July 20, 2007

IRVING, Texas -- Colt McCoy (Texas) was named Preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, Reggie Smith (Oklahoma) was selected Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and Sam Keller (Nebraska) was chosen Preseason Newcomer of the Year in a Big 12 Conference media poll.

McCoy was the 2006 AT&T Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. The 6-3, 205 quarterback finished first in the league in pass efficiency last year at 161.8, which ranked eighth nationally. He completed 217 of 318 pass attempts for 2,570 yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Smith was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection last season. The 6-1, 197 junior defensive back made 41 tackles, including 30 solo stops in 2006. He also had three interceptions, eight pass break-ups and recovered a fumble. In addition, Smith returned 37 punts for 287 yards and a touchdown.

Keller has one season of eligibility with the Huskers after transferring from Arizona State. The 6-4, 230 signal caller threw for more than 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns in 19 games between 2003 and 2005.

Offensive Player of the Year: Colt McCoy, Texas (QB, 6-3, 205, So/1L, Tuscola, Texas)

Defensive Player of the Year: Reggie Smith, Oklahoma (DB, 6-1, 197, Jr/2L, Edmond, Okla.)

Newcomer of the Year: Sam Keller, Nebraska (QB, 6-4, 230, Sr/TR, Danville, Calif.)