The Oklahoma Sooners climbed to the top of the Big 12 and represented the conference on the national stage as its first entry in to the College Football Playoff. Ultimately, the Sooners hopes for a national title fell short but with Baker Mayfield back under center and a loaded supporting cast they are among the favorites to challenge for a conference title and more again this season. The key will be reloading on the front lines including the arrival of some considerable freshman talent poised to make a difference not just for Oklahoma but for a number of teams from the Big 12. Here is a look at the top incoming freshman poised to make the biggest difference in the Big 12 this season.
OT – Patrick Hudson, Baylor Bears
Baylor finished a disappointing fourth in the Big-12 last season and their offensive line play was a big part of the reason why they struggled. The Bears couldn’t keep their quarterbacks on their feet and it’s no surprise that the offensive line was a major area of focus for head coach Art Briles this offseason. Baylor lost four starters from last year’s group but that might not be a bad thing with Kyle Fuller the lone returning starter at the center position. The Bears have some considerable talent ready to step in and Hudson was a key pickup as the No. 50 overall prospect in the country for 2016 according to 247Sports. Hudson is expected to step in immediately as a true freshman at Baylor this season and he will be an important piece as they look to get back on track as Big 12 title contenders in 2016.
WR – Devin Duvernay, Baylor Bears
Hudson isn’t the only incoming true freshman with the potential to make an immediate impact in 2016 as Duvernay arrives looking to push hard for snaps at the wide receiver position. Sophomores Ishmael Zamora and Chris Platt will be relied on to step up in 2016 but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Duvernay emerges as a legitimate big play threat in his first season at the college level. The 5’11’’, 193-pound burner posted a 4.38 40-time and is exactly the type of speed receiver they could use to stretch the field for big plays. Baylor’s offense appears to be loaded with weapons heading in to the 2016 season and a pair of true freshman could help them get to that next level.
QB – Shane Buechele, Texas Longhorns
The relationship between the Longhorns’ prizes quarterback recruit and new offensive coordinator Sterlin Gilbert began in December and it appears the two could rely on one another to find success in their first year at Texas together. Beuchele was the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback prospect on the board so the Longhorns had to be thrilled when they landed the Arlington, Texas-native as their future starter. Beuchele can do it all but the biggest question now is how soon he will get the opportunity to play. Beuchele will compete with Jerrod Heard, Tyrone Swoopes and Kai Locksley for the starting job but they are all learning a new system under Gilbert and if the true freshman thrives, he could get his opportunity sooner rather than later. The Longhorns need one of these talented players to emerge and seize the job.
OG – Ashton Julious, Oklahoma Sooners
Junior offensive lineman Jonathan Alvarez started nine games at left guard last season but will move to the middle where he will replace Ty Darlington at the center position, which is his natural position. That means Julious is a frontrunner to start at guard as the No. 2 ranked recruit in the country at his position. Julious will have to beat out Ben Powers and redshirt freshman Cody Ford for the starting job but he has all of the tools to win that battle and it won’t be a surprise when he starts this season. The 6’6’’, 341-pound guard is an absolute beast on the interior and he should slide in to help keep the Sooners offensive line playing at a high level in 2016.
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