The Big 12 Conference is stocked with prolific offenses.

Iowa State true freshmen cornerbacks Ter’ran Benton and Leonard Johnson have been thrown into the fire this season but have held their own so far.

Benton started three games in the absence of Devin McDowell while Johnson doubles as the team’s primary kick returner.

Johnson tied a team high with seven tackles against Kansas but also hauled in a highlight-reel interception in the first half. Running step for step with senior Dezmon Briscoe, Johnson kept his inside positioning before diving for the catch.

“It’s suprising that a true freshman can come in and do the things he’s doing,” said coach Gene Chizik. “He’s a kick returner, he’s playing on all our special teams, in addition to that, he’s going to be starting at corner this week.

“I mean, that’s pretty amazing for a true freshman in this league. That’s hard to do.”

Chizik said that Benton is also playing “really well” for a true freshman.

“He’s had his share of mistakes, but those are growing pains that come along with the position,” he said. “It’s hard to start at corner as a true freshman in this league, but he’s done that … He’s learning every week. I think he’s getting better every week. I’m really proud of the progress he’s made.”

Texas safety Blake Gideon is the only other true freshman that starts in the Big 12.

Oklahoma State is the only other Big 12 team with a true freshman — Johnny Thomas — on its two-deep depth chart. Oklahoma has three redshirt freshmen in the secondary on its two-deep depth chart, while the Longhorns feature redshirt freshman Earl Thomas at the other safety spot.