Four Texas A&M football players were voted onto the Big 12 coaches all-conference team. Conference coaches are not allowed to vote for players on their own team, so to make the team usually means you have gained the respect of opposing coaches.

Punter Justin Brantly was named first team All-Big 12 after leading the conference with a 45.7 yards per punt average. Brantly finishes his career with a 44.4 yard average, which ranks second in school history to current NFL All-Pro Shane Lechler.

The surprise on the all-conference team has to be the inclusion of Jorvorskie Lane at FB on the second team. I think Lane's past history of excellence as a short-yardage tailback has helped him here. Even I freely admit that Lane is mediocre at best as a blocker, which is the primary job of a fullback. However, Lane is outstanding in short yardage, an area he has always excelled at. I think the coaches around the conference chose to recognize him for his past excellence, despite his diminished role in the Texas A&M offense this season. I also think the complete lack of teams using 11 personnel helped us, as true FBs are a rarity on most Big 12 teams with the predominance of the spread offense this season. The first team FB was Matt Clapp from Oklahoma. Who? Exactly. Clapp had 7 carries for 23 yards, 0 TDs rushing, 8 receptions for 81 yds, 3 TDs receiving, while Lane had 35 carries for 93 yds, 5 TDs rushing, and 4 receptions for 26 yds and no TDs receiving. Looking at the stats, maybe Lane's inclusion isn't such a surprise after all.

Jeff Fuller and Trent Hunter both made All-Big 12 Honorable Mention, respectively. I'm disappointed Hunter didn't receive the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year, which went to Travis Lewis of Oklahoma. I think it is asinine that McKinner Dixon of Texas Tech received Defensive Newcomer of the Year, simply because Dixon played at Tech two years ago as a true freshman. I don't think you should be considered a newcomer when you've played in this conference in a previous season.

I am also disappointed that Ryan Tannehill didn't receive at least Honorable Mention, because he was an outstanding receiver for us this season. I think the exclusion of any Aggie player from the all-conference offensive and defensive line listings tells you all you need to know about the performance of both of our lines this season.