2015 Big 12 Position Rankings: Defensive Line

No. 1 Baylor:

Nov 1, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive end Shawn Oakman (2) rushes the passer while blocked by Kansas Jayhawks offensive lineman Pat Lewandowski (61) in the first quarter at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Bears return what will likely be the best DL tandem in the conference next year, and will be one of the best in the country. Shawn Oakman at defensive end, and Andrew Billings at nose guard, are both coming off First Team All-Big 12 seasons. Both are remarkable athletes and are physical phenoms. Most of the country was introduced to Shawn Oakman as the subject of many a meme last year, but Billings is also special. In high school, he broke the Texas high school powerlifting record set by Mark Henry 22 years prior with a combined lift of 2,010 pounds (500 pound bench press, 705 pound deadlift, 805 pound squat). He also runs a sub-5-second 40 at 300+ pounds. Alongside Oakman and Billings will be two-year starter Beau Blackshear (DT), and either KJ Smith or Jamal Palmer (DE).