Making recruiting progress in state
Published: 12/19/2008 7:39 PM
Last Modified: 12/19/2008 7:39 PM
Unlike previous signing classes, it looks like Oklahoma State's recruiting class it will sign in early February will have a homegrown feel to it.
That is not a bad thing. Friday's announcement that Sand Springs offensive lineman Michael Bowie will sign a letter of intent with the Cowboys means at least six players from the signing class are in-state products.
Early in his tenure, Mike Gundy made it no secret that Texas is the prime source for talent because of the large quantity of quality players. Oklahoma has not been ignored entirely. OSU has signed at least three in-state players in all four classes since Gundy became head coach.
But some years, the in-state talent crop is not as good as others. This year, it happens to be an exceptional year. On a couple of different occasions this fall, without mentioning specific players by name (that's an NCAA violation), Gundy and a couple of his assistants mentioned to me in general terms how this high school senior class throughout the state is better than previous years.
OSU's success this season has helped the cause. It didn't help in landing Jenks defensive back Gabe Lynn, who picked Oklahoma on Thursday over OSU despite the hours of recruiting work OSU cornerbacks coach Jason Jones put in trying to land the consensus top in-state prospect. But even before practice started last summer, the Cowboys already had commitments from two of the top five players in-state in Union running back Jeremy Smith and Owasso offensive lineman Brandon Webb.
As the successful season progressed, the Cowboys reeled in Ada linebacker/safety Colton Richardson, Midwest City Carl Albert hard-hitting safety Daytawion Lowe (who might be an Andre Sexton-type performer), and Enid quarterback Clint Chelf (who might be Zac Robinson's heir apparent under center).
Bowie makes it six players in state, but there's room for at least seven. That seventh player just might be Union wide receiver Tracy Moore, who is very interested in the Cowboys.
Texas talent has helped OSU attain success in recent years. But increasing the homegrown talent on the roster is not a bad thing and fosters some goodwill towards in-state high school programs. If those homegrown Cowboys continue the success, that's a good thing as well.
---Matt Doyle
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
