Several hidden gems in ’09, Part II
Michael Harrison has shown flashes of excellence.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
One of the main reasons for Oklahoma State’s recent rise has been quality evaluation on the recruiting trail. Running back Kendall Hunter, a two-time All-American, was a hidden gem out of Tyler, Texas and 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon was an overlooked prospect out of Plainview High School in Ardmore.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2009 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the two years since joining the program. (In an effort to keep this from being the longest blog known to man, I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #36
Scout ranking: #45
ESPN.com ranking: unranked
Recruits
Dameron Fooks, receiver
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: None.
Impact on the program: Was solid in his only season as a Cowboy with 10 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. He eventually quit football to focus on academics.
Analysis: Fooks was a great find who appeared poised to be a contributor during his final two years on campus but elected to leave the program.
LeRon Furr, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Ole Miss, Arkansas, North Carolina State and others
Impact on the program: A very talented player who could earn a key role on OSU’s defense this season after missing much of his redshirt freshman year with a knee injury.
Analysis: His ability is unquestioned but he hasn’t stepped up to seize a significant role in OSU’s defense. Still a good get.
Parker Graham, tackle
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Arkansas State, Missouri State, Wyoming, Northern Illinois
Impact on the program: Graham is one of the reasons OSU has better depth along the offensive line than at any point in coach Mike Gundy’s tenure. He’s a talented player stuck behind other talented players.
Analysis: Another great find by offensive line coach Joe Wickline.
Michael Harrison, receiver
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Colorado State, Wyoming, UTEP
Impact on the program: Harrison is poised to become a playmaker in OSU’s offense after showing flashes as a redshirt freshman. He has the talent and size to be a difference maker before his Cowboy career is over.
Analysis: Another example of excellent evaluation by the Pokes. A two-star recruit who could end up being a difference maker on offense.
Darius Hart, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Kansas State, Louisville, Louisiana Tech, Troy, UAB
Impact on the program: Hart was a solid backup defensive end and special teams player during his two seasons for the Cowboys.
Analysis: A decent pickup who provided depth and versatility during his time in Stillwater.
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