Mike Gundy: Young Corners Stepping Up In Fall Camp

The Oklahoma State defensive backfield struggled mightily towards the end of the 2015-2016 season, getting exposed in the three consecutive losses to Baylor, Oklahoma, and Ole Miss to end the season (Giving up 45, 58, and 48 points in each of those three games.) The Cowboys ended the season a disappointing 92^nd in the NCAA in passing yards per game, averaging 244.3 allowed to the opposing team.

But there is hope that the secondary will make great strides in 2016. Thus far in camp, Coach Gundy has been impressed by a couple of young corners who hope to contribute early and help shore up the secondary in 2016. Madre Harper and Rodarius Williams were mentioned as standouts Sunday to Orange Power Studios:

Today was our first day in full pads. Check out what @CoachGundy had to say about it. #okstate#GoPokeshttps://t.co/siUZrNeuTN

— Cowboy Football (@CowboyFB) August 7, 2016

Who are these two newcomers? Let’s take a quick glance at the two freshmen that have looked very good in Fall camp thus far.

Fr. Madre Harper, 6’1 175 lbs.

Harper is a freshman from Arlington, Texas, ranking as a three-star corner by Rivals. Harper turned down offers from Pittsburgh, Northwestern, and Oklahoma to sign with the Cowboys, and was named to first team-all district three years in high school at Lamar High School.

He possesses very good size at 6’1 at the corner position, and can frustrate wide receivers with his length and athleticism. Harper is still gaining weight, and will pick up muscle in the weight room with Rob Glass. However, Harper’s advanced coverage skills and height give him a chance to play and make a difference early for the Cowboys this season, even as a freshman.

Fr. Rodarius Williams, 6’0 172 lbs.

Williams is another three-star corner and was ranked by ESPN as the no. 35 corner in the 2016 class. Williams played his high school ball at Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, being selected to both the All-District and All-State teams.

Rodarius Williams also possesses good size at 6’0 at the corner position, and has impressed early with his coverage skills and quick improvement in camp. Williams is just a true freshman as well, but may provide the Cowboys with solid play at the cornerback position in 2016.