<
>

Top 25 players in the Big 12: No. 5

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.

The rest of the list: