Here are three players in the Ultimate ESPN 300 who will be remembered for their exploits in the Big 12.
Tavon Austin, receiver, West Virginia
The No. 197 player in the Ultimate ESPN 300 played in the Big 12 for only one season but stuffed a career's worth of memories into those 13 games with the conference logo on his uniform. Austin rushed for 643 yards, averaging 8.9 yards per carry, while adding 114 receptions for 1,269 yards as a senior in 2012.
His performance in a 50-49 loss to Oklahoma in 2012 won’t be forgotten anytime soon as he left any Sooners defender who tried to tackle him one-on-one in the open field grasping for air more often than not. He finished with 572 all-purpose yards, including 344 rushing yards on 21 carries (16.4 yards per carry) and two touchdowns. That single-game performance will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Baylor
It’s hard not to like what Griffin was able to accomplish during his time at Baylor. He stands as a sterling example of what one talented person can accomplish with confidence, laser-like focus and unyielding desire. The No. 57 player in the Ultimate 300 put Baylor on the map and wasn’t shy about letting people know this was a new era at Baylor. Griffin joined Art Briles to help create excitement and belief around a program that had called the Big 12 basement home since the conference’s inception.
During his Heisman Trophy-winning season in 2011, Griffin had plenty of Heisman moments, including exceptional performances against TCU, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri as he helped the Bears to a 10-win season. A big-play machine with exceptional speed, Griffin was a joy to watch.
Earl Thomas, safety, Texas
The No. 240 player in the Ultimate 300 was simply awesome to watch play football. Thomas played only two seasons in Austin but he was a marvel during his time in the Big 12. He was a blur in the secondary who caused havoc with his explosiveness to the ball. Thomas was a true rarity as a must-watch college football player who lined up on the defensive side of the ball.
As he made play after play, it was amazing how the native of Orange, Texas, was dominating a game as a 5-foot-10, 197-pound safety. Thomas earned All-American honors and finished his career with 149 tackles, 33 pass breakups, 10 interceptions and five forced fumbles in 27 games. Texas lost just twice with Thomas in the lineup.