Nebraska, Texas Tech, Missouri, and Texas A&M met the media on day one here in Kansas City.  Surprisingly, Mike Leach did NOT bring quarterback Graham Harrell or wide receiver Michael Crabtree.  I guess he figured that being Dave Campbell's cover boys was good enough for the two super stars?

Actually, Leach told us that his reason for not bringing his All-America candidates was simple.  Harrell and Crabtree can each have great years, but if the other guys on the team don't play up to their potential - Tech cannot accomplish the goals it set for itself.  So, he brought defensive backs Jamar Wall and Daniel Charbonnet to Kansas City to talk about said goals.  And Leach said if you want to talk to Harrell or Crabtree, you have to fly to Lubbock and play with them "in their natural habitat."

The new coaches got plenty of attention today - Bo Pelini from Nebraska and Texas A&M's Mike Sherman, so you have to figure Art Briles will garner the same attention on Wednesday.  

Pelini is solid.  I've had a few opportunities to talk to him in the past, covering LSU for three years in Monroe, LA.  He carries himself a bit different now as a head coach, though.  He likes to wear his emotion on his sleeve.  In fact, he talked about the family atmosphere he was trying to bring to Lincoln and how he "has his players backs."

It was unfortunate to hear Coach Pelini say that former Killeen High offensive lineman David Grant is still trying to become academically eligible, and is not with the Huskers right now.

New Nebraska QB Joe Ganz is a great sound bite and an even better story.  Offensive lineman Matt Slauson compared Ganz to Rudy. 

The A&M players talked about how the swagger never left College Station, so there is no need to get it back.  Devin Gregg, Jordan Pugh, and Travis Schneider all talked about how "professional" Mike Sherman is. 

I asked Sherman if the fact that most of his offensive players were recruited into a spread-option offense would pose a problem.  He said that it might, but it's his and his coaches' responsibility to make sure the offensive personnel adapts positively to the new pro-style playbook.

The Missouri contingent carries itself like champions.  Yah, I know they didn't win ANYTHING last year (except the Border War and the Cotton Bowl), but the Tigers are the unanimous pick to win the North.  And I think they will.

Chase Daniel was fantastic.  He took plenty of questions about losing to Oklahoma twice last season and coming back to play Texas this season, after the Horns didn't really recruit him out of Southlake Carroll (TX) high school - and he fired off answers like a pro.  One answer he didn't give though - his goals for this season.  He said that those are internal, and he doesn't see the point in telling us.  But I bet they have something to do with winning a championship.

On Tuesday, Oklahoma State is here along with the only three schools Baylor does NOT play in the Big 12 (KU, Kansas State, and Colorado).

More to come!  See you tomorrow.