With signing day quickly approaching, it's time to close the chapter on the 2013 season. We're counting down the top 25 players in the Big 12 in 2013 over the next few weeks with a collaborative list selected by Jake Trotter, Brandon Chatmon and Max Olson. We continue the postseason countdown with the No. 24 player in the Big 12.
No. 24: Ty Zimmerman, S, Kansas State
Previous ranking: Zimmerman was No. 9 in our preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.
Making the case for Zimmerman: Did you see what happened when he was injured? The Wildcats were playing arguably the Big 12’s best football during the final stretch of the season until Zimmerman was hurt against TCU. His absence was noted and his leadership missed as the Wildcats lost to Oklahoma, 41-31, in the first game without Zimmerman while allowing the Sooners to rush for 301 yards.
When healthy, Zimmerman was a playmaking presence for the Wildcats and one of the most consistent defenders in the Big 12. He had at least five tackles in every full game he played except against Louisiana-Lafayette. And he returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns as a senior. He finished with 74 tackles including three tackles for loss, seven passes defensed and three interceptions. Bottom line, it was difficult to watch K-State’s defense without seeing Zimmerman constantly around the football. He was easily one of the Big 12’s most productive and dependable defenders.
No. 25: Calvin Barnett, DT, Oklahoma State
