Big 12 Football: 50 best players of all-time

Big 12 Football best players of all-time: 41. Michael Huff, DB, Texas football

After redshirting in 2001, Michael Huff moved into the starting role for the Texas Longhorns in 2002 and never looked back. He was a dynamic safety who had no issues laying the ball carrier out but also had a knack for making the big play.

For instance, he had four interceptions in his first two seasons with Texas and returned all for touchdowns. He added a third-career defensive touchdown as a senior in 2005, which was a 21-yard fumble return. His four touchdown returns on picks gave him the school record, which made him a legend in Austin.

Huff was a blur on the field which was a testament to the fact that he also ran track. That was a big reason he could make a play on any opposing offensive player and that was never more prevalent than when he and the Longhorns beat USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl for the NCAA Championship.

That game went down as one where Vince Young showed out and upstaged Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart but Huff was just as critical to their win. He had 12 tackles, recovered a fumble from Bush, and even stuffed the powerful LenDale White on a key fourth-down play as well.

Following his success at Texas, Huff was drafted seventh overall by the Oakland Raiders and spent seven seasons there. He split time with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens in 2013, which proved to be his final NFL campaign.