Cowboy Baseball: Safe or Out?
OSU's Davis Duren (38) has his hand stepped on by Phil McCormick (27) of Missouri as he touches first base in the top of the ninth inning during the Big 12 baseball tournament game between Oklahoma State University and the University of Missouri at RedHawks Field at Brickown in Oklahoma City, Thursday, May 26, 2011. Duren was called out on the play. Missouri won, 6-5. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman
By John Helsley
follow on twitter @jjhelsley
Appears we owe an apology to umpire Mark Winters, it wasn’t him who botched the call at first base on Davis Duren in OSU’s Thursday night loss to Missouri. Both the pregame lineup sheet and the postgame box score listed Winters as working first base, yet it was Mike Morris on the call.
The reference to a botched call above, however, remains. Duren was safe. Here’s proof from photographer Nate Billings of The Oklahoman. In this excellent photo, you can see Mizzou pitcher Phil McCormick stepping on Duren’s hand on first base, meaning Duren was there first.
It was a huge play in the game, as the Cowboys were getting to the Tigers closer. And even with two outs, they would have at least had the bases loaded, and Devin Shines may have scored all the way from second on the slow-developing play.
As it was, the call sucked momentum from the Pokes, and immediately transferred it to the Tigers, even though they’d just blown a 5-3 lead and found themselves tied 5-5 going to the bottom of the ninth.
Of course, Mizzou won it in the bottom of the ninth. And now the Cowboys must attempt the difficult path through the loser’s bracket to make Sunday’s title game. More on that in a bit.
Now, a case for the umpire, Morris.
On close plays at first base — bang-bang plays they call them — umpires depend on both their eyes and their ears. They can’t watch both the glove and the base, so they fix their eyes on one and listen for the sound of the other, most likely the foot on the bag.
By sliding head first — a move that’s never a good idea — Duren removed one of the bangs from the equation.
So let’s cut Morris some slack.
On to today’s game, an elimination contest agaisnt Texas — who wants it more?
Longhorns coach Augie Garrido is on record as saying he’s not interested in taxing his pitching staff at the Big 12 Tournament, not with UT’s status as a national seed and host role in the NCAA Tournament all but assured.
So what about the Cowboys? While not in the lofty position of the Horns, the Cowboys are in the NCAA Tournament and likely can’t do much to change their place, which is a low 2 or high 3 seed in a regional. But as one of the “local” teams, there may be more pressure on OSU to do well in Bricktown, and not just fade out to prepare for next week’s more important games.
We’ll see.
Who will Anderson pitch today? In a text message this morning, he said he’d been “up since 5:30 (a.m.) trying to figure that out.” Another indication of how he views the tournament.
Andrew Heaney, Jason Hursh and Randy McCurry are the pitchers with the most starting experience. But Anderson also said he liked the way Blake Barnes threw in relief against Missouri, indicating that he could be in play if the Cowboys stay alive in the bracket.
Stay tuned. And follow me on twitter @jjhelsley for in-game updates.
Valuable learning lesson
A sea of orange at BPS
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It was a wake up call for Torrance Carr.
When the Richardson (Texas) standout realized his lack of academic focus could cost him the chance to play college football, Carr knew he would have to make school one of his top priorities during his senior year. The Oklahoma State coaching staff took a chance on Carr on signing day and he rewarded the Cowboys by qualifying.
When he arrives on campus in late June, Carr plans to continue his focus on academics, having learned a life lesson from his high school struggles.
“It took me a while to get my score so I feel like people are going to think I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said. “So I want to buckle down on my grades so I don’t have any problems.”
When Carr looks back on his prep days, he sees a kid with the intelligence to succeed but not the desire.
“When I would get C’s my mom would be like you need to do better than that,” Carr said. “But I was thinking ‘I’m passing, I can still play football,’ that’s just how I looked at it.”
Then the spring of his junior year arrived and it became plain as day why Carr should focus on his studies.
“Coming into senior year, losing a lot of offers and almost not being able to come, it showed me its’ really, really important,” he said. “You need to get your stuff done.”
A valuable lesson. And a lesson Carr should carry throughout his years in a Cowboy uniform.
Martin has lived up to the hype
Markelle Martin will be a core member of OSU's defense
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Markelle Martin, safety
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas A&M.
Impact on the program: Martin began his freshman season at cornerback before ended up at safety. He’s become one of the foundations of OSU’s defense heading into his senior year and is among the Big 12’s top defensive backs. One of the best players on the squad and one of the reasons for high expectations this season.
Analysis: A four-star player who has lived up to that billing. He played immediately upon his arrival in Stillwater and emerged as a playmaker as a sophomore. Martin has become a great player who will likely play on Sundays in the near future.
Swanson Miller, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Kansas State, West Virginia, South Florida, Troy.
Impact on the program: A key contributor on OSU’s defense in 2009. The Cowboy defense often played at its best when Miller played well as he showed the ability to get penetration finishing with 24 tackles and three sacks. He had 17 tackles as a junior in 2008.
Analysis: While Miller never dominated games or earned all-conference honors, he was a very solid player at the position that is tough to recruit to. The fact he ended the 2010 season on the roster of the New Orleans Saints speaks to Miller’s talent. Overall Miller was a very solid pickup for OSU.
Travis Miller, running back
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: None
Impact on the program: After a redshirt season, Miller had a minimal impact on the squad in 2009 with 13 carries for 59 yards. In 2010, he appeared poised to get some carries as a part of Dana Holgorsen’s offense but quit shortly before the season began.
Analysis: OSU took a chance on a two-star recruit in Miller who had excellent quickness and speed but didn’t chose to continue his football career after his first two years on campus. Overall, a disappointing result, fortunately the Cowboys aren’t hurting for running backs.
Andrew Mitchell, tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas State, NC State and others
Impact on the program: Mitchell provided quality depth during his two seasons in Stillwater. He used his versatility to step in when injury troubles hit including in 2009 when Brady Bond missed several games due to injury.
Analysis: A swing backup tackle, Mitchell never seized a starting spot but was solid when he did see the field. A non-starter at OSU who spent 2010 on the Cincinnati Bengals roster after suffering a knee injury in the preseason, so a pretty good signee for OSU.
Tolu Moala, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: BYU
Impact on the program: He provided depth and toughness during his two years with the Cowboys. After redshirting due to injury in 2008, he recorded 23 tackles in 2009 and 15 tackles in 2010.
Analysis: Moala did what he was signed to do by providing immediate help and depth at linebacker. His ability to return from a preseason injury and provide depth in 2010 was a huge help to OSU’s defense. Not mind-blowing but not disappointing either.
Athlon Puts Pokes at No. …
Weeden and Blackmon make Athlon's college football magazine cover.
By John Helsley
follow on twitter @jjhelsley
The countdown is on at AthlonSports.com, with the website previewing its Top 25 and providing a hint of what’s to come in its summer magazine, coming to newstands near you very soon.
Athlon pegs Oklahoma State at No. 12.
In a show of consistency, Athlon places Texas A&M one spot ahead of the Cowboys at No. 11. The folks at Athlon had previously picked the Pokes for third place in the Big 12, behind the Aggies and Oklahoma, which has yet to be revealed in the daily countdown to No. 1.
Behind OSU, the only other Big 12 squads in the Top 25 are Texas at No. 24 and Missouri at No. 25.
Along with the Top 25, there’s plenty of other fun nuggets to peruse. Athlon produced several lists, including one for the 10 greatest Cowboys in school history. Hint: the top two, no surprise, are running backs. Still, there are some interesting picks — Zac Robinson?
What about your top 10? Who would you include in your list of the elite all-time?
And what about your greatest Cowboys moments, another feature, along with a time-honored tradition borrowed from the magazine that features OSU cheerleaders through the years. Too bad UCLA didn’t crack the rankings!
There’s even a sneek peak at what you’ll find in the magazine preview, with a look at the cover and the question, “Can Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon do it again?” Weigh in on the online debate of who has the best offense in the state of Oklahoma?
Lots to look at and ponder, filling a May football fix as we prepare for the arrival of the summer football annuals.
Overlooked but solid
Beau Johnson was overlooked but a solid recruit
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Maurice Gray, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Arizona State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Ole Miss and others.
Impact on the program: Played a contributing role behind Perrish Cox and Terrance Anderson and on special teams in 2009. Probably not the impact expected from a four-star recruit but he wasn’t a complete bust.
Analysis: A decent pickup. Not great, not bad. Frankly, the type of player the Cowboys won’t recruit anytime soon because they have enough talented young corners on the roster and don’t need a veteran corner to play immediately.
Patrick Hoog, offensive guard
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Baylor, Colorado State, Rice, Texas Tech, UTEP.
Impact on the program: Hoog has played a special teams role early during his career and provides solid depth. He entered the spring as the backup behind Lane Taylor at right guard and is one of the reasons OSU feels really good about its depth.
Analysis: A solid pickup. While not a starter, Hoog is developing nicely and provides quality depth along the offensive line. If needed, he could step in and hold his own.
Justin Horton, tight end/inside receiver
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Nebraska, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa.
Impact on the program: Horton has seen the field in spot duty since his redshirt freshman season. He has incredible potential thanks to his size (6-3, 240) and speed. The perfect type of player to stretch defenses with his speed in the middle of the field but he has not brought consistent production to the table thus far. He has five career catches.
Analysis: Another solid pickup. If he steps up and begins to fulfill his potential he will become a great pickup thanks to his unique physical gifts. Regardless he should make an impact in spot duty on special teams and offense.
Beau Johnson, running back
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: Kansas, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Kentucky.
Impact on the program: Johnson had two solid seasons as a backup running back for the Cowboys. Kendall Hunter was All-Big 12 in front of him in 2008 and Kieth Toston was All-Big 12 in front of him in 2009 so we never will know what Johnson could have done if he was “the man”. He had TWO NFL running backs ahead of him.
Analysis: Johnson was a four star recruit who never became a starter. Does that make him a disappointment? Maybe or maybe not. I personally would say no because he did make plays when he got the opportunity, it’s not his fault Toston and Hunter were on campus at the same time.
Victor Johnson, safety
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Miami (Fla.), Nebraska.
Impact on the program: Contributed immediately upon his arrival but two knee injuries derailed his Cowboy career. Johnson also had some off-the-field issues and he transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma State University this spring.
Analysis: When on the field and healthy, Victor Johnson was a playmaker. But the combo of injuries and off-the-field troubles doomed his Cowboys’ career. A very good football player who just didn’t pan out for a number of reasons.
Niners’ GM has high expectations for Hunter
Kendall Hunter is one of the best RBs in OSU history.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
When Kendall Hunter was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft, it appeared he could be the perfect “change of pace” back under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
But 49ers’ GM Trent Baalke expects much more from Hunter calling him “A four-down contributor” while talking with reporters about the Niners draft picks. Here’s a summary of Baalke’s thoughts on Hunter via sfgate.com:
“RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (4th round, no. 115): His three clips included two long runs with Hunter reading blocks well and stepping through tackles. Baalke doesn’t believe Hunter is a change-of-pace back, despite his stature (5-7, 200 pounds). He has a good combination of quickness, strength and explosion, he also impressed Baalke with his pass-protection skills at the combine.”
Sounds like Kendall Hunter will get the opportunity to prove people wrong like he’s done since he was an overlooked recruit out of Tyler, Texas.
Here are some highlights of Kendall’s 2010 season.
From 2-star to Youtube sensation
Brodrick Brown was a 2-star prospect on Scout.com
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Brodrick Brown, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: interest from Houston, Nebraska, Oregon State, Rice and UTEP.
Impact on the program: After a redshirt season and being injured for much of 2009, Brown started the Cotton Bowl after Perrish Cox’s suspension and showed flashes of playmaking potential. Brown was very solid in 2010 and finished second on the team with 77 tackles. His competitive nature makes him a cornerstone of OSU’s defense.
Analysis: In only two seasons on the field Brown has already surpassed expectations. He could become a three-year starter, not what you expect from a two-star recruit. Another example of good evaluation, particularly because Brown has excelled thanks to his competitiveness and will, things which are hard to evaluate.
DeJuan Davis, offensive line/defensive line
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: None.
Impact on the program: Davis has bounced back and forth between defensive line and offensive line during his time. He hasn’t made an impact in games to this point in his career.
Analysis: OSU’s offensive line situation is better than it has been in years. It’s hard to know how much of Davis’ lack of an impact is due to the talent around him. He was a sleeper prospect when OSU took him… sometimes those risks pay off, sometimes the don’t. Davis still has two seasons to prove he was a risk worth taking.
Chris Donaldson, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Interest from Tennessee.
Impact on the program: Without Donaldson, the Cowboys’ 11-2 season in 2010 would have been significantly harder. His statistics were not eye-popping but he played a lot of plays as a senior and helped keep teams from really attacking OSU’s interior defense. He was also solid in spot duty in 2009.
Analysis: Donaldson did what he was recruited to do out of Coffeyville Community College. He helped provide production in the defensive interior. If OSU could consistently recruit one or two Chris Donaldsons per class, I think they’d be pretty happy.
Alfred Dupree, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: Alabama, LSU, Michigan, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and others.
Impact on the program: Dupree spent the 2009 season at Navarro Community College but was not listed on the 2010 roster.
Analysis: A highly regarded signee who never made it to campus.
Jeremy Gray, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Louisville, Texas A&M, Purdue, North Texas and others.
Impact on the program: Spent one redshirt season on the roster then left the program reportedly because he didn’t want to play football anymore (I wasn’t covering OSU when he left so I didn’t report on his departure).
Analysis: One of the toughest things in recruiting has nothing to do with evaluating a player’s talent. Getting a feel for how much they care about football and their inner drive to be great is extremely difficult in the limited time coaches get to know a player so I have a hard time holding his decision not to play anymore against the coaches.
Blackmon leads the way for 2008 class
Justin Blackmon has become one of the nation's best.
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Isaiah Anderson, receiver
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Nebraska, New Mexico
Impact on the program: One of the fastest players on the team, Anderson shows flashes of that speed and playmaking ability at times but has yet to become a consistent playmaker in games heading into his junior season.
Analysis: Consistency is the key for Anderson. He showed his ability to test defenses and get deep a couple of times last fall including a couple deep balls against Kansas State. He had 12 catches for 216 yards (18 ypc) last season. He has the potential to make a difference.
Lucien Antoine, safety
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: interest from Arkansas, Ole Miss and Louisville
Impact on the program: Injuries curtailed his junior season but Antoine was a core member of OSU’s run to the Cotton Bowl in 2009. He set the tone for the Pokes’ defense with his hard hitting nature and unyielding pursuit to the football.
Analysis: OSU only got one season from Antoine but he was well worth it. He helped OSU’s defense improve tremendously in 2009.
Cooper Bassett, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Kansas, Kansas State, New Mexico
Impact on the program: Originally recruited as a tight end and he played offense as a redshirt freshman in 2009. He moved to the defensive side of the ball last season and has become an rotation player for the Pokes.
Analysis: Bassett is a solid player who works hard to get the most out of his talent. Good roster depth is built with players like him. He should play a role on OSU’s defense in 2011.
Justin Blackmon, receiver
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Colorado, Kansas State, Missouri, Tulsa and Northern Iowa.
Impact on the program: Really? Do I need to say anything? I’m not going to say a word…
Analysis: Won the Biletnikoff Award during his third year on campus and ranks as one of the top receivers in OSU history. His game-by-game consistency in 2010 is unheard of. One of college football best players regardless of position.
Donald Booker, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: New Mexico, New Mexico State and Tulsa.
Impact on the program: After Orie Lemon was injured before the 2009 season, Booker stepped in and led the Cowboys in tackles (99). Athletic and tough, he joined Antoine as anchors of OSU’s solid defense in 2009.
Analysis: Most people probably overlooked Booker because he didn’t have the ideal size (5-11, 236) for a middle linebacker but he was a playmaker who played with zero regard for his body. Coach Mike Gundy often pointed to Booker’s love of the game as a reason for OSU’s success in 2009 despite all the distractions that season.
Sanders is a top-ranked prospect
Recruiting is the key to more celebrations
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State commitment Kendall Sanders ranks No. 54 overall on the recently released Rivals100. Sanders, who picked the Pokes over TCU, Texas A&M, Michigan, Arkansas and others, is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound speedster from Athens, Texas.
Sanders has been selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and is expected to play receiver at OSU. He is the lone OSU commitment on the Rivals100 and Rivals250.
Here’s a look at Sanders in action:
Shaw’s Release No Stunner
Jarred Shaw surely saw the handwriting on the wall at OSU.
By John Helsley
follow on twitter @jjhelsley
The news of OSU granting Jarred Shaw his release was unexpected, yet hardly stunning. The signing of 6-11 Philip Jurick, combined with the Cowboys’ commitment to playing fast next fall, likely sent Shaw packing.
OSU coaches always felt Shaw had upside. And we saw it, too, in glimpses of games here and there — remember the Kansas game in the Big 12 Tournament? — if never in abundance.
The slender Shaw was hampered somewhat by Chron’s Disease, an inflammatory illness of the intenstines, which affected both his ability to gain weight and his cardio fitness. Shaw was a polite kid who always offered a smile and he seemed to be well-liked by teammates.
But players want to play. And Shaw’s place in the program going forward was in question, especially with Jurick on board, so he’s seeking a transfer.
Cowboys coach Travis Ford has vowed to run and gun next season, making best use of a roster that finally offers the athletes able to fit the system we’ve all awaited since Ford was hired from UMass three years ago. Even Jurick’s role is somewhat sketchy, although his size and proven rebounding and shot-blocking skills won’t go to waste.
But if the Cowboys run with regularity next season, it’s easy to project plentiful playing time for Markel Brown, Keiton Page, Jean-Paul Olukemi, Mike Cobbins, LeBryan Nash, Reger Dowell and Cezar Guerrero. And Darrell Williams’ status remains in flux while his legal situation plays out. Fred Gulley and Brian Willliams are also in the mix. And then there’s Jurick.
Shaw had to understand it all. So his departure is no stunner in a roster overhaul that will require a roster for 2011-12.
Ray Penn and Roger Franklin have also departed, meaning three key pieces of Ford’s 2009 recruiting class are gone.
The question now is when will OSU fill Shaw’s scholarship? The Cowboys hold out hope that La Salle transfer Aaric Murray heads their way, although all indications are that he’ll go to West Virginia. OSU is also involved with Chicago prep power forward Jamari Traylor, who may need to go to junior college first.
Ford won’t just add a body, not with a bevy of top prospects supposedly on the radar in what is considred a rich recruiting class nationwide next year.
