of the most disruptive forces in the Big 12 and led the Blackshirts with 9.5 sacks and 21 quarterback hurries. The senior added substantial muscle to his 6-6, 295-pound frame in the offseason and significantly improved his speed.

Mason Crosby, K

Boasting quite possibly the most powerful leg in college football, Crosby set the Colorado record with his 60-yard field goal against Iowa State his sophomore year. The 6-2, 210-pound senior says he has nailed a 75-yarder in practice.

Rufus Alexander, LB

The 6-1 231-pounder led Oklahoma with 102 tackles and added five sacks and four tackles for loss. His biggest asset is his lightning speed, which gives him tremendous sideline-to-sideline coverage.

Justin Blalock, T

Projected as a first-round pick had he entered the 2006 NFL draft, Blalock dominates the game in both run- and pass-blocking. The 6-4, 329-pound right tackle headlines a very deep offensive line, which may be the 'Horns' best overall unit.

Michael Griffin, S

He led the national-champion Longhorns in tackles last season (124) and set a single-season Texas record with four blocked punts, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. One of the most talkative players on the 'Horns, the 6-foot, 205-pound Griffin will begin the season as a top Thorpe Award candidate.

Adrian Peterson, RB

One of the most complete running backs in the college game today, Peterson combines size (6-foot-2, 218 pounds), speed (4.4 40) and enviable power. Having rushed for 3,033 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first two seasons, he enters his junior year as a top Heisman candidate, though Oklahoma's offense was dealt a huge blow when Rhett Bomar was kicked off the team.

Published Aug 21, 2006

SI STAFF