Here's a look at five Big 12 standouts who went from overlooked on signing day to members of the Ultimate ESPN 300.
No. 57 Robert Griffin III, quarterback, Baylor: RGIII wasn’t atop the list of elite quarterbacks who signed to play college football in the class of 2008. Griffin had a scout’s grade of 77 when he decided to help Art Briles build Baylor into a contender. He helped completely transform the Bears’ program and won the Heisman Trophy during his time in Waco, Texas. Griffin accounted for 111 total touchdowns and 12,620 total yards for BU.
No. 215 Travis Lewis, linebacker, Oklahoma: Lewis signed with the Sooners as an overshadowed prospect in the class of 2007. Evaluated as a running back, Lewis had a scout’s grade of 75. He went on to start every game he played in crimson and cream after a redshirt season and finished with 54 career starts, 451 career tackles -- 32.5 for loss -- nine interceptions and eight career sacks.
No. 227 Justin Blackmon, receiver, Oklahoma State: Blackmon wasn’t a highly regarded prospect in the class of 2008. The Ardmore, Oklahoma, native had a scout’s grade of 74 when he signed with the Cowboys. Blackmon went on to record 252 receptions for 3,564 yards and 40 touchdowns during the three seasons he called Boone Pickens Stadium home. He joined Michael Crabtree as the only two-time Biletnikoff Award winners, by winning the award in 2010 and 2011.
No. 241 Collin Klein, quarterback, Kansas State: Klein didn’t have "Heisman Trophy candidate" stamped on his back upon his arrival in Manhattan, Kansas. He had a scout’s grade of 75 and was the 60th-ranked quarterback prospect in the class of 2008. Klein took over as K-State’s starter in 2011, immediately became one of the Big 12’s top quarterbacks and sparked the Wildcats into the BCS title race as a senior in 2012. Klein finished his career with 4,724 passing yards, 2,485 rushing yards and 86 total touchdowns.
No. 259 Cyril Richardson, offensive guard, Baylor: Richardson wasn’t one of the top signees in the class of 2009, but he became a critical part of BU’s rise. He had a scout’s grade of 76 when he signed with the Bears, then went on to become a two-time All-Big 12 first-teamer and Big 12 offensive lineman of the year. He started 42 of 51 career games (with starts at guard and tackle) and became a first-team All-American in 2013.