100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 24 Malik Kearse

We are official three-quarters of the way through our summer-long roster countdown. At No. 24, we’ll focus on a senior cornerback with one last chance to make his mark in orange.

How he got to OSU

Kearse came to the Cowboys by way of Fort Scott Community College to add depth to the cornerback group which was a bit shallow in 2016. Originally from Opa Locka, Florida, Kearse went the junior college route after an injury hurt his recruitment. After two productive seasons at Fort Scott, he accepted his lone offer to OSU and enrolled early, taking part in last year’s spring practice.

What he’s done in Stillwater

Unfortunately, Kearse recorded just one tackle in the season opener against Southeastern Louisiana and didn’t see the field the rest of the year. With the cornerback depth going from thin to transparent in 2017, Kearse will have his best last chance to finally make a name for himself.

Role in 2017

Much is being made about Clemson transfer Adrian Baker as well as underclassmen A.J. Green, Rodarius Williams and Madre Harper. Those four probably make up the two-deep at cornerback in Week 1. Kearse is likely on the next tier in terms of reps. Expect him to at least contribute on special teams. But if former corner-turned-safety Ramon Richards’ opinion carries any weight, he may push the younger guys for playing time.

One corner off to an impressive start and mentioned by Ramon Richards today: Malik Kearse. The senior played in one game last season.

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) August 3, 2017

Noteworthy stats and highlights

During his two seasons at Fort Scott C.C., Kearse recorded 66 tackles, three tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups and two interceptions.