Devy Tweet Storm: Big 12

Rob Willette Posted On June 18, 2017

Last weekend, I was stuck inside and my mind drifted to the current college football landscape. To escape the bad weather outside, I created a storm of my own…a Tweetstorm. In this series of articles, you’ll find some quick thoughts on every Power Five college football team, plus Notre Dame, and key players from those teams. Remember, you can find more content like this routinely if you follow me on Twitter @RobWillette.

Stormy day. Going to cap it by Tweetstorming some thoughts on every Power 5 team for devy purposes.

— Rob Willette (@RobWillette24) June 11, 2017

Baylor

–Blake Lynch (WR) is a guy I have kept tabs on for quite a bit. Big receiver with good feet; he even played some running back in 2016. Should lead Bears in receiving in 2016. Excited to see how his development unfolds.

-RB Terence Williams (yes – another Terrance/Terence Williams at Baylor) is good and not talked about much. Huge frame and enough speed. Arguably Big 12’s top runner. Also arguably the top devy prospect at Baylor. 2018 eligible.

Iowa State

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-Quietly a bit of talent here. Led by Allen Lazard, whose game does not scream NFL WR1 but screams NFL contributor. Big, smooth, strong hands, just not a burner or premier athlete in other areas. Just a rock solid contributor and great production.

–David Montgomery and Mike Warren are a productive backfield. May be recency/tough bias, but give me Montgomery if I have to pick. Warren had issues last year (health-related) which slowed his production. He needs a rebound season to stay on radar.

Kansas

-Hey, they beat Texas. Also, Alabama transfer Dayton Charlot looks as though he could be legit. Not huge but plays big. Plus he is an Alabama transfer at Kansas. Enough to take notice.

Kansas State

-Boy… more to watch from an IDP perspective here. They’re a quality team; just not a ton of offensive skill position talent. Part of this is system. Just give them a pass and blame me later if somebody pops.

Oklahoma

-Obviously a lot of talent turned over. But plenty remains/is incoming.

-Incoming true freshman Trey Sermon grows on me the more I see him. Powerful yet nimble. Regret having zero shares of him anywhere.

-RB Rodney Anderson gets annual spring hype but has yet to stay healthy. Is this the year? Hopefully; not much tape to go on.

-I really like incoming WR CeeDee Lamb. Has some unique playmaking abilities with the ball in the air. My big question: is he closer to 6’3″, 180 or 6’1″, 160? Would not be surprised by either. Slight build as of now. andrews 1

-Returning sophomore RB Abdul Adams appears to be overlooked. Had some moments last year; good athlete with nice build. I just do not know if the overall package is good enough. Not big on the other incoming freshman RB, Kennedy Brooks.

-TE Mark Andrews is a massive WR/TE type. Incredible weapon. The popular TE1 for 2018, including my own.

–Baker Mayfield is going to get obvious Johnny Football comps. Not concerned about the off-field incident. He is an elite college quarterback. Can he a be a NFL QB? I think he has a shot, though more as a day two, “let’s see what we have” type.

Oklahoma State

-Stacked WR group. James Washington is awesome. Despite pedestrian size, does almost everything, route tree be damned. Marcell Ateman could play in the NFL as a possession type. Missed all of 2016 with injury. But strong hands and frame. Tyron Johnson is a LSU transfer who’s great after the catch. Adds yet another dimension to this group. I wish Justice Hill was even ten pounds heavier. 180 pounds on his best day. Great agility and runs tough. Size an obvious deterrent.

–Mason Rudolph has a lot of fans. Strong arm, great build. I feel something is missing, though press me and I could not tell you what it is. Despite a tepid review I still view him as a day two QB at worst. Would have been curious to see his evaluation in 2017.

TCU

-I could gush over Sewo Olonilua even though I will never spell it the same way twice. Massive and a premier athlete. Also has some tantalizing tape to grab onto. Can turn defenders bodies into a pulp with his power yet still breakaway speed.

–Kyle Hicks is the best back at TCU right now. Great in the passing game and one of the more underrated backs for 2018. Redshirt senior which will turn some people off, but has plenty in the toolkit to be a NFL player.

-Also love true freshman WR Jalen Reagor. Incredible RAC ability and a playmakers’ swagger. Not sure how soon he contributes.

Texas

-Solid backfield. Chris Warren is big with long speed, though his body type is seldom seen at NFL level. He’s DE big. Kyle Porter and Toneil Carter I expect to be some college RB’s, though not bullish on them beyond Austin.

-My favorite here: WR Collin Johnson. Was devalued as a high school recruit because he missed most of senior season. Massive (6’6″, 220) and smooth. Great at the catch point. Productive as a freshman. WR1 potential at both NCAA and NFL level.

–Devin Duvernay hit on some big plays a freshman WR; don’t like the skillset as much, but he certainly has ample room to become notable.

–Shane Buechele had his moments as a freshman. Lacks size and overpowering arm, yet was very good before getting banged up. Like him quite a bit long-term. Do not see Sam Ehlinger taking his job anytime soon.

Texas Tech

–Jonathan Giles transferred, which hurts. WR still a strength. Keke Coutee can play.

–Derek Willies also a 2016 transfer whom many people were big on. I have a hard time investing in JUCO WR’s.

–Nic Shimonek should put up big numbers under center. He’s no Patrick Mahomes though. Not high on NFL potential.

West Virginia

-I had high hopes for WR Jovon Durante. Does not look like it is going to happen. Not giving in to hope.

–Will Grier is finally back. Had great spring. Nice supporting cast and a real Heisman dark horse. Underrated quarterback prospect in devy circles.

-RB Justin Crawford has open field skills galore. Likely not a major contributor at NFL level, but has a role.

-Freshman RB Kennedy McKoy was a pleasant surprise last year. Atypical build yet good skills. Needs to get stronger. Likely an empty statement though since you can say this about most freshman. He’s a good player. Nobody talking about him.

If you enjoyed this look at the Big 12, check back soon for my thoughts on the other Power Five conferences.

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