Much is expected out of massive Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman in 2015. Oakman is on the watch lists for four major college football awards -- Bednarik, Hendricks, Lombardi and Nagurski. He is a force on the edge, registering 13 career sacks in 26 games played at Baylor, including a career-high 11 last season.
Rather than be an early entry for the 2015 NFL Draft, Oakman opted to remain at Baylor for another year to develop that raw talent. That decision has Oakman among the most-hyped players in college football.
Pulling back the curtain on the vote
Three of seven CFB 24/7 experts left Oakman off their top-20 ballots. Oakman is one of college football's most enigmatic prospects. Blessed with immense size (he is listed at 6-foot-9, 275 pounds), Oakman gets knocked for not consistently putting forth the sort of effort expected of him. If he is able to impress with his motor this fall, Oakman will be one of the most coveted prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft.
What some of our analysts are saying about Oakman
"The Bears star pass rusher weighs 280 and doesn't look like he carries an ounce of fat on his 6-9 frame. In the pass-happy Big 12, he could easily tally 15 sacks or more this fall." -- Chase Goodbread
"It's impossible not to be impressed with the physical attributes that a 6-foot-8, 280-pound, chiseled athlete like Oakman possesses. Consistent effort will make him a dominant force in 2015." -- Chad Reuter
"We know he looks the part, and staying in school was a good move for his continued development." -- Charles Davis
"Tall and with lots of talent; had 11 sacks in 2014. Needs to play harder on every play." -- Gil Brandt
Where do fans rank Oakman?
We asked Twitter users who they considered the best player in college football. Oakman finished 16th among the top 20 players to receive votes. Not bad for a defensive lineman. Though, one has to wonder how much of that is hype following the hullabaloo made over Oakman on the Internet on New Year's Day.
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