1. Jordan Willis, senior DE, Kansas State
The senior defensive end continues to amaze. Willis’ seven tackles and two sacks against Texas earned him Big 12 defensive player of the week. Week in and week out, Willis has been a menace to opposing offenses and he now leads the conference with eight sacks.
2. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, junior LB, Oklahoma
Okoronkwo continues to be a force on the Sooner defensive line. In Oklahoma’s last game against Texas Tech, where there wasn’t much of any defense played, Okoronkwo picked up another sack, giving him seven on the season which ties him at second in the Big 12.
3. Elijah Lee, junior LB, Kansas State
Consistency is the name of the game and that’s exactly what Lee does, making him one of the leaders on the Wildcat defense. Lee had seven tackles against Texas, bringing his yearly total to 58, which is third best in the conference.
4. Travin Howard, junior LB, TCU
Howard’s play could easily make him the number one player at the end of the year. His 11 tackles against West Virginia now gives him 69 tackles on the year, which makes him number one in the Big 12, taking over the top spot from teammate sophomore linebacker Ty Summers.
5. Fish Smithson, senior S, Kansas
In a bleak season, Smithson has been the leader on the young Jayhawk roster. Smithson led the conference with 16 tackles last week and also had a fumble recovery. He ranks tenth in the Big 12 with 48 tackles.
6. Rasul Douglas, senior DB, West Virginia
Douglas had four tackles in the Mountaineers’ win over the Horned Frogs, but more importantly came away with the game’s only interception, returning it for 37 yards. He’s tied for second in the conference with three interceptions this year.
7. Taylor Young, junior LB, Baylor
Baylor was off last weekend, but is back in action this week when the Bears travel to Texas. Young has been a force for the Baylor defense, having 46 stops on the year, which ties him for eighth in the Big 12.
8. Jordan Evans, senior LB, Oklahoma
Evans had seven tackles in the Sooner’s win over Texas Tech. This should come as no surprise, as Evans currently sits at number four in the Big 12 with 54 tackles. The Sooners will continue to lean on this senior linebacker.
9. Jordan Thomas, junior CB, Oklahoma
Thomas only had four tackles against the Red Raiders, but his strong suit is in pass coverage. He has the most pass breakups in the Big 12, totaling 11. In a league that loves to throw the ball, it’s great to have a gifted corner like Thomas.
10. Dorance Armstrong Jr., sophomore DE, Kansas
In a season that might feature only one win, this young defensive end is a glimmer of hope looking forward. Armstrong had a sack in the loss to Oklahoma State, which brings his total up to seven this year, tied with Okoronkwo for second in the Big 12.
