Top 5 most important Big 12 players to replace
The Big 12 is a points league, as Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville called it at Big 12 media days. So it's no surprise that our five most important players to replace in the Big 12 are all on the offensive side of the ball.
1. Quarterback Robert Griffin III, Baylor
The 2011 Heisman winner was the focus of Big 12 defenses for four years, and they still couldn't figure out a way to stop him. Griffin passed for 4,293 yards, ran for 699 and totaled 47 touchdowns in his senior season. He was the only Big 12 QB who was feared as both a passer and a runner.
Nick Florence, who is the lucky man to replace RG3, will not try to be RG3. Florence's responsibility will be to distribute the ball to Baylor's athletes and let them do the work, similar to any other spread attack. In a way, that's what Griffin did. Only if something didn't develop, he had a way (his legs) to make it right.
2. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State quarterback
Only in the Big 12 could a quarterback put up 4,533 yards and 38 touchdowns and only make the all-league second team. Weeden was a better passer than Griffin; however, Weeden did not have the flash or running ability of the Baylor QB. Arguably, he also had more talent around him. Still, what Weeden did was impressive and led the Cowboys to a Big 12 title.
Mike Gundy did not have to worry about Weeden making many mistakes. Not many programs have the luxury of leaning on the leadership and poise of a 27-year-old quarterback. In Weeden's place steps true freshman Wes Lunt. Lunt, like Florence, will simply try to get the ball to the Cowboys' playmakers and not try to do too much.
3. Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State wide receiver
Back when Mike Leach was running his spread at Texas Tech, the Red Raiders could lose a highly productive quarterback, plug in the next guy and not miss a beat. That's what it has been like at Oklahoma State when it comes to big-play receivers. There is no clear-cut favorite to be the next Dez Bryant or Blackmon, however. Blackmon's production last year (131 receptions, 2,042 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns) will be tough for any one receiver to duplicate. Gundy has said he has a talented "group" of receivers and will try to match Blackmon's numbers with not just one receiver.
4. Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma wide receiver
Landry Jones in nine games with Broyles in 2011: 64.6 completion percentage, 28 touchdowns, nine interceptions
Jones in four games without Broyles: 59.7 completion percentage, one touchdown, six interceptions
The Sooners might not have realized how valuable Broyles was until they lost him to a season-ending knee injury against Texas A&M. Broyles was the one Jones could look to when he was in trouble and the sure-handed wideout typically came through. Don't cry too much for the Sooners, however. Coach Bob Stoops hinted Tuesday that his receiving core might be the most talented the Sooners have ever had.
5. Kendall Wright, Baylor wide receiver
It was Wright, not Blackmon, who led the Big 12 in receiving yards in 2011 with 1,663. The big-play wideout averaged 15.4 yards per reception and gave Griffin two great deep threats along with Terrance Williams. Luckily for Baylor, Williams is still around. Still, it's never an easy chore to replace a first-round draft pick.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Big 12 bloggers C.J. Moore and Patrick Southern, follow @CBSSportsBig12.
