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          Big 12 Blog

          Top 25 players in the Big 12: No. 8

          • Jake Trotter, ESPN Senior WriterJan 29, 2014, 07:00 PM
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              Jake Trotter covers college football for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2011. Before that, he worked at The Oklahoman, Austin American-Statesman and Middletown (Ohio) Journal newspapers. You can follow him @Jake_Trotter.
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          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. Up next is the No. 8 player.

          No. 8: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State

          Previous ranking: Lockett was No. 21 in the blog’s preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.

          Making the case for Lockett: By the end of the season, there was no more dominating playmaker in the league than Lockett. Michigan discovered that the hard way, as Lockett destroyed the Wolverines with three first-half touchdown receptions in a 31-14 victory in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.

          Lockett had always been a devastating return man. He was fourth nationally in kickoff returns in 2012. This year, he became a devastating receiver, too.

          Despite essentially missing two games with injury, Lockett finished with 81 receptions for 1,262 yards and 11 touchdowns. He led the Big 12 with 105.2 receiving yards per game as well.

          Lockett was also at his best in K-State’s biggest games. In losing efforts against Texas and Oklahoma, Lockett was uncoverable. He totaled 25 receptions for 515 receiving yards in those two games alone.

          Lockett was an easy choice for All-Big 12 this season. And with much of the receiving talent in college football bolting early for the NFL draft, Lockett could -- and should -- warrant consideration for 2014 preseason All-America honors.

          The rest of the list: