Big 12 power rankings: Is TCU’s Bud Clark the best safety in the conference?
Last season was a banner year for defensive back play across the Big 12, led by Colorado star Travis Hunter.
Along with Hunter, there was the dynamic Kansas duo of Mello Dotson and Cobee Bryant plus a surprisingly productive secondary at Houston.
This season will be a much different story as there was a massive exodus of talent in the secondaries across the league. The three players listed above are in the NFL while Houston saw its best two defensive backs transfer to LSU and Florida. Utah also lost a potential all-conference player to Alabama in the portal.
The departure of so many stars means there’s more room for new faces to emerge throughout the season, but there are still a few notable returners at the safety position looking to end their careers on a high-note.
The Star-Telegram’s final Big 12 power rankings will take a look at some of the top returning defensive backs in the Big 12:
Xavian Alford, Arizona State
Breakdown: The heart and soul of the Sun Devils’ defense, Alford earned first team All-Big 12 honors after producing the best season of his career. Alford set a career-high with 85 tackles and five passes defended while also intercepting two passes.
Bud Clark, TCU
Breakdown: The longtime Horned Frog veteran has emerged as one of the best safeties in the country the last three seasons with TCU. Clark had the best year of his career in his first season with defensive coordinator Andy Avalos as he was graded the best safety by Pro Football Focus after he produced a career-high 68 tackles, picked off three passes and forced a fumble. Clark has 11 career interceptions.
Jontez Williams, Iowa State
Breakdown: With stars like Travis Hunter and Cobee Bryant in the NFL, Williams enters the season as the top cornerback in the Big 12. Williams tied for third in the conference with four interceptions and had a pick in four straight games. Williams can show improvement in run support, but there’s no doubt he’s one of the best corner covers in the league after being selected second team All-Big 12 in 2024.
Tao Johnson, Utah
Breakdown: A former high school receiver, Johnson has developed into a versatile defensive back for the Utes. Johnson made the switch from nickel to pure safety last season and thrived as he finished second on the team with 70 tackles while grabbing an interception and forcing a fumble. Johnson was the second-highest graded safety in the league behind Clark.
Smith Snowden, Utah
Breakdown: The reason Johnson was able to move to safety was due to the emergence of Snowden at nickel. Snowden made an impact in a number of ways, including picking off two passes, producing 48 tackles (four for loss) while also adding value as a kick returner.
Lorando Johnson, Baylor
Breakdown: The former Arkansas transfer emerged as the Bears’ top corner cover last season with 11 starts. Johnson broke up 11 passes, had an interception and had the highest coverage grade on the team despite playing most of the season with a cast on his hand. Johnson only allowed more than 70 yards twice last season.
