Oklahoma State’s Three Most Underrated Players Returning in 2015

Oklahoma State was one of the youngest teams in the nation last season, and the Cowboys faced adversity in many different forms last year. Emerging from a losing streak to defeat rival Oklahoma and Washington in the Cactus Bowl have OSU primed for an exciting upcoming season, and late season success was mainly attributed to quarterback play and an improved offensive line.

It goes without saying, but football is a team sport. So, I’ve broken down the three most underrated players on the Cowboy roster. These are players that don’t receive enough credit they deserve for their contributions to the team, both on and off the field.

Blake Jarwin

Jarwin burst onto the scene last season after opting to walk on and play for the Cowboys. After catching 3 passes his junior year at Tuttle High School, he moved to play offensive line, and never showed promise he would become a reliable tight end target after the position was overshadowed by the amount of skilled wide receivers on the roster. Jarwin caught 5 passes for 107 yards last season, and he appears to be emerging as a reliable target for Mason Rudolph this coming season.

Ryan Simmons

While inexperience and youth was a main concern last year, Simmons represented a small group of veteran players with experience. A linebacker rotation that included several freshman last season, Simmons was the rock in the middle of the defense. Simmons started every game in 2013 and ranked eighth in the Big 12 with 5.1 solo tackles per game, finishing behind Jordan Sterns for the second most tackles on the team. Simmons is a consistent leader and veteran for Glenn Spencer’s squad with invaluable experience.

Trace Clark

Clark has progressed every year during his time in Stillwater, and has played in 33 games in the last three years, including every game the last two seasons. After his sophomore campaign saw him finish with 10 tackles and four solo stops, his junior year he took it to the next level, finishing with 17 tackles, 13 solo stops and two tackles for loss. With the defensive end position solidified with Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean, Clark will again play a key role this season in the rotation and could play a huge factor in the Cowboys’ chase for another Big 12 title.

Those are the three players I feel are most underrated on the Cowboys squad. Who do you feel is a consistent performer who does not get the credit they deserve?