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Big 12 Today with Ari Temkin and James Westling - bringing you the latest news, highlights, interviews and inside information from every corner of the Big 12 Conference.

  1. 1D AGO

    NAMES TO KNOW: TOP 5 LINEBACKER NEWCOMERS TO THE BIG 12: Former NFL & BYU LB Harvey Langi joins Big 12 Today!

    Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five linebackers poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential. Former NFL player and BYU linebacker Harvey Langi recently joined Big 12 Today to reflect on his time at BYU and discuss his endeavors post-college and NFL career. Harvey shared that he now dedicates his time to coaching his sons’ 6th-grade flag football team. He emphasizes that he maintains an intense approach, genuinely wanting his young athletes to succeed. When discussing the linebacker position, Harvey highlighted the importance of fundamentals. He stressed that linebackers must ensure the defense is well-positioned to stop the offense and emphasized the need to be aggressive with the football. Citing Jacob Rodriguez as a benchmark for excellence, Harvey noted that Rodriguez’s relentless pursuit of the football has inspired others on Texas Tech to follow suit. Harvey also underscored the critical role of linebackers in the red zone, emphasizing their importance in preventing scoring opportunities. He praised BYU head coach Kalani Sitake, describing him as a coach who deeply understands the Xs and Os and fosters a strong, consistent culture day in and day out. When asked about BYU’s potential to win a national championship, Harvey expressed a hopeful outlook but pointed out that the Cougars need more offensive firepower to complement their solid and consistent defensive performance. He believes that a balanced approach on both sides of the ball is essential for competing at the highest level. TUNE IN!

    31 min
  2. 2D AGO

    NAMES TO KNOW: TOP 5 SAFETY NEWCOMERS TO BIG 12: Former TCU S Denzel Johnson joins Big 12 Today!

    Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five Safeties poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential. Denzel Johnson, former TCU safety, recently joined Big 12 Today to share insights into the safety position and what teams should focus on when evaluating safeties. He emphasized that safety is inherently a versatile role, serving as a crucial communication hub on the defense. Safeties are responsible for constantly relaying information to cornerbacks and linebackers, orchestrating the defense's overall alignment and response. Johnson highlighted how the safety role has evolved into a hybrid position, especially given today's passing-heavy offenses. He noted the increasing size of safeties compared to his playing days, and expressed that covering skills have become more challenging for modern safeties. He encourages the next generation to improve their coverage abilities, as this greatly benefits the entire defensive unit. When analyzing film, Denzel focuses on signals and landmarks based on the defensive scheme in use. He also assesses a player's aggressiveness, which often influences their effectiveness on the field. For newcomers transferring into the Big 12, Johnson advises a thorough breakdown of opponents' tendencies, diligent study, and consistent effort during off-periods. He stresses the importance of taking the game seriously, as hard work off the field will translate into success on it. Reflecting on his own journey, Johnson shared memorable moments from his time at TCU. An 18-year-old him facing LSU marked the beginning of his commitment to the weight room. He also recounted key victories against Ole Miss and Oregon, highlighting how those high-profile games shaped his development. Denzel Johnson’s insights underscore the importance of versatility, preparation, and mental toughness in excelling at the safety position in today’s competitive landscape. TUNE IN!

    28 min
  3. 3D AGO

    NAMES TO KNOW: TOP 5 DB NEWCOMERS TO BIG 12: Former TCU DB Ranthony Texada joins Big 12 Today!

    Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five Defensive Backs poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential. Former TCU Defensive Back Ranthony Texada Joins Big 12 Today to Discuss the Defensive Back Position. Ranthony Texada, a former standout at TCU, recently joined Big 12 Today to share insights on the defensive back position. He emphasized that while playing corner or safety is one of the most challenging roles on the football field, it is also one of the most scrutinized. He highlighted the increasing value of defensive backs in today’s pass-friendly game, noting that the position is among the most difficult but also crucial to defensive success. Ranthony reflected on his time at TCU, expressing gratitude for his experience and attributing much of his development to Coach Gary Patterson and his talented teammates. Offering advice to newcomers in the Big 12, Ranthony stressed the importance of preparedness against the league’s high-powered offenses. He encouraged incoming players to be ready for the challenge, emphasizing that doing their job consistently and making plays will open opportunities and help them advance to the next level. When analyzing film, Ranthony looks for players who attack the ball aggressively, are willing to tackle, and can contribute to stopping the run and screen game. He shared his own journey post-TCU, which included stints in the NFL, Canada, and the XFL. Currently, he is giving back to the game as a high school defensive backs coach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. TUNE IN!

    27 min
  4. FEB 11

    NAMES TO KNOW: TOP 5 WR NEWCOMERS TO BIG 12: Eric Ward, Former NFL Tight End and College Football Analyst, Joins Big 12 Today!

    Ari and James continue their popular series, TOP 5 NEWCOMERS: NAMES YOU NEED TO KNOW! Today, they dive into the top five wide receivers poised to make a big impact in the Big 12 this season. The hosts share their differing opinions on who will dominate, highlighting their insights on each player's potential. Both Ari and James agree that Wyatt Young of Oklahoma State is definitely someone to watch. They emphasize his continuity with quarterback Drew Mestemaker from North Texas and the influence of head coach Eric Morris, which could set him up for success. The hosts also concur that Omarion Miller from Arizona State is another standout. They believe he’ll thrive in Kenny Dillingham’s system, bringing his talent to the forefront. To add expert perspective, former Texas Tech wide receiver Eric Ward joined the program. He shared valuable insights into how he implements the offensive principles he learned during his college career into his coaching at Estacado High School. Eric stressed the importance of selflessness among wide receivers and the motto "no block, no rock," emphasizing that blocking is a key part of the position. Eric also discussed how he follows football trends, noting that offenses and defenses constantly adapt. He highlighted that toughness is an essential trait for wide receivers—working hard and maintaining a positive attitude are vital qualities he looks for in players. Drawing from his coaching experience, Eric mentioned that he seeks advice from mentors like Joey McGuire and Clay McGuire, whose insights help him develop his players and program. TUNE IN!

    29 min

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Big 12 Today with Ari Temkin and James Westling - bringing you the latest news, highlights, interviews and inside information from every corner of the Big 12 Conference.

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