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Top Returning Big 12 Wide Receivers For 2017
Who will be the top returning wide receivers in the Big 12 in 2017?
March 8, 2017
The top returning Big 12 wide receivers for 2017 is highlighted by James Washington, one half of the nation’s top pitch-and-catch duo.
The Big 12 was home to college football’s top wide receiver last season, Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook, the Biletnikoff Award winner and Heisman finalist. The game’s premier pass-catcher might reside in the Sooner State in 2017 as well. Oklahoma State star James Washington delighted the Cowboy fans and program by passing on the NFL to collaborate with QB Mason Rudolph once more. And with Jalen McCleskey back, too, after catching 73 passes as a sophomore, there’s not an opponent on the schedule built to derail Mike Gundy’s attack this season.
Top Returning Big 12 Wide Receivers
5. Steven Sims, Kansas
For good reason, the Jayhawks are bullish about their passing game in 2017. Doug Meacham has been hired as offensive coordinator, Washington State transfer QB Peyton Bender is available and the pass-catching duo of Sims and LaQuvionte Gonzalez is together again for another year. Sims earned honorable mention All-Big 12 as a sophomore after catching a team-high 72 balls for 859 yards and seven touchdowns. His combination of speed and work ethic will lead to another banner year this fall.
4. KaVontae Turpin, TCU
If the Horned Frog offense suffers from inconsistency again this fall, don’t finger the skill guys. Nearly everyone who caught a pass in 2016 returns, including 1,000-yard back Kyle Hicks. Plus, Turpin is healthy again after dealing with a knee injury as a sophomore and Taj Williams is no longer a newcomer in Fort Worth. Turpin is a versatile game-breaker, who in 2015 was named Freshman All-American after catching eight touchdown passes, rushing for 116 yards and earning honorable mention All-Big 12 as a return specialist.
3. Jonathan Giles, Texas Tech
Giles led the Red Raiders a year ago with 69 receptions for 1,158 yards and 13 touchdowns. The best part? He’s still very much a raw receiver who’ll keep improving if he puts in the requisite offseason work. Giles is a former high school quarterback, so he’s still learning the nuances of being a pass-catcher. However, in terms of athleticism and combustibility, he’s the big-play guy Kliff Kingsbury will count on to spread the field.
2. Allen Lazard, Iowa State
The Cyclones couldn’t be happier that Lazard put off the NFL to remain in Ames for his senior season. He was named First Team All-Big 12 in 2016 for catching 69 balls for 1,018 yards and seven touchdowns. And he became increasingly comfortable with QB Jacob Park, surpassing 100 receiving yards in four of his final five games. At 6-5 and 223 pounds, Lazard is a natural and borderline unstoppable target on jump balls, particularly in the red zone.
1. James Washington, Oklahoma State
Washington ought to be the problem of NFL defensive backs this fall. Instead, the Big 12 will have to contend with him for one final autumn. Washington unexpectedly remained in Stillwater, despite catching 10 touchdown passes in each of the last two seasons. He’s arguably college football’s premier home run threat, using his speed, cuts and tight routes to blow past the last line of defense. And when Washington gets separation, he does an excellent job of tracking the ball and cradling it in stride.
MORE: Top Returning Wide Receivers In College Football For 2017
