Big 12 Preview: Ranking The Big 12 Defensive Lines

Nov 10, 2012; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Texas Christian Horned Frogs defensive end Devonte Fields (95) paces one of the best Big 12 defensive lines. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Oklahoma State Cowboys

Tackle Calvin Barnett returns to lead a unit that was outstanding against the rush, allowing opponents just 3.8 yards per carry last season. Barnett’s presence anchoring the middle makes first-year defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer’s job much easier. Spencer takes over for Bill Young.

Joining Barnett on the interior is James Castleman, a surprise contributor on the line a season ago who emerged in preseason camp. Castleman complemented Barnett nicely, registering 6.5 tackles for loss, batting down three passes and intercepting another. Clogging up holes up the middle will allow for talented end Tyler Johnson to bring pressure off the edge effectively.

Johnson made four sacks and forced two fumbles last season. The former Minor League Baseball player integrated well, and could break out for more. Stillwater is a great place for that, after all.

2. TCU Horned Frogs

One of the best rush defense in the conference returns a talented and veteran corps, capable of maturing into the league’s best. Freshman Devonte Fields broke out to lead the Frogs, and all returning Big 12 defenders, in sacks last season. Fields is out for the Frogs’ first two games, including the season opener against the LSU Tigers. But when Fields returns to the lineup, TCU boasts a formidable front.

Alongside Fields are tackles Chucky Hunter (6 TFL, 3.5 sacks) and Davion Pierson (7 TFL, 3.5 sacks). The interior duo combined for 72 total tackles.

3. Texas Longhorns
Dec 28, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat (44) leads of the most talented Big 12 defensive lines. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Texas is not short on defensive line talent: Jackson Jeffcoat returns, leading a corps that also features Ashton Dorsey and Cedric Reed. However, talent is not the problem that has plagued Texas in recent years. Relaying talent into production is not a guarantee, something the Longhorns learned firsthand a season ago when they gave up over 29 points and 192 rushing yards per game.

Still, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz proved his mettle in the 2011 season, when UT employed an aggressive pass rush defense that prompted pundits to pick the Longhorns for a BCS bowl in 2012. And indeed, Texas was effective pressuring opposing quarterbacks and racked up 35 team sacks. The next step is finding similar success bottling up the run.

4. Texas Tech Red Raiders

Tackle Delvon Simmons’ transfer to USC last week puts a damper on this unit, which would have ranked higher with him back in the fold. Nevertheless, new defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt has proven commodities with which to work, most notably end Kerry Hyder. ESPN.com Big 12 blogger David Ubben ranks Hyder the conference’s third best end, behind only Jeffcoat and Fields. Right behind Hyder is teammate Dartwan Bush.

The Red Raider duo combined for 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss. Nose tackle Dennell Wesley must increase his production in Simmons’ absence.

5. Oklahoma Sooners

A move to a 3-4 base presents exciting possibilities for a Sooner defense that last season took a step back in a few key areas. Among those categories was rush defense. OU surrendered over 192 yards on the ground per game. Anyone who watched the Cotton Bowl saw an exaggerated version of the issues leading to a defensive shake-up. While the Sooners will hardly be facing Johnny Manziel on a weekly basis, the explosive offenses around the Big 12 necessitate a fresh look.

New defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery (formerly at Michigan) brings youthful exuberance — he’s just 33 years old — which The Oklahoman‘s Jason Kersey writes is infectious.

Sacks leader Chuka Ndulue gives the new-look defense a foundation, though the Sooners need production from Jordan Phillips and Rashad Favors. Both saw playing time in 2012 and combined for 22 tackles.

6. Kansas State Wildcats

Like much of its defense, the line is a mystery. K-State loses every starter from a 2012 unit that held opponetns to 3.8 yards per carry and ranked No. 20 against the rush. As Bill Snyder is wont to do, he brings in junior college transfers to provide an immediate solution. Yet, the best of the newcomers is true freshman Tanner Wood, a four-star prospect from Conway Spring (Kan.). Wood, Valentino Coleman and DeAndre Roberts could all see integral roles from the outset.

Returning reserve end Ryan Mueller played in all 13 games, but recorded just three tackles. He’s one of the more experienced on the Wildcat front. Defensive coordinator Tom Hayes must work some magic to have this unit performing at its 2012 level.

7. Kansas Jayhawks

KU struggled to stop the run last season, allowing a Big 12 worst 5.1 yards per carry. The addition of JUCO transfers Tedarian Johnson, Chris Martin and Marquel Combs give the Jayhawks an influx of talent, though that leaves KU relying on potential over production much like its in-state rival.

8. Baylor Bears

Baylor’s defense was hit-or-miss last season. Opponents scored a whopping 37.2 points per game against the Bears, and opposing quarterbacks passed for over 323 yards an outing. Sacks leader Chris McAllister is back as anchor after leading the Bears with six, and All-Big 12 end Terrance Lloyd returns from a four-sack, nine-TFL season.

The two give Baylor a foundation, but the loss of Gary Mason, Jr. leaves the Bear front with a significant void to fill in its pass rush.

9. West Virginia Mountaineers

West Virginia struggled through a variety of defensive issues last season, evident in the 38.1 points the Mountaineers surrendered per game. The uptempo style WVU employs on offense obviously contributes to the high point totals its defenses gave up — to an extent. It didn’t help the Mountaineers’ cause that opposing quarterbacks were able to pass at a nearly 64 percent clip, and a staggering 14.7 yards a completion.

The good news is West Virginia tackles Will Clarke and Shaq Rowell return to anchor what was a solid run-stop game. The Mountaineers held opponents to 3.7 yards per attempt. WVU also got decent pressure on quarterbacks with 25 total sacks, but a more aggressive pursuit is in order to limit the passing success opponents had.

Defensive coordinator Keith Patterson is shifting to a 3-4, an ongoing process for the program.

10. Iowa State Cyclones

Gone from last season’s defense are two sack leaders, Cleyon Laing and Jake McDonough. David Irving and Walter Woods III move into more prominent roles, and JUCO transfer Rodney Coe could move into an immediately contributing position. Coe can play either at end or tackle.