We're counting down to the beginning of the season with the top 25 players in the Big 12. The official list is locked away in a vault in an undisclosed location, but we'll be revealing players from the bottom of the list all the way to No. 1.
Here's more on my criteria.
Let's move on with the list:
No. 20: Quandre Diggs, CB/PR, Texas
2012 numbers: Intercepted four passes and made 59 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack. Broke up seven passes. Returned 13 punts for 106 yards and one kick for 21 yards.
Most recent ranking: Diggs was unranked in our postseason list of the Big 12's top 25 players.
Making the case for Diggs: When you talk about players put into duty early in their careers that have since matured, Diggs is a poster boy. He enrolled early back in the spring of 2011 and immediately had the look of a future star. His instincts and football IQ jumped out right away, and he was fearless against older, bigger receivers despite his age.
He's gotten a lot better since, and offseason rumblings of a possible move to nickel back tells you how much respect his talent warrants and how much coaches think of his versatility.
The 5-foot-10, 200-pounder plays bigger than his size, and is one of the toughest corners in the league, as well as a sure tackler. He's staying at cornerback, and don't be surprised if he's got a case as the Big 12's best by the end of the season.
The rest of the list:
