Kansas State’s Dante Barnett, Glenn Gronkowski, Cody Whitehair make preseason All-Big 12 team
Three Kansas State football players made the Big 12’s preseason all-conference team, the league announced Wednesday.
Senior safety Dante Barnett, senior left tackle Cody Whitehair and junior fullback Glenn Gronkowski represent the Wildcats on the squad, which was voted on by media that regularly cover the conference.
For Barnett, the honor adds to a long list of preseason honors. The Tulsa native is also on the watch list for the Bednarik and Thorpe awards, as well as the Nagurski Trophy. He is K-State’s top returning tackler, coming off a junior season in which he made 77 stops and three interceptions.
Whitehair was one of K-State’s top blockers as a junior and figures to lead the Wildcats up front this season.
Gronkowski has excelled both as a blocker and a down-field receiver. He has gained 293 yards on 10 catches. Last season, his longest touchdown grab was 62 yards.
TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin took home the league’s top preseason honor on offense, winning Offensive Player of the Year. Baylor defensive end Shawn Oakman was named Defensive Player of the Year. Oklahoma State running back Chris Carson was named Newcomer of the Year.
No Kansas players made the team.
The Big 12 will announce its preseason poll on Thursday, and host its annual media days Monday and Tuesday in Dallas.
Reach Kellis Robinett at krobinett@wichitaeagle.com. Follow him on Twitter: @kellisrobinett.
This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 1:26 PM with the headline "Kansas State’s Dante Barnett, Glenn Gronkowski, Cody Whitehair make preseason All-Big 12 team."