National Columnist Mike Farrell is here with the 3-Point Stance ranking the Big 12 top tier quarterbacks, under the radar 2023 recruits to watch for in the Big 12, and the hiring debate — Rhule vs. Fickell.
Top Big XII Quarterbacks
— I continue my look at the top-tier QBs in each Power Five with the Big 12.
1. Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma
— Gabriel had a solid year for the Sooners last season and should be even better in year two under Jeff Lebby.
2. Jalon Daniels, Kansas
— Before he got hurt, he could have been considered No. 1 here, at least last season.
3. Quinn Ewers, Texas
— This is the year he puts it all together and could be No. 1 by the end of the season.
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4. Will Howard, Kansas State
— His upside is phenomenal, and he should rise.
5. Tyler Shough, Texas Tech
— He has to stay healthy, but if he does, he could put up monster numbers.
Underrated Big XII Recruits
— We continue our look at some underrated 2023 signees, this time from the Big 12.
1. ATH Tony Terry, Kansas
Originally recruited as an edge rusher, the 6’5″, 245 lb. Missouri native could also see time at tight end. He’s an early enrollee and could make the two-deep on either side of the ball early in his career.
Meet new DE @TonyTerryJr‼️#Legacy23 #RockChalk pic.twitter.com/h8nn2PcgDg
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) December 21, 2022
2. ATH Max Carroll, TCU
Carroll is a bit of a tweener at 6’3″, 205 lbs on the defensive side of the ball, but he fits perfectly into the Star role in the Horned Frogs’ defense. He plays with a relentless motor and will likely see special teams action immediately. Oh, and he’s got speed to burn.
?2023 Reel Freak List featuring the top 1% of HSFB prospects with elite in-game athleticism.
TCU commit Max Carroll S (6030, 205) makes our list with a verified max speed of 20.5 mph. Carroll is the model hybrid defender that’s changing modern-day defenses. #ReelAnalytics pic.twitter.com/5KJC2N0fDF
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) December 21, 2022
3. DE Amier Washington, Texas Tech
Joey McGuire stocked up on in-state talent in his first full recruiting class with the Red Raiders, adding 21 prep players from the Lone Star State, including Washington. the 6’2″, 260 lb. DL is a bull as a run defender and has heavy hands as a pass rusher. Assuming he bulks up a little more, he could be a very versatile piece for TTU’s defensive line.
? Roll the Ŧape: Amier Washington, DL pic.twitter.com/Y5LfDguprC
— Texas Tech Football (@TexasTechFB) December 21, 2022
4. CB Jason Duclona, UCF
A long, smooth corner at 6’1″ 180 lbs., Duclona chose the Knights over a litany of SEC, Big Ten, and ACC offers. He’ll get a chance to see the field early, as every team in the conference needs to run a lot of five and six DB sets.
5. WR Ja’Ryan Wallace, Houston
The Cougars have historically been one of the top passing offenses in the country, so it’s no surprise that they’ve been able to find gems at receiver with all of the targets to go around. The 6’4″ Wallace brings unique size to the position on the Cougars’ roster and will be a menace in jump ball situations.
2023 Denton (Texas) Braswell WR Ja’Ryan Wallace is an intriguing rising senior. FSU among the recent offers. @JaryanW @Coach_Cmoore pic.twitter.com/36PiOrTZZy
— Cole Patterson (@_colepatterson) May 10, 2022
Matt Rhule vs. Luke Fickell
— And finally, a good old “better hire” debate never hurt anyone. Here’s Nebraska’s Matt Rhule vs. Wisconsin’s Luke Fickell.
The case for Rhule:
We’ve already seen him succeed in rebuilding a P5 program at Baylor, turning them around within two years, and he’s already coming in hot on the recruiting trail. A proven winner, he’s got ties all across the country and the demeanor needed for a no-nonsense program like Nebraska. Rhule is a floor-raiser that should have the Huskers back to bowl eligibility in his first year and even potentially winning the western division that is wide open.
The case against Rhule:
We’ve never seen him stick around anywhere long enough to get a real good sense of what his long-term vision and program will look like. This job will tell us if he’s going to turn into a coaching nomad or someone who stays and builds something truly sustainable.
The case for Fickell:
The only coach who has ever brought a Group of 5 team to the CFP, Fickell has been one of the hottest commodities on the market since even before Cincinnati’s run to the playoff. He reportedly turned down some of the biggest jobs in the country but chose Wisconsin and brought not only a ton of his staff from Cincinnati but also one of the country’s most innovative play-callers in Phil Longo from UNC. Between a renewed investment in the Wisconsin program by the athletic department and school chancellor, as well as renewed juice in the program behind this hiring, the long-term upside for the program is massive.
The case against Fickell:
He’s never been a Power 5 head coach, and there may be some growing pains in having to face a higher level of competition week-in and week-out, as well as adapting to a completely different offense. Additionally, if the Ohio State job opens, he’ll be the first person they contact and will more than likely make him an offer he can’t refuse.
The Verdict:
You’re splitting hairs, as these are arguably the two top hires of the entire 2022-23 coaching carousel. Rhule gives you a higher floor, but Fickell gives you a higher ceiling.
