We’re continuing our countdown of the Big 12's top 25 players from the 2012 season. Here's more on my criteria for the list. You can take a peek at how the preseason list looked here.
We're in the top 10 now, so it's about to get heated, I'm sure. If you've got complaints, I've got a mailbag. Let's hear it.
The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing one player a day moving forward.
On with the show ...
No. 9: Gabe Ikard, OL, Oklahoma
2012 numbers: Helped Oklahoma rank 12th nationally in total offense.
Most recent ranking: Ikard was No. 15 in our preseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Ikard: The Sooners' best lineman is also the Big 12's best offensive lineman. He showcased a lot of versatility and toughness this season. He is a three-year starter for the Sooners but earned All-Big 12 first-team honors in each of the past two seasons. Look for a third in 2013. He began his career as a solid left guard back in 2010, but when Ben Habern suffered an injury in 2011, he moved to center and quickly became one of the league's best at that position, too. He moved back once Habern got healthy, but once Habern retired before the season, Ikard slid back to center and the 6-foot-3, 288-pounder had his best season in the middle of the Sooners' line.
The rest of the list:
No. 10: A.J. Klein, LB, Iowa State
No. 11: Alex Okafor, DE, Texas
No. 12: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
No. 13: Kenny Vaccaro, S, Texas
No. 14: Trey Millard, FB/RB/TE, Oklahoma
No. 15: Cyril Richardson, OL, Baylor
No. 17: Tony Jefferson, S, Oklahoma
No. 18: Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
No. 19: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
No. 20: Jake Knott, LB, Iowa State
No. 21: James Sims, RB, Kansas
No. 22: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
No. 23: Josh Stewart, WR, Oklahoma State
No. 24: Nick Florence, QB, Baylor
