I know my ESPN.com colleague Ivan Maisel ranked the Big 12 quarterbacks and so did the fans. But for posterity, I thought I'd also give my two cents on the strongest position in the conference and maybe the strongest in the Big 12's history. Here are my rankings, heading into the 2008 season.
Chase Daniel, Missouri: Just seems to have the magic touch to lead his team against practically every opponent -- except maybe Oklahoma.
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma -- Amazing first-season performance was marred by late injury against Texas Tech. He has the best collection of offensive tools around him in the conference and could be poised for another big season.
Graham Harrell, Texas Tech: Could be in line for a 6,000-yard passing season if he can remain healthy and his team isn't so good that he has to leave games early.
Todd Reesing, Kansas: Jayhawks respond to his fiery leadership. And his 33-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio might be the best indication of his abilities. But he might want to avoid Missouri -- He's 14-0 when not playing the Tigers.
Colt McCoy, Texas: Has to receive better protection after struggling through sophomore season?
Zac Robinson, Oklahoma State: Most underrated player in the Big 12 and maybe the nation. The Cowboys can't afford to even think about losing him for an extended period.
Stephen McGee, Texas A&M: Look for him to flourish in Mike Sherman's pro-style offense, which is more akin to the offense he ran while breaking Texas high school records.
Josh Freeman, Kansas State: Thrown to the wolves too early in his freshman season and is playing with his third coordinator in three seasons. But has freakish athletic talents could help him fulfill those lofty NFL ratings his coach always seems to be pushing on the media.
Joe Ganz, Nebraska: Passed for big numbers in his three-game starting assignment late last season (1,399 yards, 15 TD passes), but must do a better job of staying away from interceptions. He threw seven during that three-game period -- the same number that Sam Keller threw in the previous seven games.
Cody Hawkins, Colorado: Undersized, fiery leader who should improve with a more experienced line and better skill-position players around him.
Blake Szymanski, Baylor: Broke most of the school's passing records last season, but will be facing a difficult chore to protect his starting job from Kirby Freeman or Robert Griffin.
Austen Arnaud, Iowa State: Looked good in late performances against Kansas State and Kansas last year, but Phillip Bates might have the athleticism to challenge him for the starting job.
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Tim Griffin
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.
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.
