As we head into the season, the focus most certainly remains winning a national championship. With more than a handful of hopefuls, programs rely on top level talent to carry the load en route to the College Football Playoff. Knowing certain players leave a bigger impact on the field than others, 247 Sports compiled a pre-season All-American list.
Featured along the offensive line, the Oklahoma Sooners find Orlando Brown. Hailing from Duluth, Georgia, the redshirt junior earned Second Team All-American honors a year ago. A staple of the Sooner offense, this budding star may only be with the program for the upcoming season. With a high priority put on the offensive line in the NFL, Brown could easily hear his name called in the top ten of the upcoming draft.
Joining him, wide receiver James Washington represents the Oklahoma State Cowboys on the pre-season All-American list. Coming in as Mel Kiper’s top senior receiver, the wideout eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark as a junior. Averaging 19.44 yards per catch, Washington looks to be the biggest receiving threat the nation has seen in the upcoming season.
Rounding out the trio of Big 12 representatives, the Texas Longhorns place Connor Williams on the list as well. Projected as a top five pick, Williams name should show up without question on the offensive line. Look for the star to garner other awards as well.
On the other side of the ball, it should be no surprise that the Big 12 was left off of 247 Sports’ All-American list. The conference does not have a high public opinion when it comes to defense.