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 days with a list collaboratively selected by Jake Trotter, Brandon Chatmon and Max Olson. We continue the postseason countdown with the No. 14 player in the Big 12.
No. 14: James Sims, RB, Kansas
Previous ranking: Sims was No. 8 in the blog’s preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.
Making the case for Sims: An extremely productive runner since his first carry as a freshman in 2010, Sims saved his best for his final season. He had career highs in yards (1,110), yards per carry (4.8) and receptions (25) as a senior.
His tough running style -- and durability -- made him one of the Big 12’s top players for the past few seasons. He led the Big 12 with 230 carries, did not miss a game and had just one game with less than double-digit carries. Working behind an unsettled offensive line, Sims still managed four 100-yard rushing performances, including a 22-carry, 211-yard, three-touchdown display against West Virginia in the Jayhawks' lone conference win.
Replacing Sims won’t be easy in 2014 as he had been the only known and productive commodity on an offense laced with uncertainty and lack of production.
No. 15: Anthony Fera, K/P, Texas
No. 16: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
No. 17: Caleb Lavey, LB, Oklahoma State
No. 18: Eddie Lackey, LB, Baylor
No. 19: Josh Stewart, WR, Oklahoma State
No. 20: Ryan Mueller, DE, Kansas State
No. 21: Clint Chelf, QB, Oklahoma State
No. 22: Jeremiah George, LB, Iowa State
No. 23: Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
No. 24: Ty Zimmerman, S, Kansas State
No. 25: Calvin Barnett, DT, Oklahoma State
