As good as some of these players are, they’ve still managed to zoom under the radar of some Big 12 fans. Here’s my list of 10 underrated players in the league.
Baron Batch: Texas Tech, Running Back
Why he’s on the list: He compiled 1,279 total yards and 15 touchdowns rushing and receiving, yet is considered more of a “product” of the Red Raiders’ offense than an effective weapon. Batch, however, is the real deal—a dependable, quicker-than-you-think scatback who could enjoy a nice future in the NFL.
Dejon Gomes: Nebraska, Cornerback
Why he’s on the list: As Nebraska's Swiss Army knife of sorts, Gomes does a little bit of everything. He can cover, he can play the run, and he can blitz. With 46 tackles, five pass breakups, and four interceptions in what amounted to just two-thirds of a season—as the team’s third cornerback—the guy clearly knows how to make plays. Gomes isn’t much of a talker on or off the field. His play does that well enough.
Brandon Harold: Kansas State, Defensive End
Why he’s on the list: He spent 2009 on the injury shelf after notching 45 tackles as a freshman. Harold, at 6'5", 265 pounds, occasionally needs to get his motor going, but he’s still the most physically gifted defender the Wildcats have. Nebraska will get reacquainted in early October, I'm sure.
Ricky Henry: Nebraska, Guard
Why he’s on the list: Henry quietly put together a solid season as a junior, starting to dominate toward the end of the year. As NU moves to a downhill running game in 2010 that relies more on power blocking and slightly less on finesse zone work, look for Henry to flourish. He’s a late bloomer at the position—and better than you might think.
Wes Kemp: Missouri, Wide Receiver
Why he’s on the list: Kemp, at 6'4", 225, should become a favorite downfield target for Blaine Gabbert, considering he averaged 18.2 yards per catch last year and Danario Alexander served in that role in 2009. Look for Kemp to at least triple his number of catches from 23 to 69 and potentially double his yardage total from 418 to 836.
Orie Lemon: Oklahoma State, Linebacker
Why he’s on the list: Lemon tore his ACL last year, but he’ll return in 2010 after notching 90 tackles in 2008. He’ll be part of what looks like a pretty awful defense, mind you, but Lemon should get his numbers and Big 12 recognition for it.
Toben Opurum: Kansas, Running Back
Why he’s on the list: At 6'1", 240, Opurum is a hoss who gained 554 yards as a true freshman in 2009. In Turner Gill/Chuck Long’s revamped pro-style offense, look for the big dude to go over 1,000 yards so long as he stays healthy. There’s no subtlety in Opurum’s running style. Everyone likes that.
David Sims: Iowa State, Safety
Why he’s on the list: With 88 tackles and five interceptions, Sims was a key reason why ISU grabbed a surprise bowl berth in 2009. The schedule likely prevents a similar journey in 2010, but this undersized (5'9", 205) JUCO gem plays the game with instincts and toughness. He’s better, in my book, than the more highly-touted Blake Gideon at Texas.
Steven Sheffield: Texas Tech, Quarterback
Why he’s on the list: He didn’t throw enough passes to make it on any Big 12 efficiency lists last year, but Sheffield was brilliant in his limited action, completing 74 percent of his passes for 1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns.
He’ll battle Taylor Potts this fall for the starting job—and I think the former walk-on will win it. He’s more mobile than Potts, and he was the only Big 12 quarterback to stand toe-to-toe with Nebraska’s defense and be successful.
Jimmy Smith: Colorado, Cornerback
Why he’s on the list: With big-time size at 6'2", 210, Smith is a decent coverage guy and a strong tackler. His numbers—70 tackles and 10 pass breakups—prove it. CU’s defense was constantly put in dire straits by the Buffs’ stalling offense, so if Colorado QB Tyler Hansen can figure it out in 2010, look for Smith to have another big season as a senior.