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Big 12 Football: Breakout player from each Big 12 team

By Andrew Tineo

Dec 29, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Brennan Presley (80) makes a reception as Miami Hurricanes cornerback Te'Cory Couch (23) defends during the first half of the Cheez-It Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2020; Orlando, FL, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Brennan Presley (80) makes a reception as Miami Hurricanes cornerback Te'Cory Couch (23) defends during the first half of the Cheez-It Bowl Game at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: The Topeka Capital-Journal /

Kansas

Jacobee Bryant 

A redshirt is normal in College Football. However, Bryant used his grayshirt last season, because of academic issues. I believe Bryant can win the starting job over redshirt freshman Ra’Mello Dotson, as his level of talent is near the level of Karon Prunty.

The Kansas defense was historically bad last season, finishing 127th in points per game allowed, at 47. The Jayhawks also ranked last in run defense and total defense within the conference.

However, the pass defense was above average, and has a plethora of good players returning. Even with Prunty leaving the program, the safety duo of Kenny Logan Jr. and Ricky Thomas return as starters.

Kansas was Bryant’s lone power five offer. However, he was Kansas’ highest ranked recruit in the class of 2020.

Alongside him, should be Deuce Mayberry starting. With those two underclassmen taking the reigns, it may give them an opportunities to make some plays and break out a unit that was decent and make them above average in 2021.

Kansas State

MLB Daniel Green

Green got a ton of playing time as a freshman in 2019, with 33 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. Green matched that in 2020, with two starts and 5.5 tackles for loss. Although the production is there in limited time, Green should get a lot more with a starting role.

Green’s best game last season, was a dominant effort in a 32-31 loss to Baylor late in the season.

The linebacker spot is one that seemingly makes the most tackles, depending on the defense that is run and the talent.

For a 4-2-5 system, it makes being the leading tackler of a defense being a linebacker even more difficult.

However, Green has posted impressive numbers, while being a back up. With his role more expanded, Green has a realistic opportunity to be a top three player on the defense, alongside senior captain safety Jahron McPherson and defensive tackle Eli Huggins.

The two linebacker spots are the biggest question marks on the defense, and Green should be the one that is solved pretty early to be an outbreak player on this Kansas State team.

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