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Five Incoming Players Who Will Make Immediate Impact at OSU

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It’s June 21, which means we’re less than 75 days away from OSU football season.

So let’s talk football, shall we?

We know the big storylines of 2016: Mason Rudolph’s junior campaign, can Chris Carson improve from last year and turn the corner (?), watching Barry J. following in his fathers footsteps, etc…

But the incoming players are the ones who have been largely without recognition (sans Barry J.). So here’s a list of five football players who have already or will soon be joining the program and could make an immediate impact this season.

Dillon Stoner – Wide Receiver (Fr.)

For being the most talented prospect in the state of Oklahoma last year, Stoner is getting surprisingly little attention as he heads into his first year in Stillwater. The 6-foot superstar from Jenks did everything for the Trojans — from punt and kick return, to punting duties, wide receiver, safety and cornerback. That versatility is going to be fun to play with in Stillwater as he’ll focus specifically on wide receiver. He’s already a polished route runner with a big work ethic. And I expect that to translate into an early impact this season. With his track speed and athletic ability, I would bet he competes for a return spot in special teams and at the least sees time in the rotation in the slot. He’s electric.

Tyrell Alexander – Wide Receiver (Fr.)

Alexander is another electric athlete who, similarly to Jalen McCleskey last season, is too dang talented to keep off the field. I think he could experience some growing pains in his first year of transition from high school quarterback to wide receiver, but talent is talent — and he’s got a ton of it. I think as fall camp comes, Alexander, along with Stoner, will be two names we’ll hear consistently similar to McCleskey last year and James Washington two years ago.

Keondre Wudtee – Quarterback (Fr.)

Thanks to KP’s obsession with the Oil Baron, I know mentioning Wudtee here is probably going to cost me a reduction in pay. But I’ve been adamant that Wudtee will play next year and I’m riding the hype train all the way to the station. Yes, he’s a freshman at the most important position in football. And yes, we have Mason Rudolph, a future NFL quarterback. But two main reasons I’m going Wudtee here: 1.) Our running game has been not great for the past few years and will probably stink again next year, so a dual-threat quarterback package is probably in play again. And 2.) The last time we had a healthy quarterback was the Brandon Weeden era (Which happens to be five years ago). If you’re picking a safe backup to Rudolph, I think Cornelius is the better option over Kolar. But if you’re picking someone with high upside and want to win ball games, the 6-4 Wudtee is my guy.

Tralund Webber – Defensive End (Tr./Jr.)

Webber was a late addition to the 2016 class who was committed to Minnesota but chose OSU after a late offer. With Ogbah and Bean gone and two young bulls in Jordan Brailford and Jarrell Owens likely to start at the end positions, Webber will be a key cog who I think will be a rotation player and come in during special defensive packages. He brings valuable experience from the junior college level and already has the size and frame that OSU will need to plug and play him early.

Larry Williams – Offensive Guard (Tr./Jr.)

Williams could end up being the biggest impact player for OSU. The junior college all-american guard has already spent the spring semester training in Stillwater, so he has a leg up in getting accustomed to Div. I. OSU desperately needs a boost on the offensive line, particularly at guard. Even though he may be facing a learning curve, OSU is going to probably going to ride him early whether he’s ready or not.

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