The Big 12 released its preseason All-Big 12 football team as voted by the media Wednesday morning, and there were four Cowboys that received the honors.
Sophomore Justice Hill burst onto the scene last season, rushing 206 times for 1,142 yards. Hill also sits at the top of the all-time freshman rushing list, 181 yards ahead of Mike Hamilton, who accrued 961 in his redshirt-freshman season. He is ahead of Thurman Thomas, the former all-time true freshman rusher, by 299 yards. Big things are expected to happen in Stillwater this year, and a good running game will help keep defenses honest and open up the passing game even more.
Zachary Crabtree has been the starter at right tackle since 2015 and has been named to an All-Big 12 team twice. While offensive line isn’t considered a “sexy” position, Crabtree and the rest of the line helped Hill break the record and revitalize the running game. Look for him to clear the way for Hill again with RG Larry Williams or Arlington Hambright.
James Washington was one of two offensive unanimous selections, the other being Orlando Brown, an OL from OU.
Washington finished with a great year, and is one of (if not the) best returning receivers in the country. Last season, he had 71 catches for 1,380 yards and 10 TDs, including this beauty to open his 296-yard game against Pitt.
Washington is one of the favorites to win the Biletnikoff this season, but it won’t be easy, as he is up against a lot of competition.
Tre Flowers is the lone defensive selection for the Cowboys. We all know how good the offense is going to be, but it’s the defense that is the wildcard. Gundy thinks it may be the best defense he’s ever had, but until the defense can see some real action, we won’t know for sure.
Flowers will line up at safety in his final year. Last season, he had 61 tackles, two TFL, two forced fumbles and seven pass breakups.
He will be the rock of the DBs, as Ramon Richards is new to the safety position, Adrian Baker is new to the team and A.J. Green doesn’t have a lot of experience. Look for him to be the mentor of the DBs this season.
The preseason media poll will be released Thursday morning. Big 12 Media Days will take place next Monday and Tuesday, July 17-18 at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Mike Gundy, Mason Rudolph, James Washington, Chad Whitener and Zach Sinor will be at the Tuesday edition of Media Days. Gundy will have his press conference at 12:25 CST. Stay with CRFF as we bring you the best of Media Day 2017.