The smoke from another Big 12 recruiting season has cleared. Coaches have played musical chairs, players have attention whored via every medium, and a whole lot of "good gets" have signed on the line which is dotted. So it's now time to see which players appear poised to do a little dance and make a little noise.
Now, before any player has even taken a practice snap, I'll attempt to provide a glimpse at some prospects you'll want to monitor in both the short and long term. In the interest of full disclosure I will state that the majority of my information comes from breaking down film (translation: drinking beer, eating Quaker cheddar cheese rice snacks and watching Youtube highlight videos) and reading what the fine folks at places like Rivals, ESPN and Scout have to say.
I also have a Certificate of Attendance from the 2007 College Writers Conference breakout session entitled: "Coach Speak: Wading through the Bullshit." While there we watched past Signing Day press conference performances by many of today's greatest meatheads (Bielema, Gundy, Pelini, Zook among others) and succeeded in making some sense of their drivel. So I feel I can actually tell when a coach feels he's got something special under that recruiting tree.
So without further ado, here's one moron's thoughts on each Big 12's team's recruiting class. These are presented in alphabetical order with a focus on skill position talent. Who cares about defense, right?
Baylor
First Glance
19-player class is led by massive offensive lineman Spencer (Ivan) Drango, the only four-star Rivals recruit of the bunch.
Overall Thoughts
On Signing Day every coach is certain he's found future stars and diamonds in the rough. However Baylor coach Art Briles is one whom I tend to believe. The man knows what he's doing. This class is heavy on defense and offensive lineman, which gives the impression that the skill signees are especially well-regarded, as there weren't too many.
Top Skill Player
Briles loves running back/slot guy B.J. Allen, one of those freak athletes who is now considering Waco, giving Baylor a fighting chance against the big boys deep in the heart of Texas.
Immediate Impact
Texas native WR Jonathon Lee looks ready to go right now; he's the only WR in this class.
Iowa State
First Glance
22-person class features three quarterbacks and four JUCO's.
Overall Thoughts
During his Signing Day presser coach Paul Rhoades said, "We're not necessarily looking for the best players out there, but we're looking for the best players that fit our program." Such is life at Iowa State. Hope a class full of sleepers has a few that wake up at some point.
Top Player
I'm really intrigued by Ja'Quarius Daniels out of Austin, Texas. He goes about 6-4 and 220 lbs. and was a hell of a high school hooper and a nice runner on the gridiron. Passing numbers don't overwhelm, but this will come. He puts on 20 lbs. over the next couple of years and I think we've got something in Ames.
Immediate Impact
The short-term answer at quarterback may be former JUCO Steele Jantz. He brings good size and arm strength to the spot, and he appears ready to roll. Additionally the Cyclones will need to replace my boy Collin Franklin, and another JUCO, Ernst Brun, may see early time.
Kansas
First Glance
Turner Gill welcomes 27 footballers to Lawrence, among them four guys are already loving the college life. This class boasts an intriguing bunch of runners and receivers; spring ball will be fun to watch as Kansas could become Keeper Central in the Big 12.
Overall Thoughts
There's little doubt that Gill will continue to get the athletes to sign. And as long as he continues to spend as much time in Texas he should strike oil often enough.
Top Player
I love running back Anthony Pierson. Kansas was able to snatch this speedy playmaker from the likes of Iowa and Mizzou. This St. Louis native will see the ball early and often.
Immediate Impact
There's a very good chance that Brock Berglund is under center for the opener. He's already on campus, and Gill appears more than willing to toss the keys to a true freshman.
Kansas State
First Glance
Eight JUCO's. Bill Snyder is sticking to the formula.
Overall Thoughts
This class is short on freshman star power, but with the likes of quarterback Justin Tuggle and running back Bryce Brown, there is some definite talent that will be ready to make an immediate impact.
Top Player
Remember that scene in "Back to School" when Thornton Melon looks at his son and says, Remember...you're a Melon!" Well young Glenn Gronkowski is...a Gronkowksi! And I don't doubt Gronkowskis. I don't care if he's a Rivals two-star and pegged to play fullback. He'll being kicking ass and scoring touchdowns soon enough.
Immediate Impact
Bryce Brown, Bryce Brown, Bryce Brown. He didn't come to K-State to share time. Snyder will ride him, however there is some risk with what appears to be a flaky lad.
Missouri
First Glance
I love the receivers (Brandon Hannah and Wesley Leftwich) and quarterback (Corbin Berkstresser).
Overall Thoughts
It may not be the most highly-acclaimed class that Gary Pinkel has brought to Columbia, however his recent run of success on the field forces me to give him the benefit of any doubt.
Top Player
If Berkstresser were two inches taller he'd be among the nation's most highly-regarded incoming signal callers. Arm strength isn't overwhelming, but he has that something that makes him one to watch down the road.
Immediate Impact
We've often felt that it's receivers that have the most difficulty making an immediate impact, however Wesley Leftwich has a good deal going for him. One, his body (6-2, 200) is already Big 12-ready. He's on campus right now, and the Tigers are always ready to spread a bunch out, providing Lefwich with plenty of opportunities to play right now.
Oklahoma
First Glance
Bobby Stoops made his 17 schollies count.
Overall Thoughts
Defensive tackle, wide receiver and running back stand out in this class. Any skill talent that sees the field in 2011 will have to be outstanding as the Sooners return a very stocked cupboard.
Top Player
Running back Brandon Williams is on campus and ready to challenge for carries in a crowded backfield. He is deserving of all the praise he's received, however I'm also very high on tight end Max Stevenson. We've seen tight ends go the way of rotary phones at many collegiate practice facilities, however those Sooners remain committed to the big fella running down the seam.
Immediate Impact
It's gotta be Williams, but take a look at some Youtube clips of wide receiver Trey Metoyer.
Oklahoma State
First Glance
In a class that definitely focused on defense there is some serious quality on the offensive side of the ball.
Overall Thoughts
Gundy made his offensive schollies count, highlighted by quarterback J.W. Walsh and running back Herschel Sims and wide receiver David Glidden.
Top Player
With the first name Herschel and the last name Sims you damn well better be a player. It'd be like a young wannabe thespian named Keanu Brando...
Immediate Impact
Often when a stud back arrives on campus it's his presumed understudy that ultimately steals the show. Bruising running back Desmond Roland could be that guy.
Texas
First Glance
21 from Texas and one from Oklahoma.
Overall Thoughts
Not much needs to be said about a Texas class. It's loaded with in-state studs at all positions, and we again have a top-rated running back hoping to post fantasy-worthy numbers. It's been a while.
Top Player
Mack is again promising balance on offense, and after last year's lackluster quarterback play he may actually mean what he says. This makes Malcolm Brown the man to watch, and he'll be one of the top keeper backs off the board. Keep in mind that we've been burned before with the next great Longhorn back.
Immediate Impact
Malcolm Brown will get be afforded plenty of opportunities to play right away, so he's the top short-term and long-term play. And I also really like Miles Onyegbule as a matchup nightmare, though this could be a year or two away.
Texas A&M
First Glance
Eight out-of-staters join 14 Texas natives.
Overall Thoughts
The measurables of the skill talent doesn't jump out at you, and on paper this class doesn't look too impressive. However before I go about badmouthing these incoming recruits let it be known that there's no way in hell I thought Mike Sherman would last this long. So I could be way off.
Top Player
The Aggies will find a way to use Johnny Manziel in this offense. Like Ryan Tannehill it may take a while before he's under center, but the ball will be in this young man's hands.
Immediate Impact
The Aggies are certainly in fine shape at the tailback spot, however Will Randolph may be too explosive to sit.
Texas Tech
First Glance
I don't know. I have no idea what Texas Tech is anymore and it makes me sad.
Overall Thoughts
Most believe this to be a top-twenty five national class. There is a tight end among the signees, however I was afraid that Tubs would sign about five fullbacks, so I guess all hope is not lost.
Top Player
Kansas JUCO receiver Marcus Kennard is intriguing. A Rivals four-star JUCO who appears ready to contribute immediately, he could become an early red zone target.
Immediate Impact
If the Red Raiders ask the tight ends to step forward then incoming freshman Jace Amaro may be a lonely dude. It usually takes TE's a year or two to bulk up and get ready, however Amaro could become an immediate factor.