Kingsbury, Newman lead Big 12 awards list

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has trumpeted quarterback Kliff Kingsbury's talents for the past three seasons.

But Leach didn't just talk about how good Kingsbury was. The coach gave the 6-foot-4 senior quarterback plenty of opportunities to display his throwing ability with a pass-oriented offense.

Kingsbury was the nation's leading passer -- 447-of-669 (67 percent) for 4,642 yards and 42 touchdowns -- and on Wednesday was chosen The Associated Press Big 12 offensive player of the year.

"He deserves it," Leach said. "It's something that he's worked hard for and he certainly had a great year this year."

Kansas State senior cornerback Terence Newman was the overwhelming chose as the league's defensive player of the year. Newman is also a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation's best defensive player, and the Jim Thorpe Award, which goes to the best defensive back.

The league's newcomers of the year, as voted by a panel of media members who regularly cover the Big 12, were Missouri freshman quarterback Brad Smith and Oklahoma junior linebacker Lance Mitchell.

Kingsbury, whose talent at reading defenses meshes well with Leach's aerial offense, predominantly used short, quick-hitting routes in passing to 15 receivers. After three seasons of airing it out, Kingsbury is the No. 4 all-time passer in Division I with 12,054 career yards.

Kingsbury narrowly edged out Colorado running back Chris Brown for the offensive player of the year honor. Others receiving votes were Oklahoma's Quentin Griffin and Rashaun Woods of Oklahoma State.

Defensive player of the year Newman is also the Big 12 sprint champion in both 60-meter and 100-meter sprints. With speed that allows him to keep up with the fleetest receivers, Newman had five interceptions and broke up 14 passes even though opponents tried to avoid throwing his way.

The defensive voting was not even close, with Newman garnering most of the votes. Oklahoma free safety Brandon Everage was the only other player getting more than one vote.