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Get to know these names well, Big 12 fans. A year ago, they were gearing up for their last season of high school football. Now, they'll all have a say in how the Big 12 shakes out by season's end. Kenny Stills, WR, Oklahoma
Stills enrolled early this spring and immediately established himself as a force in the receiving corps. He returned this summer and didn't disappoint, earning a starting spot heading into the Sooners' season opener against Utah State on Saturday. Heads up for defensive freshmen Aaron Colvin, a cornerback, and Tony Jefferson, a safety who may start as the Sooners nickel back.
Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, OL, Texas A&M
Joeckel also enrolled early and became the Aggies starter at left tackle before the spring game. Matthews is no guarantee to start, but he'll definitely be on the field, likely at right tackle. Both were among the best at their position in the 2010 national recruiting class, but they'll need to show why to keep the Aggies big time offense rolling.
Mike Davis, WR, Texas
Texas needs receivers. Davis may fill that void, but he'll definitely play. James Kirkendoll looks to have emerged as the No. 1 target heading into the season, but don't be surprised if Davis, one of three top receivers hauled in by Mack Brown this February, makes a run at that distinction by season's end. Look out for defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat, a freshman who joined one of Texas' deepest and most talented positions.
Justin Gilbert, CB, Oklahoma State
Gilbert's speed has become legend, but fans will get a chance to see it for the first time when he takes his spot as the Cowboys' punt returner this weekend. He'll also begin the season behind Brodrick Brown as one of Bill Young's cornerbacks.
Paul Richardson, WR, Colorado
Richardson was headed to UCLA before a run-in with the law over the summer. Now, he'll be one several newcomers to Colorado's receiving corps, giving Tyler Hansen a much-needed option alongside last year's top receiver, Scotty McKnight.
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