Big 12 pre-spring position rankings: special teams

As spring practice grows near, we’re ranking position groups in the Big 12. Last week, it was the offensive units; this week, we assessed the defenses. These evaluations are based on performance, potential and quality of depth. Expect our outlooks to change after the spring.

The series continues with special teams.

1. Kansas State: The Wildcats are never bad in the kicking game. This year, though, they appear set to field a scary group of specialists, from punter Nick Walsh and All-Big 12 kicker Matthew McCrane, both seniors, to Byron Pringle, D.J. Reed and Dominique Heath on returns. Pringle is especially dangerous. And K-State fared well in covering kicks, too, ranking among the top 25…