QUARTERBACKS:
1. Jerrod Johnson, Texas A&M
He flew under the radar in the Big 12 thanks to all the attention given to McCoy, Bradford, Robinson and Reesing, but that won't be the case this season. Johnson threw for 300 or more yards in six games and threw 30 touchdowns. He showed off his dual-threat abilities late in the year with 231 rushing yards in his final three games, including 97 in a stunning performance against Texas. He's a supreme talent surrounded by talented backs and receivers.
2. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri
I know, I know, how could any Nebraskan think highly of Gabbert. But a look at his debut year stats confirm Gabbert was already one of the league's best signal callers as a sophomore: He ranked 11th nationally in total offense (292 ypg) and second in the Big 12 in passing yards (3,593). His ankle is healthy now, but losing receiver Danario Alexander won't help.
3. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
Jones did an admirable job of adjusting on the fly in trying to replace Heisman winner Sam Bradford early in the season. Remember, OU's O-line was downright terrible last year, so if it can make any progress in that area, Jones is surrounded by enough playmakers that he could have a big year.
4. Robert Griffin, Baylor
Griffin was undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the Big 12 as a true freshman in 2008, but year two was cut short by an ACL injury three games into the season. If the former Big 12 Freshman of the Year can stay healthy, he's an electrifying talent that could lead the Bears into bowl contention.
5. Taylor Potts, Texas Tech
Potts led Texas Tech to three straight wins to end the year in spite of all the turmoil that was beginning to take place. He threw for 3,440 and 22 scores last year, but he'll need to fend off Steven Sheffield in order to get his job back.
6. Zac Lee, Nebraska
We'll see which Zac Lee steps up this fall: the one who was smooth and effective against Arizona, the one who did just barely enough when he needed to against Missouri, or the one who was overmatched and tried to do too much against Texas. Once he's healthy, he should take back the starting job easily.
7. Garrett Gilbert, Texas
The fact Gilbert held his own in the second half against Alabama's monster defense merits credit. He's going to be a special player, but he'll take his lumps this year like all other first-year starters. The fact Texas is moving towards a more balanced offense should help Gilbert adjust
8. Austen Arnaud, Iowa State
Arnaud threw for 2,015 yards and 14 scores in his first year in a spread offense. He also rushed for 50 or more yards in six games, and he led ISU to a bowl game win over Minnesota. He can be a solid starter this year, but first he'll have to beat out talented backup Jerome Tiller.
9. Stephen Sheffield, Texas Tech
"Sticks" threw for 234 yards and a score at Nebraska last year to help Tech put up 31 points – the most NU's amazing defense allowed all year. In six games, he threw for 1,219 yards and an amazing 14 touchdowns, but he has some work to do to convince Tommy Tuberville he's Tech's starter this year.
10. Tyler Hansen, Colorado
It's hard to know what to expect of Hansen this year. He's a bit of an erratic passer who's stuck in one of the worst offenses in the Big 12, but having Scotty McKnight and Michigan transfer Toney Clemons could make him look a lot better – unless coach Dan Hawkins benches him mid-season in favor of his son.
Honorable mention: Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State; Carson Coffman, Kansas State; Kale Pick, Kansas
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