Several hidden gems in ’09, Part V
Jeremy Smith should be a big part of OSU's offense this season
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
Dexter Pratt, running back
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: LSU, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Nebraska and others
Impact on the program: Spent one redshirt season at OSU before transferring. Never made an impact.
Analysis: Definitely did not live up to the hype, and even if he had stayed in Stillwater it would have been tough to beat out Jeremy Smith or Joseph Randle for carries this fall.
Colton Richardson, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Northern Iowa, Tulsa
Impact on the program: Richardson never stepped foot on campus.
Analysis: OSU took a chance on Richardson when it signed him and it didn’t pay off.
Ryan Robinson, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Kentucky, Middle Tennessee State
Impact on the program: Just finished his first spring on campus after resigning with OSU following two seasons at Jones CC.
Analysis: If he performs the way he did in spring, he’ll outperform his two-star rating out of high school.
Anthony Rogers, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Tulsa, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Baylor.
Impact on the program: Has improved during his first two years on campus and could be counted on to be a rotation player at defensive tackle. The Cowboys really need him to step up this fall.
Analysis: The opportunity to play is there. If Rogers seizes the opportunity or not will decide how Rogers is ultimately viewed.
Jeremy Smith, running back
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: Michigan, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas Tech and others.
Impact on the program: Smith is poised to be a core member of OSU’s offense this fall. His combination of quick feet, vision and toughness will earn him plenty of carries in 2011.
Analysis: Landing Smith was a great get as he’s been a player who has forced his way onto the field, no matter how the depth chart looks, when he’s been healthy.
Brandon Webb, guard
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas Tech and others
Impact on the program: Webb should provide solid depth along the offensive line for the Pokes this season as a redshirt sophomore.
Analysis: Big things were expected from Webb and he could still deliver with three seasons of eligibility left. Didn’t make an immediate impact but he’s not a disappointment either.
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