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. 2 player in the Big 12.
No. 2: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor
Previous ranking: Petty was not ranked in the blog’s preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.
Making the case for Petty: Really? Does he need a case made for him? The numbers say it all: 85.5 adjusted QBR, 250 completions out of 403 attempts for 4,200 yards, 32 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 10.42 yards per attempt, 16.8 yards per completion, 14 rushing touchdowns. He sat atop the Big 12 in each of those categories.
Petty had an incredible season after entering the year as the main question mark on Baylor’s offense. He was accurate, confident and savvy as the Bears’ signal caller while earning Big 12 offensive player of the year honors.
Petty’s first-quarter numbers (1,428 yards, 12 TDs, 0 INT) played a major role in the Bears’ ability to get off to quick starts and run away from opponents this season, and his leadership and maturity were keys to Baylor’s Big 12 title run.
Robert Griffin III and Nick Florence were excellent, even Heisman worthy, in previous seasons under center for Art Briles crew, but Bryce Petty's 2013 season was second to none.
No. 3: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
No. 4: Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
No. 5: Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor
No. 6: Jason Verrett, CB, TCU
No. 7: Gabe Ikard, C, Oklahoma
No. 8: Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
No. 9: Ahmad Dixon, S, Baylor
No. 10: Jalen Saunders, WR, Oklahoma
No. 11: Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
No. 12: Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor
No. 13: Charles Sims, RB, West Virginia
No. 14: James Sims, RB, Kansas
No. 15: Anthony Fera, K, Texas
No. 16: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
No. 17: Caleb Lavey, LB, Oklahoma State
No. 18: Eddie Lackey, LB, Baylor
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