In 2004, Adrian Peterson was the No. 1-ranked high school recruit in the country. Because Peterson hailed from Palestine, Texas, he seemed predestined to star in the Big 12. Ultimately, Peterson picked Oklahoma over Texas, then almost became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy while leading the Sooners to the national title game.
Since the league's inception, Texas high school players like Peterson have long been the Big 12's lifeblood. Whether delivering stars or providing quality depth, the Lone Star State armed the Big 12 with the arsenal to compete with any conference in college football.