Graduate Transfers OSU Might be Interested In

Oklahoma State has greatly benefited from graduate transfer players playing out their last year in Stillwater in recent years, and there is a possibility they could again seek a graduate transfer (or two) to come in and play right away next season.

Josh Furman (Michigan), Tyler Patmon (Kansas), and Michael Hunter (Indiana), have all came from other programs to join the Cowboys for a one-year “free-agent” type of deal with the Pokes to boost their draft stock or just get one more year of playing under their belt. Here’s a list of some possible graduate transfer candidates the Cowboys may be looking at:

Barry J. Sanders, Stanford Running Back

There have been reports that Barry J. Sanders to Stillwater is a probability, but the murmurs have gone silent in recent weeks. Sanders rushed for 672 yards and five touchdowns during his Cardinal career, but just so happens to be behind the depth chart of a guy who probably should have won the Heisman trophy this season. Oklahoma State is desperate for some running back depth behind Chris Carson and Rennie Childs, and Sanders would be a valuable addition who can bring in veteran experience – and an intriguing player for long-time Cowboy fans.

Akeel J. Lynch, Penn State Running Back

Lynch announced he will transfer after the spring semester after falling on the depth chart to young bucks Saquon Barkley and redshirt freshman Andre Robinson who will likely see the field before Lynch. Lynch became the No. 2 back midway through the 2015 season. He carried the ball 55 times for 282 yards and 2 touchdowns, and had 1,318 total rushing yards throughout his career for the Nittany Lions. He is another veteran back similar to Sanders who could provide a valuable presence in a group of backs who have struggled to find success in recent years. Running backs Coach Marcus Arroyo and Lynch both follow each other on twitter. Whether it pans out or not may depend on Sanders’ decision.

Chris Black, Alabama Wide Receiver

Black is proof that sometimes elite talent has a hard time of finding the field (and staying there) at Alabama. Although he struggled with injuries throughout his career, he never quite developed into the threat that his four-star projection had him in high school. He had a respectable 25 receptions for 290 yards during his time in Tuscaloosa, but Alabama is no air-raid offense, so his production was bound to be limited. He moved up to WR3 last season, but an ankle injury again cut his season short. Oklahoma State could be interested given they lose David Glidden, a valuable slot receiver. Black has said he wants to go to a school that “knows how to utilize a slot guy.” Hey Chris… See: David Glidden, Josh Stewart, Josh Cooper…. Need I say more?

Allen Gant, Michigan Linebacker

Fourth-year linebacker Allen Gant announced this week his intent to transfer from Michigan, and will be eligible immediately following his graduation in the spring. Gant originally signed with the Wolverines as a safety but his 6-foot-2 frame allowed him to work into a linebacker position, bulking up to 225 pounds during his time in Ann Arbor. He had seven tackles as a reserve linebacker and also played as a special teams contributor. Oklahoma State had great success with another graduate transfer in the past with Josh Furman, and Gant is the same position that recently lost Seth Jacobs due to retirement and their long-time trusty linebacker Ryan Simmons to graduation. Translation: Gant could fill an immediate void.

Ross Taylor-Douglas, Michigan Cornerback

Douglas is yet another player opting for the graduate transfer from Michigan. I like Douglas simply for the fact that he would bring experience at cornerback – something the Pokes desperately need after losing Kevin Peterson and Michael Hunter. He played cornerback, then switched to running back – to wide receiver – to defensive back – and back to running back during his time at Michigan.

He tells Scout he wants to go somewhere to play cornerback. That would be great option for the Cowboys who bring in three true freshmen at the position. He is a former four-star recruit who was the No. 241 prospect in 2013 according to Rivals.

Michael Barton, California Linebacker

Barton is another linebacker prospect who is eligible via graduate transfer. Barton earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors after his sophomore season in 2014. He leaves Cal with 169 career tackles, and lost his starting job his final season. He could be a valuable piece due to the lack of experienced depth for OSU next season.