Picking All-State teams with 12 FBS programs isn’t an easy task. Multiple players for each spot hold convincing arguments. Is the Offensive Player of the Year Max Duggan or Frank Harris or Bijan Robinson? Do you take Jaylan Ford or Tyree Wilson for Defensive Player of the Year? Richard Reese or Kelvin Banks for Offensive Freshman of the Year? 

All hard questions, few with an answer that’ll satisfy all.

Offensive Player of the Year

Max Duggan, TCU, QB

Max Duggan’s storybook season of 2022 is hard to believe. The senior from Iowa started 29 games for TCU entering the year, but he began the season on the bench behind Chandler Morris. An injury to Morris in the season opener against Colorado opened the door for Duggan to take back the reigns, and he never let go. Duggan led the Horned Frogs to a 12-1 record and a spot in the College Football Playoff – the first time for any Texas program. 

Duggan threw for 3,321 yards and 30 touchdowns to only four interceptions. He completed 65 percent of his passes and added 404 yards and five scores as a runner. Most importantly, he provided leadership and a winning mentality to a TCU squad that routinely overcame deficits late in games. 

Texas running back Bijan Robinson and UTSA quarterback Frank Harris were deserving, as well. 

Defensive Player of the Year 

Jaylan Ford, Texas, LB

No defender in Texas made a bigger impact on games than Ford. He was second in the state with 109 tackles and tied for first in the state with four interceptions despite playing linebacker. He was tied for second on the team with 10 tackles for loss. The junior from Frisco also recorded two sacks, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Ford did it all for a Texas team that relied on its defense during an eight-win season. The unit only allowed 21.17 points per game. 

Texas Tech defensive end Tyree Wilson also made a push, but a late-season injury provided Ford with more opportunities to impress. 

Coach of the Year 

Sonny Dykes, TCU 

Who else? Dykes made the controversial decision to leave SMU for its crosstown rival and replace a living legend in Gary Patterson. Dykes didn’t budge at either challenge, lifting a program that went 16-18 combined in the three previous seasons to a 12-1 record and the three-seed in the College Football Playoff. UTSA head coach Jeff Traylor, who led the Roadrunners to a second straight C-USA crown, won the award last season and could’ve again in 2022. 

Offensive Freshman of the Year 

Richard Reese, Baylor, RB 

A bright spot for an inconsistent Baylor offense was the Reese, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound one-cut runner from Bellville. Reese ended the year with 962 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 190 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. He topped the 100-yard mark in three games. The Bears were 4-0 in Reese received 19 or more rushing attempts. He added 13 catches out of the backfield. Kelvin Banks, who will be an All-Texas first-team selection, is another worthy choice. 

Defensive Freshman of the Year 

Bryce Anderson, Texas A&M, DB  

Anderson looked like a future All-SEC selection when provided opportunities in a talented Texas A&M secondary. He played in 11 games and ended the season with 28 tackles, including 3.5 for loss. He also forced a fumble and recovered two. Only true freshman from the 2022 cycle were eligible.