Big 12 Quarterbacks Shrouded In Mystery

Jul 22, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats mascot Willie. K-State’s is one of many interesting Big 12 quarterbacks situations. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder is leaving much to the imagination when his Wildcats open 2013 against two-time defending FCS national champion North Dakota State.

But while Snyder’s depth chart may be blank, one important roster note is clear: JUCO transfer quarterback Jake Waters has the nod over Daniel Sams.

Snyder’s choice of Waters should come as a bit of surprise to those following the situation. Sams appeared in the Wildcats’ Big 12 championship season of 2012, and shined in the spring game. Jug of Snyder campaigned for Daniel Sams based on his football IQ. Waters’ talent appears to have won the day, though.

K-State’s is one of several fascinating situations among 2013 Big 12 quarterbacks.

Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops completed a swerve last week with his announcement that freshman Trevor Knight will start ahead of veteran Blake Bell.

Mike Gundy has remained mum on a definite Week 1 starter for Oklahoma State; ditto Gary Patterson at TCU. Both see SEC competition in the opener. Both have publicly suggested using two quarterbacks.

First-year Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury during Monday’s teleconference also alluded to a platoon when the Red Raiders face SMU.

Charlie Weis is reliant on a transfer, Jake Heaps, who struggled at his last stop — much like 2012 Kansas Jayhawks starter Dayne Crist. That didn’t go so well for a KU offense that ranked No. 113 via the pass.

Oddly, the most favorable — or at least most clear — quarterback situations are at Texas, where third-year David Ash has yet to wow; and Baylor, where Bryce Petty has impressed in practice but has very limited game experience.