The worst team last season in the Big 12 attracted a recruiting class ranked in the upper half of the conference.

Surprising? Not entirely.

When Turner Gill was hired to take over as the Kansas coach beginning with a 2010 season that ended in a 3-9 finish, as well as a 1-7 league mark, recruiting was regarded as one of his strong suits. In part because he's good at it, and so is an accomplished staff, which includes Reggie Mitchell, who is considered one of the nation's top recruiters.

Given an entire year to build a class, Gill and his staff attracted a promising group. Quarterback Brock Bergland, rated by Rivals.com as the 13th best dual-threat prospect in the nation, signed early and will participate in spring drills along with a four-star running back, Darrian Miller of Blue Springs, Mo.

Bergland should contend for a starting spot since a pair of returnees at quarterback, Jordan Webb and Quin Mecham, never inspired confidence last season when the Jayhawks were woefully inconsistent, and often ineffective, on offense.

"He not only has great football skills, be he possesses great vision and tremendous leadership abilities," Gill said of Bergland, who is from Highlands Ranch, Colo., and initially committed to the home-state Buffaloes.

An upgrade in team speed was the primary goal Gill established, though needs were also addressed Almost one-third of the class is comprised of defensive linemen and linebackers in an effort to both upgrade talent and establish depth. Javonte David, a defensive end from LaGrange, Ga., heads that list of prospects.

Kansas did not shy away from attempting to improve stock at every position. Miller will provide a breakaway threat at the running back position, where James Sims emerged as the most dependable offensive performer last season as a freshman. Miller is considered a prize catch since he is from the neighboring state, where Gary Pinkel has done as good a job as any recent Missouri coach in memory securing his borders.

Another key addition could be the recruit ranked higher at his position than anyone else in the class, placekicker Alex Mueller of Grapevine, Texas.

TOP OF THE CLASS

QB Brock Berglund (Valor Christian, Highlands Ranch, Colo.) -- Ranked as the third-best player in Colorado and the 13th-best dual-threat quarterback nationally by Rivals.com. Started each game the past three seasons and engineered team to consecutive state titles as a junior and senior, accounting for 6,218 total yards and 76 touchdowns.

RB Darrian Miller (Blue Springs High, Blue Springs, Mo.) -- Finished as the all-time leading rusher in Missouri's big classes with 6,565 career yards, including 2,226 as a senior. Recorded 88 career touchdowns. Also returned kicks and played cornerback.

PK Alex Mueller (Grapevine High, Grapevine, Texas) -- Though somewhat unsung, Mueller ranked highest nationally (fifth) at his position among the Jayhawks' signees. Made 11 of 13 field goals as a senior with the longest a 47-yarder.

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