Dynasty Scouts Conference Preview: Big 12

Rob Willette

coleman

Due to the absence of a conference title game and the playoff drama that resulted in both Baylor and TCU missing the college football playoff last year, the Big 12 has faded a touch in the national consciousness. That does not mean it is short on talent. Long known for its wide open offenses, the Conference has talent to spare and is home to some of the more unheralded devy players.

Known Commodities

Corey Coleman, WR Baylor

Were it socially acceptable, I’d superimpose Corey Coleman onto shirts and wear it as business and casual attire. Watching his game reel summons a symphony of emotions within me; were there an existing fan club, I’d burn it to ashes simply to start it anew as my own. A phenomenal athlete, Coleman plays the game with a swagger seen in the position’s stars. His size is irrelevant, as he plays big and plays mean. Though not always a natural pass catcher, he’s able to torment defenses with explosion off the line of scrimmage and aggression at the catch point. His motor is always running hot and he engages himself in every facet of the game. Questions surrounding how much Baylor’s scheme elevates him will always be present, but I see those as minimal and feel Coleman is vastly underrated as a devy prospect.

Josh Doctson, WR TCU

[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]

It is easy to see why many dub Josh Doctson the top draft prospect in the Big 12. He glides effortlessly through the air as he corrals jump balls otherwise destined for the peanut gallery. While the positives are apparent, I see more of a niche guy at the next level; his combination of age and thin frame are enough to turn me off to his price tag.

Samaje Perine, RB Oklahoma

The suspension of Joe Mixon and continued struggles of Keith Ford opened the door for Samaje Perine in 2014, and he did not disappoint, emerging as one of the nation’s preeminent power backs as a true freshman. He’s a decisive runner that effortlessly runs through arm tackles, yet I’m still lukewarm on his long-term prospects. The straight-line speed is adequate; does he have the wiggle and explosion to succeed at higher levels? Those looming questions knock him down a peg for me.

Allen Lazard, WR Iowa State

Seldom does a smooth moving, mega-sized receiver land in Ames, Iowa, but the Cyclones got a coup when they landed local recruit Allen Lazard. He figures to stay under the radar, but the upside is limitless.

Aaron Green, RB TCU

A once ballyhooed Husker recruit, Aaron Green emerged from obscurity following an injury to starter B.J. Catalon. Green is electric in space, though he’s still got plenty to prove to become anything more than a day three prospect.

Sterling Shepard, WR Oklahoma

Sterling Shepard may not have a ton of devy appeal, but his NFL career could be a long one due to his raw speed and ability to contribute out of the slot or outside. I’m not high on fantasy stardom but NFL material he is.

KD Cannon, WR Baylor

KD Cannon was billed as an electric deep threat out of high school, and he embraced that title as a freshman, torching defenses with his ability to press vertically and explode at the top of his route. Despite a small frame and our limited exposure to him thus far, he remains firmly on the devy radar due to the areas he wins.

Trevone Boykin, QB TCU

Receiver convert Trevone Boykin was a revelation in 2014, turning a lethargic Horned Frogs offense into a scoring juggernaut and establishing TCU has legitimate title contenders. The tools are apparent; the question marks linger. With plus athleticism and a developing passing game, he remains an intriguing long-term prospect and one that could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks available in 2016.

Johnathan Gray, RB Texas

A once highly coveted devy prospect, Johnathan Gray has become an afterthought following a productive if sleepy college campaign that has been truncated by a serious Achilles injury. Further removed from his injury, Gray has explosive qualities that could lead to a niche role in the NFL.

Joe Mixon, RB Oklahoma

Joe Mixon is perhaps the biggest boom/bust prospect in the Big 12. After legal troubles led to a suspension during his freshman season, Mixon is back on the field and is arguably the Sooners most dynamic offensive talent. Tall and lean with good burst and balance and dangerous skills in the receiving game, he should be ready to hit the ground running this fall after a year away from football.

Ready To Emerge

Ishmael Zamora, WR Baylor

Baylor receivers are known for their freakish athleticism and track star speed, but few have combined that juice with supersized frames. At 6’4”, 220 pounds with an effortless gait, he’s the type of talent that jumps off the screen due to physical prowess alone. Production is likely to be sporadic with Corey Coleman and KD Cannon locked in as starters and a deep depth chart behind them, but his splash plays and boom games will be awe inspiring.

Patrick Mahomes, QB Texas Tech

Son of long-time major leaguer Pat Mahomes, Patrick Mahomes is a lethal dual-threat with arm strength for days and elite mobility. While some of the finer points of the passing game are still a work in progress, he should post huge numbers for Kliff Kingsbury. He’s firmly on the watch list.

Most Overrated

Josh Doctson has the highest devy ADP in the Big 12, checking at number 19 in DLF’s devy ADP. While not an egregious reach, I’m not nearly high enough on him to dub him as the league’s top talent. I’d be much more interested in a host of other players in the top 20.

Most Underrated

Corey Coleman is 47th in DLF ADP. That is thievery. Even if you’re #TeamBigWR or lukewarm on Coleman’s overall game, you’re risking absolutely nothing at that cost. He’s an incredible devy bargain.

Big 10 Top 10

  1. Corey Coleman, WR Baylor Bears
  2. Joe Mixon, RB Oklahoma Sooners
  3. Josh Doctson, WR TCU Horned Frogs
  4. KD Cannon, WR Baylor Bears
  5. Allen Lazard, WR Iowa State Cyclones
  6. Samaje Perine, RB Oklahoma Sooners
  7. Sterling Shepard, WR Oklahoma Sooners
  8. Ishmael Zamora, WR Baylor Bears
  9. Aaron Green, RB TCU Horned Frogs
  10. Trevone Boykin, QB TCU Horned Frogs

[/am4show]

rob willette