As college football season nears kickoff, we’ll be breaking down the best prospects by position in each FBS conference. Due to the relative lack of teams in the Big Twelve it can be a bit difficult to fill out an entire team of draftable prospects, but here are the best the Big XII has to offer. Today’s focus is on the offensive side of the ball.
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Big XII Prospect Preview
DE: Cedric Reed, Texas
Reed has a long frame, a long first step, and a long reach, all of which he uses to make an impact getting behind the line of scrimmage. He frequently puts himself around the football, which is impressive considering his motor is not always running at its hottest. Reed has intriguing physical tools and could become a plus starter in the NFL with some time.
DE: Shawn Oakman,* Baylor
The darling of many draft pundits based on his sheer size and upside, I am not nearly the fan of Oakman that some are. He needs a great amount of work with his technique, and as a result he is frequently held in check by less talented players. Oakman is certainly a work-in-progress and may demand more development time than a team is willing to invest a high draft pick in.
DT: Chucky Hunter, Texas Christian
Hunter is a stocky lineman who has a thick lower body, but does not possess the natural base strength associated with that trait. He is too easily blocked by the opposition and is too willing to simply lean into blockers without much of a plan. Hunter looks to be a rotational interior lineman at best.
LB: Devonte Fields,** ex-Texas Christian
Following assault charges, Devonte Fields was dismissed from TCU and is unlikely to be able to play major college football this season. Fields’ draft status is in flux as he received a medical redshirt last season after a suspension and abbreviated playing time. He has a very quick first step off the ball, but needs to add more strength and polish up his game. Pre-dismissal he would have been a first-round pick with a good season.
LB: Frank Shannon,* Oklahoma
While Shannon is at a disadvantage in terms of his range, which is medicore, he plays with a determination and toughness you like to see in an interior linebacker. Shannon is a fairly reliable tackler, and while he is fairly unathletic, he is a responsible zone coverage defender. He might be best suited for special teams work.
LB: Eric Striker,* Oklahoma
Though his foot speed is good, Striker is not exactly an explosive athlete, showing stiff hips when moving laterally and when trying to change direction. He flashes an excellent first step as a blitzer however, and has the range to play as a run and hit linebacker. While Striker is a bit limited in terms of movement, he has the look of at least a low end starter and a specialty player.
CB: Quandre Diggs, Texas
A zone corner who has been a starter the last three seasons for the Longhorns, Diggs has spent a lot of time over the slot, a position where he projects to be best at in the NFL. Diggs lacks elite athleticism, but his combination of toughness and instincts make him an ideal candidate for nickel coverage. He is also adept at blitzing off the edge.
CB: Kevin White, Texas Christian
Last year’s first round pick Justin Verrett may have been the Frogs top corner, but now Kevin White takes up the reigns. White is not nearly as talented, but like Verrett he is a zone-dominant corner who can play with some physicality, minus top end speed. He could have a shot to be drafted if he performs well this season.
FS: Karl Joseph, West Virginia
While not as aggressive a run defender as his former counterpart Darwin Cook, Joseph is smaller in stature with nice range and closing speed which he will utilize against the run on occasion. Unfortunately, while Joseph can explode into the backfield, he will leave his feet to make diving tackles that simply end up with him lying on the turf. If he can figure out how to tackle in an orthodox manner, he could be looking at a job in the pros.
SS: Sam Carter, Texas Christian
Carter is a former quarterback whose play reflects his old position, for both good and bad. Carter has good instincts, but lacks the killer instinct of a defender and the refined technique as well. He has no qualms about getting physical in coverage and could make a push for an early day three selection given his tools.
Missed the Cut:
DE: Shaquille Riddick, West Virginia
DT: James Castleman, Oklahoma State
LB: Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma
CB: Julian Wilson, Oklahoma
S: Quentin Hayes, Oklahoma
On the Horizon:
DE: Charles Tapper,* Oklahoma
DT: Malcom Brown,* Texas
LB: Luke Knott,** Iowa State
CB: Kevin Peterson,* Oklahoma State
S: Isaiah Johnson,* Kansas
Inside next week’s War Room: 2014 PAC-12 Prospect Preview
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