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 with a list collaboratively selected by Jake Trotter, Brandon Chatmon and Max Olson. We continue the postseason countdown with the No. 5 player in the Big 12.
No. 5: Cyril Richardson, OG, Baylor
Previous ranking: Richardson was ranked No. 2 in the blog’s preseason list of the Big 12’s top 25 players.
Making the case for Richardson: Unanimous All-American, undisputed best lineman in the Big 12, unapologetic monster.
Richardson came into his senior season with great expectations and once again raised his game. The conference's Offensive Lineman of the Year for a second straight season, he led Baylor with 89 knockdown blocks and got the job done nearly 90 percent of the time according to BU coaches.
He was the leader of an offensive line that protected the nation's No. 1 scoring and total offense and a key figure in keeping new starting quarterback Bryce Petty clean and thriving. The mammoth 6-foot-5, 340-pound lineman is as dominant a player as the Big 12 has had in recent years, and his impact on these Bears shouldn't be underestimated.
Now he's the No. 1-ranked guard prospect in the NFL draft. Whoever selects Richardson is getting a road grader with a mean streak and an impeccable résumé.
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/P, 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