Mar 13 2009
2009 NFL All-Big 12 Team (Defense)
This is part IV in my new series that recognizes NFL all-collegiate teams based on conference in 2009. College football programs that have switched conferences in the last 15-20 years will be listed under their current conference.
In other words, you will see players like Ray Lewis (Miami, Fl) included in the Atlantic Coastal Conference, even though his alma mater technically played in the Big East Conference during his tenure there. This study also deals exclusively with players who are currently active in the NFL. Thus, you will not find legends like Joe Montana or John Elway included.
In keeping with the theme of the present day, active players have been assessed according to their current abilities. Therefore, future Hall of Fame candidates like Marvin Harrison who are now on the downside of their careers may not merit first or second team recognition in this study. This is strictly an all-conference team for 2009.
I. 2009 NFL ALL-BIG 12 TEAM (Defense)
A) Defensive Tackle
1st Team: Kevin Williams (OKST), Shaun Rogers (UT)
2nd Team: Casey Hampton (UT), Tommie Harris (OU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: Evander Hood (MIZ)
B) Defensive End
1st Team: Kyle Vanden Bosch (NEB), Darren Howard (KSU)
2nd Team: Justin Smith (MIZ), Reggie Hayward (ISU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: Brian Orakpo (UT)
C) Linebacker
1st Team: Barrett Ruud (NEB), Derrick Johnson (UT), Stewart Bradley (NEB)
2nd Team: Curtis Lofton (OU), Demorrio Williams (NEB), Zach Diles (KSU)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
D) Cornerback
1st Team: Terence Newman (KSU), Quentin Jammer (UT)
2nd Team: Aaron Ross (UT), Aqib Talib (KAN)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: None
E) Safety
1st Team: Michael Griffin (UT), Roy Williams (OU)
2nd Team: Brodney Pool (OU), Mike Brown (NEB)
2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Prospects: William Moore (MIZ)
F) Kicker
1st Team: Josh Brown (NEB)
2nd Team: Mason Crosby (COL)
G) Punter
1st Team: Shane Lechler (TAM)
2nd Team: Sam Koch (NEB)
II. Big 12 School Representation
A) 1st Team = 2 points, 2nd Team=1 point
B) Total points (offense + defense) are indicated by parenthesis
1. Texas = 8 (19)
2. Nebraska = 11 (12)
3. Oklahoma = 5 (11)
4. Kansas State = 5 (8)
5. Colorado = 2 (5)
6. Texas A&M = 2 (2)
7. Oklahoma State = 2 (3)
8. Missouri = 1 (3)
9. Kansas = 1 (2)
10. Texas Tech = 0 (2)
11. Baylor = 0 (0)
Where is kasey Hampton? How the heck does an all-pro Defensive tackle not make that list?
Thanks for the comment, Horn fan. I’m not sure how I missed Hampton. The update will definitely reflect this addition. Thanks again.
Thanks for the comment, David. It was a close call between Rogers, Harris, and Hampton for that second spot at defensive tackle–and really there is no wrong answer in that debate. It is interesting that defensive line is one of the strongest positions for the Big 12 because (as you’ll see in a few days) it’s one of the few glaring weaknesses for the Big 10. Must be the cold. =)