Big 12 Spotlight: Five players that emerged this spring
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | State | Position | Team
MORE SPRING BREAKOUTS: Big Ten | SEC | ACC | Pac-12
Mark Pszonak contributed to this report.
Spring football is in the books and many players across Power Five conferences took the next step forward or in some cases their first step towards stardom. This week we look at some of those standouts and we continue with the Big 12.
DE Wyatt Hubert - Kansas State
The skinny: Growing up a fan of Kansas State, Hubert did not wait very long to commit to the Wildcats after he received his offer and experienced a productive Junior Day. After redshirting during the 2017 season, Hubert showed his potential last season with 34 tackles, 7.5 tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks. His performance this spring seems to point to even bigger things from him this fall. Already considered one of the defensive leaders on the team, Hubert has the tools to become one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12 in the near future.
Farrell’s take: I liked Hubert’s motor coming out and he was strong against the run and as a pass rusher with his intensity. He was a leader in high school for sure and will be huge for Kansas State this season as the leader of the defense. He’s not the longest or fastest lineman but he’s very technically sound and hustles like crazy.
RB Keaontay Ingram - Texas
The skinny: Ingram committed to Texas in May, and despite continued pressure from Auburn, USC, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, TCU and Oklahoma State, he remained firm with the Longhorns. Rushing for 708 yards and three touchdowns on 5.0 yards per carry average, Ingram showed plenty of potential as a true freshman. But if this spring is a glimpse into the future, Ingram looks poised to potentially emerge as one of the top backs in the country this fall. He looked bigger, quicker and more decisive, which could prove to be trouble for the rest of the Big 12.
Farrell’s take: Ingram might have already broken out to some with his impressive freshman year but the best is still to come. He was ranked in our Rivals250 as a tall, somewhat upright runner who lacked great speed and suddenness but he’s added a step of quickness at the college level. He could be the go-to-guy and become the Big 12’s best running back, just watch.
WR C.J. Moore - Oklahoma State
The skinny: Moore kept his recruiting process relatively quiet, but after trimming his list of top schools down to Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Oregon in March, he committed to the Cowboys in early May. Everyone knows that Tylan Wallace is one of the top returning receivers in the country, but who will help the Cowboys offense on the other side of the field? Moore impressed as a redshirt freshman last fall and brought that same energy, athleticism and potential back this spring. With Wallace receiving plenty of double teams, a big season for the 6-foot-5 Moore is possible.
Farrell’s take: I liked Moore a ton coming out of high school as a tall, skinny prospect with good hands who could fly. I felt he was the perfect fit for Oklahoma State’s offense so it’s no surprise that he’s ready to impact this early. He’s added strength and size but hasn’t lost the body control we liked so much a couple of years ago.
WR T.J. Simmons - West Virginia
The skinny: Simmons held upwards of 10 offers when Alabama offered him in late February during his junior year. It only took him a few hours to decide to commit to the Tide. However, after failing to gain playing time in Tuscaloosa, he decided to transfer after the 2016 season.
Landing at West Virginia, Simmons sat out the 2017 season before finishing with 28 receptions in 2018. The Mountaineers lost a great deal of production at the wide receiver position, especially with the recent news that Marcus Simms had decided to transfer. Even before Simms made his decision, all eyes were on Simmons this spring to see if he would respond. With a huge opportunity in front of him, he looks poised to take on the added responsibility and become a major force in the West Virginia offense this fall.
Farrell’s take: Simmons always had a ton of talent and it just took awhile to reach his potential. He was a thick receiver with good size coming out of high school with the ability to break tackles, work the middle of the field and work deep down the sidelines. He should put up big numbers at West Virginia with his skills.
LB DaShaun White - Oklahoma
The skinny: White initially committed to Texas A&M, but when Kevin Sumlin left College Station, he also took official visits to Oklahoma and Texas. While he remained committed to the Aggies, he eventually flipped to the Sooners in early January.
It is not a secret that the Oklahoma defense experienced plenty of shortcomings last fall. With this, there was plenty of potential for younger players to step their game up this spring. Add Caleb Kelly’s injury into the mix and White took his opportunity and ran with it, proving to be one of the more athletic players on the defensive unit. Look for him to make to be one of the top defensive playmakers for the Sooners this fall.
Farrell’s take: White wasn’t a tall or long linebacker coming out of high school but he was a hitter and very quick to the ball. He was also solid in coverage and good in his drops. He’s a solid tackler which will certainly help the Oklahoma defense and he could become a guy who helps lead the defense back.