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Big 12 Football: 50 best players of all-time

By Randy Gurzi

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 1: Vince Young #10 of the Texas Longhorns in action against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field on October 1, 2005 in Columbia, Missouri. Texas defeated Missouri 51-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 1: Vince Young #10 of the Texas Longhorns in action against the Missouri Tigers at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field on October 1, 2005 in Columbia, Missouri. Texas defeated Missouri 51-20. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State
Justin Blackmon #81 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images) /

Justin Blackmon. 22. player. 856. . WR. Cowboys

Big 12 Football best players of all-time: 22. Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State football

A redshirt freshman in 2009, Justin Blackmon came along slowly. He had 20 receptions for 260 yards and two touchdowns but was really getting his feet wet and working toward a great career — one that took off in 2010.

As a starter in Mike Gundy’s offense, the redshirt sophomore went for an incredible 1,782 yards with 20 touchdowns. He added another 77 yards on four rushing attempts with a touchdown. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound wideout was excellent at fighting for the ball when contested and could run just about any route. He was also able to win with speed, evidenced by his 16.1 yards per reception in 2010.

Blackmon continued to shine as a junior, pulling in another 122 catches for 1,522 yards and 18 touchdowns. That year, he was named to the All-American Team and All-Big 12 First-Team for the second season in a row. He also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award for the second season in a row. In addition that, he was awarded the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.

The Oklahoma State product was following some huge footsteps since he was the wideout who took over for Dez Bryant. He ended up living up to the expectations and found himself being selected fifth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Unlike Bryant, Blackmon was never able to make it in the NFL. He had the talent but off-field issues ended up being his downfall and he played just two seasons for the Jags.

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