The Big 12 may have its deepest stable of QBs in the 11-year history of the league. And ironically enough, only one of the returning starters is a senior (Iowa State’s Bret Meyer). The other likely senior QBs in the Big 12 are Nebraska’s Sam Keller (by way of Arizona State), and Baylor’s Kent St. transfer Mike Machen (looks like he might not even win the job).
The top five returning QBs are all underclassmen: Texas Tech’s Jr. Graham Harrell, Mizzu’s Jr. Chase Daniel, Texas’ So. Colt McCoy, Oklahoma State’s Jr. Bobby Reid, and Texas A&M’s Jr. Steven McGee. These five accounted for 140 total TDs, collectively threw for over 15,200 yards, and rushed for another 1500 yards. And each appears poised to improve on their numbers. I'd guess they all come back for next season too as none are top 10 NFL draft pick types.
Throw in Keller as a plug and play replacement for Zac Taylor, since he was a starter in 2005 for Arizona State where he threw for 2165 yards with 21 TDs and only 9 picks. He learned Callahan’s system last season while sitting out.
The Have’s
Graham Harrell - 4555 yards, 38 TDs, 11 int; first time since 2002 Tech returns its triggerman
Chase Daniel - 3527 yards, 28-10, + 379 rushing yards and 4 TDs; he returns virtually everyone on offense and should be even better this year. Does anyone even remember Brad Smith?
Colt McCoy - 2570 yards, 29-7; tied the NCAA passing record for freshman QBs and back for more
Bobby Reid - 2260 yards, 24-11, +500 rushing yards and 5 TDs; leads the self-proclaimed Greatest Offense in the World; maybe the Barking Carnival should proclaim itself to be the Greatest Blog in the World
Steven McGee - 2295 yards, 12-2, +600 rushing yards and 4 TDs; he makes Bucky Richardson blush
Sam Keller - 2165 yards with 21 TDs and only 9 picks at ASU in 2005
Bret Meyer – 4 year starter on a bad team, but will finish with 10,000 yards rushing and passing
The Have Nots
Oklahoma – Sam Bradford and Joey Hazle couldn’t beat out QB-turned WR-turned-QB Paul Thompson after Bomar got kicked off the team for working too hard. Or, true freshman Keith Nichol. Bradford appears to have won the Short Bus competition. It is a shame isn't it?
Baylor – One of Kent State transfer Machen, JUCO John David Weed, or Blake Syzmanski...Kent State re-tread, JUCO Mary Jane or a Baylor re-tread. OOOFFFF.
Kansas State – Josh Freeman showed some flashes of brilliance at the end of the season (particularly against Texas) but he still had a dismal 6 TDs and 15 interceptions for the year.
Colorado – Looks like Coach Dan Hawkins redshirt freshman son is going to take over for Bernard Jackson. Shocking that a coach might show nepotism. I think the production has to improve from last year but this does not look like a good situation.
Kansas – Kerry Meier has a chance to move up to middle of the back of the pack if he can stay healthy…he has that going for him.