OSU starting quarterback Zac Robinson had a great season by just about any standard last year. He threw for 2,864 yards and rushed for 847 more.
The only other quarterback to put up better numbers in both categories was Florida’s Tim Tebow.
“When the other won the Heisman Trophy, I think that sums up the season he had statistically,” Gundy said.
The 3,671 yards, however, only left the Cowboys’ quarterback in fifth place among Big 12 signal callers in total offense. He was behind Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell (5,614), Missouri’s Chase Daniel (4,559), Texas’ Colt McCoy (3,795) and Kansas’ Todd Reesing (3,683).
Bold talk
The Big 12 is a conference loaded with talented quarterbacks. The five above all had great seasons last year and that doesn’t even mention Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford, who set an NCAA record for touchdown passes by a freshman with 36 and led the nation in passing efficiency at 176.53.
But it can also be a confident group.
Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman, who threw for 3,353 and 18 touchdowns last season, was asked where he ranks in the pecking order.
“I’d say I’m the best in my opinion because of what I bring to the table,” Freeman said. “These other guys are good quarterbacks. But I would say abilities as both a leader and a playmaker put me up there.”
At 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds, Freeman might be the best NFL prospect the conference has at the position. But considering the Wildcats are just 9-11 since Freeman took over starting at quarterback midway through the 2006 season, he needs to pile up some wins to back up his claim.
Of course, Daniel said he was the conference’s best quarterback Monday. Reesing ducked the question Tuesday.
Dance Man
Reesing is coming off a phenomenal sophomore season, leading the Jayhawks to a 12-1 record and an Orange Bowl victory.
But he had to explain one of his hobbies Tuesday. In Kansas’ media guide, Reesing is listed as enjoying tennis, dancing and music.
The dancing is what drew attention.
“I just like to dance every now and then,” Reesing said. “I like to go out and have fun when I’m on my own time.”
Versatile freshman
The conference’s preseason newcomer of the year is Colorado running back Darrell Scott. The 6-2, 215-pound freshman from Ventura, Calif., was ranked as the No. 1 overall running back in the 2008 high school senior class by Rivals.com.
He figures to start from Day 1 in the Buffaloes’ backfield. But Colorado coach Dan Hawkins said there are other ways he can be used.
“He’s a great punter,” Hawkins said. “Can you imagine having a guy that can run like that as the punter. Are you going to rush him or are you going to play defense? We’ll find out.”
John Shinn
366-3536
jshinn@normantranscript.com
OU Sports
It's a league of QBs
Media Days Notebook
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