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:
Could changes impact the Pokes?
OSU's road game at Iowa State just got a little harder
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
The Big 12 moved two more conference games on Thursday, with Oklahoma’s battle with Iowa State moved to Nov. 26 and the Cyclones game against Kansas State was moved to Dec. 3, joining Bedlam and Texas vs. Baylor.
Why should Oklahoma State care?
Because the moves could impact the Pokes in both positive and negative ways.
On the positive side, OU now has a game on Thanksgiving weekend, meaning OSU will have more time to prepare for Bedlam than the Sooners. The Cowboys last game before Bedlam is their Nov. 18 tilt with Iowa State. That gives OSU more than two weeks to prepare for its final game of the season.
On the negative side, Iowa State will now have a bye the week before the Cowboys travel to Ames for their Friday matchup in mid-November. Meanwhile, OSU will have a tough test in Lubbock against Texas Tech just six days before they hit the field to battle Iowa State.
It already would have been a tough task to play back-to-back Big 12 games in six days. And now, unless their schedule changes, the Cyclones will have 13 days to prepare for the Pokes. That will give ISU the opportunity to sit at home preparing to face OSU with their minds on making a statement on national television while the Cowboys are taking on the Red Raiders in Lubbock.
Several gems in ’09: Summary
Daytawion Lowe should impact OSU's defense this season
by Brandon Chatmon
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.
Rivals ranking: #36
Scout ranking: #45
ESPN.com ranking: unranked
Overall: This class featured several sleepers who have become big time contributors to OSU’s success including All-Big 12 players in offensive tackle Levy Adcock and cornerback Andrew McGee. And running back Jeremy Smith and receiver Michael Harrison could be core members of OSU’s offense moving forward.
The class also features players like safety Daytawion Lowe, guard Brandon Webb, tackle Parker Graham, defensive tackle Anthony Rogers, linebackers Joe Mitchell and LeRon Furr along with receiver Tracy Moore who could still have a big impact on the program as they become upperclassmen and gain experience.
That said, there were some disappointments including four-star signees Anthony Morgan at guard and running back Dexter Pratt.
Bottom line: This class is very solid. If you can consistently hit on as many quality contributors each year as OSU did with this class, you have a chance to build a very good roster with excellent depth.
Overall grade: A-. Only a couple disappointments in this class keep this grade from being a solid A.
The Cowboys 48-14 win over Kansas was a great example of the depth of this class with McGee, Smith, Harrison and Tracy Moore making key plays and Adcock protecting Brandon Weeden from his left tackle spot. Here are some highlights of that game.
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.
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.
OSU-Arizona moved to Thursday. Good or bad?
OSU's game against Arizona has been moved to ESPN Thursday Night Football.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State finalized its football schedule on Friday which including moving the Cowboys’ Alamo Bowl rematch with Arizona from Saturday, Sept. 10 to Thursday, Sept. 8.
Life experience has taught me this can be a hot button topic with Cowboy fans. So I want to know what you think of another Thursday night home game for OSU.
Click above to email me your thoughts at bchatmon@opubco.com or comment at the bottom of this blog. I’ll consider using any comment or email so please include your full name along with your hometown with your thoughts. I’ll use the best for The Oklahoman and Newsok.com, the rest will likely be used for another post on this blog. So… fire away!
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.
Several hidden gems in ’09, Part I
Levy Adcock, No. 73, has developed into a All-Big 12 tackle
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
Levy Adcock, tackle
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado
Impact on the program: Has become one of the top offensive linemen in the Big 12 and the nation. Plays with great intensity and is extremely consistent.
Analysis: Adcock was a late addition to the Cowboys class but could easily be considered the best player in the class. A great find.
Jordan Barnes, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Oregon, Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin, Louisville and others.
Impact on the program: Barnes is no longer in the program, now poised to play at Toledo for former OSU defensive coordinator Tim Beckman.
Analysis: Barnes left Stillwater after one redshirt season and never played a down for OSU. The Indiana native clearly wanted to be closer to home.
Michael Bowie, tackle
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: Auburn, Oklahoma, Oregon State and others.
Impact on the program: Just arrived back on campus after spending two seasons at Navarro Junior college.
Analysis: Bowie was impressive during the spring and is likely to force his way into the lineup despite the Pokes returning all five starters along the offensive line. Looks poised to be a superb find.
Clint Chelf, quarterback
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Tulsa
Impact on the program: Currently serves as Brandon Weeden’s backup and could battle for the Cowboys starting quarterback job in 2012.
Analysis: A solid member of the class who has shown the ability and desire to improve during his first two years on campus. Solid get.
Mike Eargle, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: None
Impact on the program: Minimal… Eargle never stepped on campus.
Analysis: Another late addition to the class but he never enrolled.
