KUSports online editor Jesse Newell recently brought to my attention an interesting list he saw on foxsports.com the other day.

The topic: The top 100 best returning college football players for 2009. Of the 100 players they ranked, 20 are products of the Big 12 Conference. Here’s a rundown:

• 2. Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
• 3. Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
• 6. Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
• 8. Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
• 9. Todd Reesing, QB, Kansas
• 12. Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
• 16. Sean Witherspoon, LB, Missouri
• 17. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State
• 19. Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
• 26. Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State
• 30. Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
• 39. Robert Griffin, QB, Baylor
• 47. Travis Lewis, LB, Oklahoma
• 49. DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma
• 50. Joe Pawelek, LB, Baylor
• 53. Zac Robinson, QB, Oklahoma State
• 59. Sergio Kindle, LB, Texas
• 72. Chris Brown, RB, Oklahoma
• 77. Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas
• 85. Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas

A few of my observations:

I have no problem with Tim Tebow being No. 1. In fact, the top three on the list were Heisman finalists last season. I’m guessing McCoy is ranked ahead of Bradford because the Longhorns will lose only one starter from their offensive line in 2009, whereas the Sooners will lose four of five starters from their line.

The fact that Kansas wide receiver Kerry Meier didn’t crack the list was baffling. The junior caught 97 passes for 1,045 and eight TD’s last season. His numbers were comparable to pretty much every receiver on the list.

Next, I’d like to evaluate two rankings. Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker checked in at No. 52. Kansas wide receiver Dezmon Briscoe was ranked No. 77.

Briscoe’s 2008 stats: 92 catches, 1,407 yards, 15 TD’s.
Decker’s 2008 stats: 84 catches, 1,074 yards, 7 TD’s.

Kansas also faced Minnesota in the Insight Bowl about a month ago. How convenient:

Briscoe’s Insight Bowl stats: 14 catches, 201 yards, 3 TD’s.
Decker’s Insight Bowl stats: 8 catches, 149 yards, TD.

Decker’s a very good receiver, but Briscoe is an elite receiver. I did think the list, overall though, was well-done.

I’ll dedicate the following YouTube clip to the Meier/Briscoe snubbing:

What do you guys think of the list? As always, discuss.