12 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Ty Zimmerman

Goal No. 12: NO SELF-LIMITATIONS. Expect more of yourself.

#12 Ty Zimmerman True Senior 6-1 | 204 Junction City, Kan. Bio

Position: Defensive Back Previous College: None Projection: Starter Status: On Scholarship

Ty Zimmerman (b. June 23, 1990) is a grayshirt quarterback-turned-safety who has started nearly every game for the past three years and been the most reliable player in the back seven other than Arthur Brown during that time.

Entering 2013, Zimmerman is a preseason candidate for the Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Lott IMPACT Trophy. He was selected for the preseason All-Big 12 team.

Last season, Zimmerman was named a second-team All-American by CBSSports.com and a third-team performer by the Associated Press. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors by both the league's coaches and AP.

In addition, he was honored by ESPN.com, The San Antonio Express-News and Phil Steele despite his streak of 35 straight starts being snapped at Baylor. He tied for third in the Big 12 and for 10th nationally with five interceptions.

All five of Zimmerman's picks were in Big 12 play, which was a league best. He became the first Wildcat since at least 1989 to have interceptions in four straight games — Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa State and West Virginia.

Zimmerman is no stranger to setting records or receiving postseason honors. As a freshman in 2010, he finished just two tackles shy of the top-five list for season tackles by a freshman in K-State history.

The Football Writers Association of America, Phil Steele and Rivals.com recognized him a freshman All-American.

Zimmerman wasn't quite as statistically productive in 2011, but he was close. His 58 total tackles tied Nigel Malone for fifth-best on the team and he still had two interceptions, although Malone stole the show with seven.

In 2012, Zimmerman still had 50 tackles despite missing 2 1/2 games with his injury. He also had three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, seven passes defended and two recovered fumbles.

As long as he's fully recovered, Zimmerman should be an absolute lock to start every game in his senior season.