The last two weeks, we’ve re-examined and re-ranked the positional situations coming out of spring ball for every team in the Big 12, which concluded Wednesday with the defensive backfields.
Below, we’ve once again tallied the scores to get a better sense of how all the teams compare through the prism of individual unit rankings.
Ten points were given for a No. 1 ranking in a positional category, nine points for a No. 2 ranking, and so on.
We’ll revisit these outlooks in August, when they’re sure to change again. But until then, here is our post-spring positional scorecard:
1. Oklahoma: The Sooners have questions at running back, receiver and even quarterback because of inexperience. But at the other positions, this team is equipped to make a serious run at the inaugural College Football Playoff.
QBs: 8
RBs: 6
WRs: 4
OL: 10
DL: 9
LBs: 10
DBs: 8
Special teams: 7
Total: 62
T-2. Baylor: The rankings don’t tell the whole story about the overall strength of the Bears, or the value QB Bryce Petty brings the team. In reality, Petty is worth way more than just one positional category.
QBs: 10
RBs: 8
WRs: 10
OL: 7
DL: 8
LBs: 3
DBs: 2
Special teams: 8
Total: 56
T-2. Texas: The fact Texas is tied for second with Baylor in these overall rankings underscores how the Longhorns’ problems at quarterback have dampened expectations. The other units are in place.
QBs: 4
RBs: 9
WRs: 7
OL: 8
DL: 7
LBs: 9
DBs: 9
Special teams: 3
Total: 56
4. Kansas State: The Wildcats are a running back away from sitting atop these position rankings. K-State has no other apparent weaknesses, at least on paper.
QBs: 9
RBs: 1
WRs: 6
OL: 9
DL: 6
LBs: 4
DBs: 7
Special teams: 9
Total: 51
5. TCU: The Horned Frogs boast three No. 1 units (defensive line, defensive backs and special teams), more than anyone else in the Big 12. This team has some definite strengths.
QBs: 5
RBs: 4
WRs: 2
OL: 2
DL: 10
LBs: 6
DBs: 10
Special teams: 10
Total: 49
6. West Virginia: The Mountaineers are more talented than their 4-8 record last year would suggest. Quarterback play will be the key.
QBs: 3
RBs: 10
WRs: 3
OL: 4
DL: 4
LBs: 8
DBs: 6
Special teams: 4
Total: 42
T7. Oklahoma State: The Cowboys still have the players to put up major points. The low rankings defensively are more due to inexperience than to talent. The track record suggests Oklahoma State could be better than anyone is giving them credit for, including me.
QBs: 6
RBs: 7
WRs: 8
OL: 6
DL: 5
LBs: 2
DBs: 4
Special teams: 2
Total: 40
T7. Texas Tech: The Red Raiders might not be spectacular anywhere else, but they can throw and catch the ball, which gives them a chance to beat anyone on their schedule. The secondary has a chance to be better than they’re currently ranked; the D-line could be better, too, if the arriving jucos pan out.
QBs: 7
RBs: 3
WRs: 9
OL: 5
DL: 3
LBs: 5
DBs: 3
Special teams: 5
Total: 40
9. Iowa State: Iowa State gets “1s” across the board defensively, but does anyone really believe a Paul Rhoads-coached team is going to finish last in defense? The Cyclones have good talent offensively that will thrive if the long-term solution is uncovered at quarterback.
QBs: 2
RBs: 5
WRs: 5
OL: 3
DL: 1
LBs: 1
DBs: 1
Special teams: 4
Total: 22
10. Kansas: With uncertainties across the board, who knows if the Jayhawks will be able to score points? They could, however, field one of the better defenses in the Big 12. Kansas has good linebackers and defensive backs.
QBs: 1
RBs: 2
WRs: 1
OL: 1
DL: 2
LBs: 6
DBs: 5
Special teams: 2
Total: 20