Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Griffin
The key to controlling a passing offense is a steady pass rush. And even with more blitzing defenses sprouting across the Big 12 to stifle spread offenses, the conference still features some of the nation's top players in the trenches.
Here's a look at my personal top 10 of the Big 12's best defensive linemen.
1. DE Auston English, Oklahoma -- Best pure pass-rusher in the league, although his status is a tad iffy as he recoveres from having his appendix removed shortly before camp started.
2. DE Ian Campbell, Kansas State -- Look for him to flourish at defensive end after misguided switch to linebacker last season.
3. DE Brian Orakpo, Texas -- Poised for big things in a variety of roles in Will Muschamp's new defense.
4. DT George Hypolite, Colorado -- The Big 12's most quotable player is also one of its most solid defensive players.
5. DT DeMarcus Granger, Oklahoma -- If he played with consistency and more maturity, he could be the conference's best defensive lineman.
6. DE Stryker Sulak, Missouri -- Perfect name for a pass rusher. And he plays with the same kind of smashing abandon for the Tigers.
7. DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma -- Pairs with Granger as one of the nation's best duos at defensive tackle.
8. DT Ziggy Hood, Missouri -- Counted on to become more assertive leader as he replaces Lorenzo Williams as the Tigers' top interior defender.
9. DT Colby Whitlock, Texas Tech -- Looks to build on remarkable freshman season with better depth around him.
10. DE John Larson, Kansas -- Sometimes overshadowed by his linebackers, but this underrated pass-rushing threat is the Jayhawks' most productive playmaker in the trenches.
Tim Griffin joined ESPN.com in February 2008. He has covered the Big 12 since its inception, among a variety of beats during a 24-year career at the San Antonio Express-News. Griffin, a Memphis State University graduate, lives in San Antonio with his wife and son.
