CFN.com Big 12 Skill Position Rankings

GSG

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Quarterbacks

Running Backs

5. Roy Helu Jr., Sr. Nebraska If it’s possible for a star Nebraska running back to fly under the radar, Helu was able to do it. The 6-0, 220-pounder earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and was the team’s offensive MVP after rushing for 1,147 yards and ten touchdowns and catching 19 passes for 149 yards. When he was healthy, he was dominant with 169 yards against the tremendous Virginia Tech run defense, 156 against Kansas, and 138 against Oklahoma, but he struggled through a shoulder injury that needed a full offseason to heal up. Not afraid to run inside, he’ll pound away when needed while he also has the speed to bounce runs to the outside to crank out big plays. His biggest problem so far, besides the shoulder, has been bowl production running for -1 yard by Clemson two years ago and running three times for eight yards in the win over Arizona (when he wasn’t needed and was banged up). When healthy, he’ll be one of the Big 12’s top backs.
Receivers

7. Niles Paul, Sr. Nebraska The Nebraska passing game wasn’t exactly a plus, but Paul was a bright spot leading the team with 40 catches for 796 yards and four scores. A bit streaky, he had four 100-yard games (Missouri, Iowa State, Kansas and Missouri) but caught two passes or fewer in eight games. An all-academic performer, he got suspended for a stretch last offseason under suspicion of driving under the influence, but he didn’t miss any game time. This year, he not only has to be a No. 1 target, he has to use his deep speed and his 6-1, 220-pound size to be a weapon who takes the pressure off the ground game. He’s also an elite returner averaging close to 11 yards per punt return and 27.9 yards per kickoff.
Tight Ends

1. Mike McNeill, Sr. Nebraska Part tight end and part big receiver, senior McNeill will move around where needed with so many strong tight end prospects. At 6-4 and 235 pounds he has good size and is a matchup problem for most linebackers with nice quickness. The team’s No. 2 receiver last year, he finished with 28 catches for 259 yards and four touchdowns with the production spread out over the course of the season. He’s a decent blocker, but he’ll be utilized more as an inside receiver.
Kickers

2. Alex Henery, Sr. Nebraska Henery is one of the nation’s best all-around kickers averaging 41.4 yards per punt with 30 put inside the 20, and nailing 24-of-28 field goals and 41-of-46 shots over the last two seasons. He has a big leg, connecting on a 52-yard bomb against Texas, along with a clutch 42-yarder to keep the Big 12 title dream alive, and he hit all 15 attempts inside the 40. His four misses came from 54, 51, 43, and 50 yards away.
 
I wish a couple of these guys had a "Jr" after their name rather than "Sr.".

I know someone's going to bring up Helu "Jr." so I'll just stop you right there. :lol:

 
I'm sorry...i'm finding these rankings to be a little off...I can kind of see Helu being so low, but you gotta be kidding me...HOW IS HENERY THE NUMBER TWO KICKER! The man is a automatic. And you can't tell me that Niles Paul is only the seventh best reciever in the big twelve.

 
I'm sorry...i'm finding these rankings to be a little off...I can kind of see Helu being so low, but you gotta be kidding me...HOW IS HENERY THE NUMBER TWO KICKER! The man is a automatic. And you can't tell me that Niles Paul is only the seventh best reciever in the big twelve.
I feel ya on the Henery over Ressel deal.

Grant Ressel

2009 26/27; 96.3%; 0/0 under 20 yds; 9/9 20-29 yds; 10/10 30-39 yds; 7/8 40-49 yds; 0/0 50+

Long 46

Extra Pts 39/39

Points 117

19/27 of his FG attempts were under 40 yds.

Alex Henery

2009 24/28; 85.7%; 1/1 under 20 yds; 8/8 20-29 yds; 6/6 30-39 yds; 7/8 40-49 yds; 2/5 50+

Long 52

Extra Pts 38/38

Points 110

Plus he punted 77 times; 41.4 avg; Long of 76; Total 3187 yds; 41.4 Net avg

15/28 of his FG attempts were under 40 yds.

 
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I'm sorry...i'm finding these rankings to be a little off...I can kind of see Helu being so low, but you gotta be kidding me...HOW IS HENERY THE NUMBER TWO KICKER! The man is a automatic. And you can't tell me that Niles Paul is only the seventh best reciever in the big twelve.
I feel ya on the Henery over Ressel deal.

Grant Ressel

2009 26/27; 96.3%; 0/0 under 20 yds; 9/9 20-29 yds; 10/10 30-39 yds; 7/8 40-49 yds; 0/0 50+

Long 46

Extra Pts 39/39

Points 117

19/27 of his FG attempts were under 40 yds.

Alex Henery

2009 24/28; 85.7%; 1/1 under 20 yds; 8/8 20-29 yds; 6/6 30-39 yds; 7/8 40-49 yds; 2/5 50+

Long 52

Extra Pts 38/38

Points 110

Plus he punted 77 times; 41.4 avg; Long of 76; Total 3187 yds; 41.4 Net avg

15/28 of his FG attempts were under 40 yds.
Exactly. Both are great kickers . . . but Ressel hasn't shown the range or calmness under pressure that Henery has. Plus, Henery is more proven over time.

 
I have to think that was a joke. We've discussed Henery vs. Ressel several times, and ira's a frequent visitor.

 
Why is Oklahoma State's new quarterback on the list? I guess Zac Lee is that bad where he can start 11/13 games and still not make the list.

 
Why wouldnt that guy be ahead of henery? He has a better percentage and more points...and punting doesnt factor into how you rank a kicker, it only factors into how you rank a punter. 2 separate positions. I'm a huge Alex fan, but the numbers dont lie. The only thing he has on the Mizzou kid is the 50+ kicks.

 
The punting factors in as a lot of additional wear and tear on his kicking leg. With as bad as our offense was, he put in a ton of work this past year and was still booming towards the end of the year. If anything, the guy from CFN is just going off stats and saw how accurate Ressel was. Henery was forced to be our biggest offensive weapon and one of our top defensive weapons as well. Either way, it's just off season nonsense. I'm sure both guys will have good seasons again next year.

 
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