2020 Big 12 Conference Recruiting Overview with QB Focus

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The play of the quarterback is important in every conference, but one might argue that success in the Big 12 hinges largely on the production provided in the pocket. As evident, five of the 10 teams in the Big 12 Conference are ranked in the top-20 in total offense this season (Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Oklahoma State, and Iowa State). Win the day on the recruiting trail with a top gunslinger, chances are that program is winning Big 12 titles.

Winning conference titles at Oklahoma is nothing new, the Sooners have brought 49 home to Norman over the years. The Sooners have won the Big 12 in five consecutive seasons, and that can be linked directly back to the top production by their quarterbacks. OU had back-to-back Heisman Trophy winners in 2017-18 and starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was invited to New York by the Downtown Athletic Club this year. Oklahoma produced 554 yards per game, second-best in the country, rolling to a 12-1 season and a four seed in the College Football Playoff – that is what the rest of the conference is up against on the recruiting trail.

With the early signing period just days away, it is Texas who leads the Big 12 in recruiting rankings slotted seventh in the nation with OU close behind at ninth. The Longhorns have 17 total commits consisting of one five-star, 13 four-stars, and three three-star prospects. The Sooners have 20 verbal commitments, 13 four-stars and seven three-stars. Iowa State is third overall in the conference battle, 39th nationally, with 21 commits, one four-star and 20 three-star players. West Virginia (17) and TCU (13) round out the top-5 within the ranks. Kansas is at full capacity with 25 followed by Oklahoma State (17), Texas Tech (18), Kansas State (21), and Baylor (14).

The highest rated overall player heading to the Big 12 out of the 2020 recruiting class is Salpointe Catholic (AZ) running back Bijan Robinson. Fitting that the Longhorns also have the highest rated quarterback as well, No. 2 nationally ranked dual-threat Hudson Card. The next highest-rated quarterback ready to drop dimes is the fifth rated dual-threat in the nation, Shane Illingworth out of Norco High School (CA).

In an odd turn, the two teams that met in the Big 12 Championship Game do not have committed 2020 quarterbacks. Oklahoma is stacked with four-star 2018 dual-threat Tanner Mordecai and 2019 five-star Spencer Rattler ready to battle for Jalen Hurts spot in the spring. The Bears may also feel set ready to bypass on a quarterback if needed with four-star 2019 pro-style Jacob Zeno and four-star 2018 dual-threat Gerry Bohanon battling behind junior starter Charlie Brewer.

2020 Big 12 Committed Quarterbacks

Baylor – open

Iowa State – Aidan Bouman – Buffalo Senior (MN) – pro-style No. 24

Iowa State – Hunter Dekkers – West Sioux (IA) – No. 12 dual-threat

Kansas – Da’Vonshai Harden – Topeka (KS) – listed as an athlete

Kansas State – Will Howard – Downingtown West (PA) – pro-style No. 36

Oklahoma – open

Oklahoma State – Shane Illingworth – Norco (CA) – pro-style No. 5

Texas – Shane Illingworth – Lake Travis (TX) – dual-threat No. 2

Texas Christian – Eli Williams – Sapulpa (OK) – No. 24 dual-threat

Texas Tech – Donovan Smith – Frenship (TX) – listed as an athlete

West Virginia – Garrett Greene – Lawton Chiles (FL) – dual-threat No. 19

Recruiting Spotlight – Shane Illingworth

Given the opportunity to air it out with great regularity, Shane Illingworth did not disappoint Norco High School football fans throwing for 3,081 yards with 40 touchdowns committing just two interceptions in 230 pass attempts. With a 1,000-yard rush on the roster, Illingworth was not asked to run as much but added 164 on the ground off 68 carries with four trips into the end zone.