Big 12 well represented on AP All-America team.
Eight standouts from the Big 12 were named as Associated Press first-team All-Americans this week.
The conference’s (and nation’s) leading receivers took up both of the receiving slots on the first team, as record-setting freshman Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech (125 catches, 1861 yards, 21 TD), the Biletnikoff Award winner - the first freshman and Big 12 receiver to win the award, was joined by Kansas St.’s Jordy Nelson, who had a stellar senior season for the Wildcats, ranking second behind Crabtree in catches (122) and yards (1,606), and catching 11 touchdown passes.
Martin Rucker of Missouri was the first-team tight end, and the offensive side of the ball was rounded out by Kansas tackle Anthony Collins and Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson.
On defense, Kansas’ Aqib Talib was one of the first team corners, and Colorado’s Jordan Dizon was one of the first team linebackers, with Missouri freshman WR/KR/PR Jeremy Maclin taking first team honors in the all-purpose slot.
Missouri’s Chase Daniel, who finished fourth in the Heisman voting, was the second-team QB, with Kansas LB James McClinton and Missouri safety William Moore joining him on the second team.
On the third team, Missouri center Adam Spieker was the lone representative on the offensive side of the ball, with Texas defensive tackle Frank Okam making the third team on defense.