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Ask Farrell: What do you make of the Big 12's Combine invites?

JaMycal Hasty
JaMycal Hasty (AP)

Oklahoma gets so much attention in the Big 12 and rightfully so since the Sooners dominate the conference and they’re the gold standard there.

But when it comes to NFL Scouting Combine invites, Oklahoma is not at the top for once as Baylor and TCU have six invitees each.

For Baylor, RB JaMycal Hasty, WR Denzel Mims, DL James Lynch, LB Clay Johnston and defensive backs Grayland Arnold and Chris Miller are headed to Indianapolis.

For TCU, RBs Darius Anderson and Sewo Olinilua along with offensive linemen Lucan Niang and Cordel Iwuagwu and defensive lineman Ross Blacklock and defensive back Jeff Gladney will be representing the Horned Frogs.

After those two teams, Oklahoma and Texas are tied with four each, the Sooners headlined by receiver CeeDee Lamb, who could emerge as the No. 1 receiver in the draft with a strong showing at the combine, and the Longhorns have receivers Devin Duvernay and Collin Johnson among their foursome.

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Rounding out the conference, Texas Tech had three players invited, Kansas had two and Oklahoma State and West Virginia had just one each. Kansas State did not have any invitees and Iowa State only had long snapper Steven Wirtel.

The omission of any offensive or defensive regulars for Iowa State is particularly interesting because Matt Campbell has a reputation as one of the up-and-comers in the game and he’s always mentioned for open positions around the country.

FARRELL'S TAKE

When it comes to the Big 12 and the combine, we ask National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell two questions:

First, is he more surprised that Baylor and TCU lead the conference in invitees or that Oklahoma and Texas are only sending four players each; and secondly, is Campbell worthy of consideration for elite jobs nationally with only one combine invitee this cycle and a 26-25 record over four years in Ames?

"I am surprised Baylor and TCU have more players invited to the combine, but that speaks to the great job that Matt Rhule and Gary Patterson have done at those programs. Talent isn’t an issue at Oklahoma and I honestly don’t think it’s an issue at Texas, either, but those numbers continue to be low and that’s an issue for the Big 12. They need to lure more future NFL talent to the conference to take the next step and win a national title.

"As for Campbell, he’ll get a big job sooner than later and he’s done a great job at Iowa State, but I’m not sure he’s the next great coach in college football. The Big 12, aside from Oklahoma, has been down for a few years so he’s won some big games I don’t think otherwise he’d win. I guess I’m not yet sold on the feeling that he’s the next great coach in waiting."

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