With signing day quickly approaching, it’s time to close the chapter on the 2013 season. We’re counting down the top 25 players in the Big 12 in 2013 over the next few days with a list collaboratively selected by Jake Trotter, Brandon Chatmon and Max Olson. We continue the postseason countdown with the No. 18 player in the Big 12.
No. 18: Eddie Lackey, LB, Baylor
Previous ranking: Lackey was not ranked in the blog’s preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.
Making the case for Lackey: Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Bennett was adamant Lackey should've received All-American honors after what he provided for this Bear defense, and Bennett might have a point. The All-Big 12 senior led the team with 108 tackles and 13 tackles for loss and added 4.5 sacks and three interceptions.
He not only put up big numbers, but he did so with consistency and was a leader when Baylor needed him most, especially after fellow linebacker Bryce Hager went down with a groin injury. The former junior college transfer finished his career with 212 tackles and 23.5 TFLs in two seasons.
No. 19: Josh Stewart, WR, Oklahoma State
No. 20: Ryan Mueller, DE, Kansas State
No. 21: Clint Chelf, QB, Oklahoma State
No. 22: Jeremiah George, LB, Iowa State
No. 23: Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
No. 24: Ty Zimmerman, S, Kansas State
No. 25: Calvin Barnett, DT, Oklahoma State