Quarterback: Collin Klein (Kansas State)—There’s no more obvious pick than this one.
Klein, the Big 12’s only serious Heisman candidate, put the Wildcats on his
shoulders and led them to a conference title. He’s a rugged, old-school
quarterback who willed himself to become a good passer.
Running Back: Joseph Randle (Oklahoma State)—The Big 12 sorely lacks quality running
backs, so Randle wins this award almost by default. But with 1,400 rushing
yards, 14 TDs and a 5.3 yards per carry average, this
complete back would be a strong candidate any year.
Receiver: Terrance Williams (Baylor)—With Kendall Wright in the limelight last year,
Williams sort of snuck up on folks. But his conference-leading 1,800 receiving
yards and his 19 yards per catch average mark him as the Big 12’s best in 2012.
Receiver: Stedman Bailey (West Virginia)—Bailey is one half of West Virginia’s terrific
receiving tandem. He’s not extremely flashy, but Bailey’s 106 receptions and 23
touchdown catches are proof of his productivity.
Receiver: Tavon Austin (West Virginia)—Tavon
Austin is Bailey’s Mountaineer receiving compatriot. Few receivers in America
are more dangerous with the ball in their hands, and equally few can match his
109 receptions.
Offensive Lineman: Gabe
Ikard (Oklahoma)—Ikard
was a preseason All Conference pick at guard. But when
starting center Ben Habern went down with an injury, Ikard filled in and maintained his high level of play.
Offensive Lineman: Blaize Foltz (TCU)—The Horned Frog offensive line
may have been the worst in the Big 12, but Foltz was the rock which prevented
total collapse.
Offensive Lineman:
Lane Taylor (Oklahoma State)—Lane Taylor was the man most responsible
for hustling Joseph Randle along to his 1,400 rushing yards. He was also key to ensuring that the Cowboys’ three-headed quarterback
brigade functioned effectively.
Offensive Lineman: B.
J. Finney (Kansas State)—The Wildcat offensive line was strong across
the board and nowhere was it stronger than at center where B. J. Finney held
sway. This former walk-on played like a five-star blue-chipper.
Offensive Lineman:
Cyril Richardson (Baylor)—Very few programs in the country have
turned out as much superior offensive line talent in recent years as Baylor.
Richardson is the latest in Bear Adonises.