This article covers my projections for BIG 12 players who could jump into a larger role, hoping to replace the production of their predecessors.
Bijan Robinson -> Jonathan Brooks – Texas RB
Bijan Robinson was one of the best running backs in the country last season and it’s almost impossible to replace a player like that. That is exactly what Jonathan Brooks will look to do. Brooks ran for just shy of 200 yards last season on 30 carries. he averaged 6.6 yards per carry and had five touchdowns as well. Those numbers will almost certainly increase in 2023 with him getting more carries.
Quentin Johnson -> Savion Williams – TCU WR
Quentin Johnson could be the best receiver in this year’s draft. He went off last season and helped TCU make the national championship. He will be missed dearly, but the Horned Frogs will have to move on. They will rely on Savion Williams to step up and be the leading receiver. He had the most production last year out of all their returning wideouts. He tallied 392 yards and four touchdowns on 29 receptions in 2022. Look for those numbers to rise next season.
Max Duggan -> Chandler Morris – TCU QB
Chandler Morris is a transfer from Oklahoma who actually started week one for TCU. He was replaced by Max Duggan after an injury and the rest is history. Duggan lead the Horned Frogs to a national championship appearance and was even a Heisman finalist. He will be leaving and Morris will get another opportunity. Morris threw for 145 yards and a touchdown last season before the injury. TCU will need to play very well to have a repeat of last season, but it does look like the Big 12 is wide open again in 2023.
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Marvin Mims -> Drake Stoops – Oklahoma WR
Drake Stoops is the son of Oklahoma legend coach, Bob Stoops. Drake has already been a key contributor to this team, but he just might have to be the main guy next season. With Marvin Mims moving on, it looks like it’s Stoops’ turn. He caught 39 balls for 393 yards and three scores on 10.1 yards per reception. I can see him doubling those numbers next season. It helps that Dillon Gabriel will also be back to throw him the ball.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah -> Nate Matlack – Kansas State EDGE
Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one of the best defensive prospects out of this conference for this year’s NFL draft. He will be departing along with a few more edge rushers, and a few players with little-to-no play time will be forced to step up big time. Nate Matlack is one of those guys. He will be a junior and has accumulated 24 total tackles and six sacks so far in his two seasons in Manhattan. He could put up those numbers next season alone with the playing time he should be getting.
