Several hidden gems in ’09, Part III
Andrew McGee was a great find for the Cowboys
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
Horace Hubbard, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Kansas State
Impact on the program: Hubbard made one tackle during his Cowboy career.
Analysis: Defensive tackle is often a spot where you’re forced to take risks. This risk didn’t work out.
Andrew Hudson, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: TCU, Colorado State, UTEP, Arkansas State
Impact on the program: Hudson redshirted in 2009 then saw multiple concussions end his football career last season.
Analysis: A player who had a chance at a solid college career before head injuries derailed his future.
Daytawion Lowe, safety
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Missouri and others
Impact on the program: Lowe is ready to grab a significant role in OSU’s defense this season after missing 2010 with a shoulder injury.
Analysis: Lowe was a solid get who could become one of the leaders of the Pokes’ defense before his OSU career is over.
Andrae May, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: None (early commit, saw interest from Nebraska, Arkansas and others)
Impact on the program: After playing as a true freshman, May will need to step up this fall to secure a spot in the cornerback rotation.
Analysis: A solid player who provides depth but has been passed on the depth chart by sophomores Justin Gilbert and Devin Hedgepeth.
Andrew McGee, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: UAB, South Florida, UCF, Vanderbilt, Ohio
Impact on the program: McGee had two very good seasons as a Cowboy, capped off by a All-Big 12 season in 2010. Despite various injury troubles, McGee should have a chance to play on Sundays.
Analysis: Superb find by the Pokes who became an all-conference performer despite questioned if he would ever play football again after breaking his neck in Bedlam 2009.
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where are the gems.