Senior Spotlight: Big 12 Conference

WR JUAQUIN IGLESIAS, OU

While Malcolm Kelly (Redskins) garnered most of the national attention among the Oklahoma receivers in 2007, it was Juaquin Iglesias who led the Big 12 Champions in receptions and receiving yards. The Texas native runs sound routes and has arguably the most reliable hands in the conference, if not the country. His quick acceleration makes him a threat after the catch and a dangerous weapon in the slot. Iglesias understands how to work the sidelines and the middle of the field on third down situations, often coming through in big spots. This Sooner is also a fabulous return man. Undersized both in terms of height and bulk, Iglesias’ understanding of the game, quickness and sound technique make him one of the top senior wide outs. He currently leads the Sooners in receptions and receiving yards and is on his way to a 1,000-yard season. His next touchdown catch will set a new career high and in four conference games, the senior is averaging 119.5 yards per game.

2008: 44 Receptions, 746 Yards, Five Touchdowns
Career: 172 Receptions, 2,457 Yards, 14 Touchdowns

RB MARLON LUCKY, NU

At 6’0 and 215 pounds, Lucky has good size but is not the special back many projected coming out of high school—he simply lacks the explosiveness of a marquee runner. However, he has been a very solid contributor to the Cornhuskers’ offensive attack for the last two-plus seasons. What the California native does well is run hard and catch the ball out of the backfield—his 75 receptions in 2007 were the most of any running back. In addition to possessing a dependable set of hands, Lucky is also productive after the catch, averaging 10 yards per reception over his career. While he is not as productive as a receiver this season (20 receptions), he is averaging a career high 13.6 yards per reception. A bright young man, Lucky is known for his good character. After a slow start, Lucky has averaged over 4.0 yards per carry in each of his last three games. He has crossed the goal line in his last two contests, both Nebraska wins. Last week against Baylor, he bettered 80 yards both as a runner and a receiver.

2008: 455 Yards, 4.4 per Carry, Seven Touchdowns
Career: 2,331 Yards, 4.7 per Carry, 22 Touchdowns

QB GRAHAM HARRELL, TEXAS TECH

Harrell’s numbers have been off the charts, but that is nothing new for Mike Leach’s quarterbacks since the coach arrived in Lubbock. Even so, it is difficult not to be impressed by Harrell’s 16 games of 400-plus passing yards in his last 22 contests dating back to Tech’s bowl win his sophomore season. Harrell is a cool costumer, who in back-to-back seasons has led the Red Raiders to improbable comeback wins in bowl games, earning MVP honors both times. He is bright and makes good decisions with the football and also earned Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors for his work in the classroom. He continuously has to prove to doubters that he is not a “system quarterback”. Harrell makes quick decisions and is an accurate passer, but does not have prototypical size or arm strength. Last week, Harrell led the Red Raiders to five touchdowns in five first half possessions in Lawrence, as Texas Tech remained undefeated and cracked the top five. In four Big 12 games, the senior signal caller has thrown 16 touchdowns and only two interceptions.

Photo Credit: OU Athletics Department