To suggest that Atiki isn't Big12 worthy is just silly at the basic level of his actual recruiting history. The Big12, like EVERY D1 conference out there, TAKES CHANCES on high-ceiling, "project" big men all the time.
Do such players always work out? Course not.
But I can definitely see in Atiki why a team like the Sooners was willing to part with a precious schollie to get him onto their roster.