The preseason All Big 12 Football Team has been released and, as we’ve previously noted, Justin Blackmon and Landry Jones are the most familiar names atop the list. But Mizzou also has three of their own on the list in all aspects of the game — and all three stand a good chance of making waves at the NFL level. Certainly, they make Missouri a force to be reckoned with in the Big 12 this season.
Michael Egnew is perhaps the best tight end in the conference and possibly the country. He’ll have to adjust to life without Blaine Gabbert, but his talents should help James Franklin or whoever wins the starting job. Last year, Egnew had a ridiculous 90 catchesf or 762 yards and 5 touchdowns. If he can display a great impact in the red zone, he’ll be a second round pick next April.
ESPN’s David Ubben calls Missouri defensive end Brad Madison the best returning pass rusher in the conference and a solid bet for Defensive Player of the Year in the Big 12. Whether or not that’s true in the end, Madison will definitely be one of the greatest forces along a defensive line that Big 12 quarterbacks will face. Expect double digit sacks even with more attention after 7.5 last season.
After his sophomore season, kicker Grant Ressel was recognized as one of the nation’s top kickers, and last season Ressel continued to further that reputation. He scored less points last year than he did in 2009, but he maintained a reputation as an accurate throughout 2010. Now a senior, he’s a finalist for the Lou Groza Award.