Expectations for Oklahoma State running back Chris Carson got even higher on Wednesday, writes Bill Haisten of the Tulsa World.

Carson was named the Big 12 preseason Newcomer of the Year when the conference released its list of preseason individual honors and all-conference teams.

"To make a push for the Big 12 title, the Cowboys need a back who can get first downs and pop big plays. Chris Carson is viewed as the most viable candidate for that role," Haisten wrote.

While Carson is a good pick for Newcomer of the Year, there are a bunch of other top candidates. Oklahoma receiver DeDe Westbrook could be Carson's biggest competition for the honor, while others such as Iowa State's Demond Tucker, Texas Tech's Mike Mitchell and West Virginia's Larry Jefferson could fight themselves into the conversation.

My money's on Westbrook. The Sooners will need additional receiving options if Lincoln Riley's offense is going to have success and, judging by Westbrook's performance in the spring, the junior college transfer seems ready to step right in and start making plays in crimson and cream.