The Big 12 must replace plenty of star power.
Trevone Boykin, Corey Coleman, Eric Striker and Emmanuel Ogbah are just a few of the Big 12 stars who are gone now, leaving open spots on the All-Big 12 team that are just waiting to be filled by younger players hungry to make their mark on the conference.
Here’s a look at one player on each Big 12 roster who could earn a spot on the first- or second-team All-Big 12 squad in 2016 after flashing big-time potential but finishing without all-conference honors during 2015.
Baylor RB Johnny Jefferson: It’s pretty telling that Jefferson is listed alongside Shock Linwood, one of the Big 12’s top running backs, atop Baylor’s post-spring roster. Jefferson had a stellar sophomore season, leading the Big 12 with a 7.35 yards-per-carry average, 54.4 percent of his carries resulting in five or more yards and an average of 5.45 yards before contact per carry. He could be ready for an exceptional season that earns all-conference honors.
Iowa State CB Brian Peavy: The Cyclones coverman had a breakout redshirt freshman season and could be even better as a sophomore. With the talent increasing around him in the secondary, Peavy may get even more opportunities to shine in 2016. Frankly, he performed at an All-Big 12 level a year ago but greater team success could help him get noticed more in the fall.
Kansas WR LaQuvionte Gonzalez: The Jayhawks will come up with plenty of creative ways to get Gonzalez the ball during David Beaty’s second season in charge. The Texas A&M transfer has speed to burn and left College Station in search for more opportunities to make an impact. He should get those in Kansas and he has the talent to take advantage of them.
Kansas State CB Duke Shelley: The sophomore was a bright spot for the Wildcats as a true freshman in 2015. More will be expected from him during his second year, so he must continue to grow when asked to take on a bigger role in 2016. He’s talented, competitive and a good fit for the Wildcats’ defensive system.
Oklahoma LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo: Known as “Obo”, Okoronkwo likely would have seen the field much more often if he didn’t have Eric Striker and Devante Bond, two of the Big 12’s more disruptive linebackers, standing between him and playing time as a sophomore. As a junior, Oklahoma will be counting on him to play a much bigger role and fulfill the promise he has shown in limited action (four sacks) during his first two seasons.
Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman: The senior could have the best season of his Oklahoma State career during his final hurrah. With James Washington on the other side of the field drawing attention, Ateman should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities and has the size and ball skills to take advantage of them. A deep threat who finished fifth in the Big 12 at 15.78 air yards per target, Ateman has the chance to be a big-play machine.
TCU RB Shaun Nixon: A proven playmaker who can impact games in several ways, Nixon should have a considerable impact on TCU’s offense. A running back by trade, Nixon shifted to receiver with the Horned Frogs searching for help in the passing game and excelled during the second half of the 2015 season. His versatility could make him a star in the fall.
Texas T Connor Williams: It would be a surprise if the Longhorns sophomore doesn’t earn all-conference honors with a season of experience under his belt. He is Texas’ top lineman and one of the top young talents in the entire league. Texas may not have a proven quarterback, but it does have a proven young tackle to build around.
Texas Tech S Jah’shawn Johnson: The sophomore really sets the tone for the Red Raiders defense as an active safety who can make plays all over the field. Johnson recovered four fumbles, forced two fumbles and grabbed two interceptions during his redshirt freshman season. His active nature should help him garner All-Big 12 honors in the fall.
West Virginia FB/TE Elijah Wellman: The junior seems ready to fill the role of the departed Cody Clay as he builds upon a superb sophomore season. He was one of the reasons Wendell Smallwood led the Big 12 in rushing with his blocking exploits, yet he has the potential to make an impact in the passing game on play action as well. Don’t be surprised if he earns all-conference accolades in the fall.
