Filling the need
Published: 8/4/2008 4:34 PM
Last Modified: 8/4/2008 4:34 PM
Oklahoma State has recruited well since Mike Gundy took over as head coach on Jan. 3, 2005. Talent has been upgraded by the infusion of talent Gundy and his staff have discovered in Texas and Oklahoma.
But if there is one position that the Cowboys have fallen short is quarterback. Gundy was able to persuade Zac Robinson three years ago to change his initial pledge from Kansas State to OSU. It is very safe to say Robinson has worked out well for the Cowboys.
However, there only has been one quarterback signed in OSU's last three recruiting classes. Redshirt sophomore Alex Cate is that lone signee and he faces a tough challenge with Brandon Weeden, a one-time baseball prospect in the New York Yankees system, to serve as Robinson's backup this fall.
OSU thought it found its quarterback of the future last year in Stephenville, Texas, product Kody Spano. But after committing to OSU in the summer of 2007, Spano balked when Gundy told him last December he could not enroll in January and be placed on scholarship immediately. Spano changed his commitment and signed with Nebraska, leaving OSU without a quarterback in its recruiting class for the second consecutive year.
Quarterback is a high priority for next February's signing class. Yet, the Cowboys have not landed a quarterback for the class. Signing day is still six months away, but players at the QB position OSU is pursuing are making decisions or appear ready to make decisions about college.
The latest is San Antonio Alamo Heights High School's Drew Allen, who visited the OSU campus last month. But Allen has told Rivals.com that Ole Miss currently is his favorite and that Oklahoma offered him a scholarship over the weekend. Allen told the Web site he will make his final decision before the start of school in a couple of weeks. The Rebels earlier this summer also received a commitment from another QB, Clayton Moore of Louisville, Miss., that OSU apparently had offered a scholarship.
Robinson has this year and next year to play at OSU. But his heir apparent for 2010 and beyond has not been discovered yet. That's a big need for the future of OSU football.
--- Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
