Five to watch from Big 12 North teams

Updated: August 23, 2005, 12:56 PM ET

Editor's note: ESPN.com's Mel Kiper Jr. continues his look at key players on Division I-A teams with his lists of the five most important players for each team in Big 12 North Division (schools listed in alphabetical order).

Colorado Buffaloes

1. Joel Klatt, QB, sr. – A tough, smart player who took too many hits last season but will be an outstanding quarterback with better protection.
2. Lawrence Vickers, QB, sr. – An outstanding blocker who also has good hands and running ability, Vickers will get a lot more touches this season.
3. Joe Klopfenstein, TE, sr. – Can stretch the deep middle even at 6-foot-5½, 247 pounds, and has good hands to go with decent blocking ability.
4. Brian Iwuh, OLB, sr. – A vicious hitter who is always around the ball, Iwuh is not big at 5-11½, 227, but is still one of the best defensive players in the Big 12.
5. Thaddaeus Washington, ILB, sr. – A 5-11, 252-pounder who came on late last year and does a good job flowing to the football.

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