DALLAS - Players and coaches from every Big 12 school made their way out to Dallas' Omni Hotel on Monday and Tuesday, sharing their thoughts on the upcoming season, both for their own team and their league peers.

So, I asked a number of players from Big 12 teams for their thoughts on Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes with one caveat: Their comments would presented anonymously.

So, what did some of the Big 12's best defenders have to say about the Red Raiders' standout signal caller?

One player pointed to Mahomes' work ethic and natural playmaking ability.

"You can tell he's a hard worker, and he's confident. He just flat out makes plays. Really, with guys like him, you've got to pay attention to the scouting report to try and pick up tendencies. He's a big and physical guy that can move around, and you've got to do a good job of scouting him."

And with a number of elite quarterbacks from 2015 no longer in the league, Mahomes is primed to be one of the premiere faces of the Big 12 this fall. One defender believes Mahomes will take the place of TCU's Trevone Boykin.

"I feel like he'll be a great quarterback this year. If I remember right, last year was his first real year in the league. He'll be better again this year. With a guy like Trevone Boykin gone, he'll step up into that guys shoes into the spotlight here in the Big 12. He does a great job with the zone and quarterback read work. From what I've seen, he's also a good passer. Texas Tech usually has a good football team, so if he takes a few step forward, I think they'll be a really good football team this year."

Speaking of the zone running game and read options, Mahomes will be a part of the Texas Tech running game to some extent, as he was last fall. One Big 12 defender made note of the junior's ability to pick up extra yardage on the ground if you don't stay disciplined.

"The biggest thing in zone work with him is the combination of the quickness and the size. If you're a defensive lineman, guys like him are moving around really quick, and if you take a wrong step, guys like him will get an angle on you and make you pay."

There was one thing in particular that nearly every player asked about Mahomes made note of: His size and physicality. Several were surprised with both, noting that you didn't get a good idea of how he runs around with the ball in his hands until you see it up close and in person.

"He's a really big quarterback, bigger than the average quarterback you see in the Big 12. He wasn't as fast as some other guys, but he can scramble and is pretty hard to get down."

"That guy is a freak, man. He's a bigger, physical guy, bigger than you expect off film. He'll take a lick. But, he moves around real well, and he can sling it. He'll be one of the best quarterbacks we face all year long, for sure."