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.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
I’ve always wondered why Lucien Antoine was not able to get a medical hardship to play another year. If I remember correctly, he was injured on the opening kickoff of his first season at OSU and then played the next season. I’ve never seen an explanation as to why he wasn’t eligible for an additional year under a medical hardship. Dvorcak got another year for being an alcoholic.
Bob, I think everyone was puzzled as to why Antoine was not allowed to play another year. Then again, I don’t see the NCAA doing OSU any favors any time soon either.
OSU is definitely doing more with less. It used to be that when OSU received a commitment from an unheralded recruit, coaches around the region paid little to no mind. But after bringing in players like Hunter and Blackmon and countless offensive linemen, other coaches are now looking up and down OSU’s recruiting sheet on a consistent basis for hidden talents they may have missed.
Paul,
He was granted a “sixth year” because the NCAA called his alcoholism and criminality a disability and thus an injury. Redshirting only gets you a fifth year. Dusty got a sixth because he was “disabled”.
I know Sooners are dumb. But Jesus son. You have put up at better effort than that.
http://okblitz.com/Article.aspx?id=15098
And Dvoracek is still a criminal. What a dirtbag. And the NCAA gave that thug a sixth year. Unbelievable. If OU fans were capable of embarrassment, they would be embarrassed over playing that scumbag.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Thanks a lot!
It appears that with the exception Isaiah Anderson, none of the traditional Big Twelve powers, OU, Nebraska, Texas, had interest in any of these players. With the huge exception of Justin Blackmon, that would probably still be the case today. Yet, these players were or,are still are successful at Stillwater. Is Coach Gundy and his staff doing more with less?