The official list of the Big 12's top 25 players is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we're revealing the list day by day here on the blog. Here's a refresher on my exact criteria.
No. 19: Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
2010 numbers: Made 106 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, intercepted two passes and returned his only fumble recovery 10 yards for a touchdown. He also forced two fumbles and broke up a pass.
Most recent ranking: Robinson was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Robinson: The Longhorns linebacker has all the physical tools and finished ninth in the Big 12 in tackles last season, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors in his second season as a starter. Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 235-pounder, enters his fifth season at Texas in 2011 as a senior with 26 starts on his resume and 38 appearances.
Last year was Robinson's best, despite Texas' struggles as a whole. It's easy to expect him to be even better in 2011, as one of the team's likely captains alongside fellow linebacker Emmanuel Acho, who checked in at No. 24 on our top 25 list.
Robinson also chipped in on special teams last season, but showed up on the watch lists for the Bednarik Award, Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award and the Butkus Award.
The Big 12 is extremely deep at linebacker, so Robinson's talents get a bit overshadowed, but he's definitely a player who will get a big opportunity at the NFL level.
The rest of the list:
No. 20: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
No. 21: Shaun Lewis, LB, Oklahoma State
No. 22: Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
No. 23: Brad Madison, DE, Missouri
No. 24: Emmanuel Acho, LB, Texas
No. 25: Zaviar Gooden, LB, Missouri
