Three questions on OSU football recruiting class
It seems odd, but the signing period for college football players opens two months from Thursday.
A year ago, the new early signing date was taken advantage of by a strong majority of high school players looking to lock down their college opportunities, and that was the case at Oklahoma State.
OSU filled all but two spots in the early signing period a year ago and is trending that way this year.
The Cowboys have 17 players committed, leaving eight open slots. Because of the unique and complicated rules system regarding graduate transfers, both quarterback Dru Brown and cornerback Kemah Siverand were able to be counted toward the 2018 class, thus not taking up a spot in the coming class.
Here's a look at three questions facing the Cowboys in the 2019 recruiting class:
With Tulsa star Dax Hill off the board, where does OSU’s defensive backfield recruiting stand?
OSU has three commits, but they’re all cornerback types. Last year’s class was heavy on safeties, so it’s not necessarily paramount to load up at that position. OSU is already playing two true sophomores and two true freshmen in the primary rotation among the three safety spots, with plenty of young guys behind them. They’re not finished there, but they’re not desperate, either.
As for Hill, who committed to Michigan, nothing is finished until he signs his letter of intent. That’s not to say they Cowboys are likely to flip him, but they haven’t walked away from the table.
Is OSU finished on the offensive and defensive lines?
The class already has four offensive linemen, three defensive ends and two defensive tackles, but there could be two or three more scholarships dedicated there — especially on the defensive side.
OSU brought in five offensive linemen last year and has really boosted the depth of that group, so the question is more about developing the young talent. Still, one more in this group is a possibility. Offensive line coach
Josh Henson has his eye on a couple really big guys, including Bam Olaseni ,a 6-foot-8, 360-pounder from Garden City Community College in Kansas.
On defense, the Cowboys could try to add a piece or two, but the most important recruiting job for that group might be Darrion Daniels.
The fourth-year senior who injured his finger after four games will receive a redshirt year, and could return next season if he so chooses. He could also go to the NFL, or graduate and transfer with immediate eligibility. Keeping a player of his caliber on campus for one more year would be invaluable with so many other defensive linemen set to graduate.
Will any running backs or receivers be added?
Yes, but not many. It's weird to be this deep into the recruiting period and not have any commitments at those positions for a place that values offense the way OSU does, but at the start of the season, slot receiver Jalen McCleskey was the only senior on the roster at either of those positions.
The Pokes love their running backs, but it’s possible
Justice Hill could be headed to the NFL after this season, so adding one wouldn’t hurt. Deondrick Glass of Katy, Texas, remains among the prime prospects there.
With McCleskey having already told the team of his decision to transfer, it seems like the Cowboys have been battling depth issues, but that’s more related to previous injuries among their backups.
Kasey Dunn, who coaches and recruits the wideouts, has had the luxury of being picky in the offers he has extended. Langston Anderson of Midlothian, Texas is a name to know going forward.