A Look at OSU’s 2018 Recruiting Class as Summer Approaches

Oklahoma State’s fast start to its 2018 recruiting class has been a joy to watch unfold, but in recent years OSU’s quick starts have faded into sub-25 national rankings by signing day. As the Cowboys have climbed to No. 13 nationally, it’s fair to wonder if this might again be the case, or if its momentum can continue into the summer and fall.

The most important thing of note in its 2018 class is the level of recruits it already has in the fold. Mike Yurcich landed four-star quarterback Spencer Sanders early in the process, which has allowed for the class to grow around him, as we saw recently with four-star receiver CJ Moore joining the mix. It has key pieces at nearly every position and a good base on which to grow.

With that, a look at where the class stands as summer approaches.

Skill talent

At the skill positions, OSU has already rounded the bags with a stand-up double. On offense, the aforementioned Spencer Sanders and C.J. Moore are in the fold as a freaky future QB-WR tandem. But there’s a question mark at running back, where running backs coach John Wozniak is still trying on shoes to try and fill the size 20s Marcus Arroyo left behind. OSU does not have a commitment at running back for 2018.

At the other skill positions — safety and cornerback, specifically — new safety commitment Kanion Williams projects as a huge void-filler. OSU still has a number of cornerback targets remaining on its board, but Jaelyn Nolan, a dual-threat quarterback and athlete, will likely play corner at the next level.

OSU will look to add more to its secondary before signing day.

Predicting the next commitment: Tanner McCalister, CB

Defensive talent

We covered safety and cornerback in skill talent, so defensive talent will cover what wasn’t in that umbrella. For OSU and for this purpose, that’s linebacker and pass-rushing talent.

Kolby Peel, a versatile safety/linebacker, will play star linebacker in Stillwater. And he’ll be paired alongside inside linebacker Blake Barron, an early pledge who might be the steal of this class. Both are current three-star prospects, however Peel, who has played a little of everything on defense, could be talented enough, in my opinion, to make a late run up the boards.

He chose OSU over Iowa State, Indiana, SMU, Cincinnati and others, and at 6-foot, 210 pounds, I can’t help but wonder if he might eventually grow into an inside linebacker down the road.

As for true pass-rushing talent at defensive end, Sachse prospect Tyler Lacy committed this spring and I think he’s here to stick through signing day. Lacy chose OSU over a dozen other offers including Texas Tech. I talked to one of his trainers who told me he might be in for a 20-sack season at Sachse. If so, that’d be quite a steal.

Predicting the next commitment: DaShaun White, LB

Big bullies up front

Thanks to offensive line coach Josh Henson, OSU has dominated in this department for the 2018 cycle. Thus far, OSU has four high school offensive line commitments — the No. 1 priority for this class — and could be looking to add one more to the fold.

Bixby guard Bryce Bray picked OSU over OU, Tyrese Williams chose OSU over a dozen others, and in-state prospect Hunter Anthony is projected as an elite offensive tackle. Hunter Woodard, an Illinois area prospect, could be a tackle or guard at the next level.

That’s an entire offensive line, basically. Look for Henson to continue recruiting guys like Darrell Simpson and Kris Dike and recent offer Jacob Farrell in potentially filling out that final spot along the offensive line.

Predicting the next commitment: Jacob Farrell, OL