Oklahoma State Recruiting: Five Prospects to Watch in 2019

With the 2018 recruiting class officially in the books, the staff can turn all of its attention toward 2019 and beyond.

The groundwork for a strong class has been laid with the early addition of Collinsville four-star tight end Grayson Boomer, but there’s plenty of other names — both within the state and in the region — that are atop the big boards entering the spring.

Here’s a look at five for 2019 to watch.

Millwood High’s Demariyon Houston is the No. 3 overall prospect in the state, and the fact that he’s only a short car ride from Stillwater has proven beneficial. He’s made numerous recruiting visits to Stillwater and the staff has built a sturdy relationship with him.

Having a reigning Biletnikoff winner should only boost OSU’s chances of landing Houston. He’s an elite down-field threat who can line up in the slot or on the outside, and he’s a proven playmaker as a return man on special teams.

By now you likely know of Dax Hill, the younger brother of OSU running back Justice Hill who has exploded nationally with offers from everywhere. Dax, a five-star safety from Booker T. Washington, is the No. 24 prospect in the 2019 class and the top-ranked player in the state.

Ohio State is picking up steam in his 247Sports Crystal Ball predictor, but the real OSU still has a shot here.

Last time I spoke with Hill, his plan was to make a commitment early in his senior year or in the summer after his junior year (this summer) to avoid a last-minute signing day decision. He’s looking for the right fit, and while OSU’s family connection will undeniably play a factor, it won’t be the only thing going into his decision.

If he were to commit to the Pokes, he’d be the second-highest rated prospect (behind Bobby Reid) to ever sign with the orange and black.

Wichita native Marcus Hicks is another defensive blue-chipper who will have his pick of the litter when he finally sits down and make a college decision. The 6-5, 236-pound edge rusher has 18 offers and counting but the other Oklahoma team has the edge according to recruiting experts.

Still yet, Hicks has visited Stillwater as many times as most fans over the last year. He has a good relationship with Joe Bob Clements, and more importantly, OSU’s culture and atmosphere is enticing to a rising star with a mostly reserve demeanor. He could shine as a Cowboy.

Grayson Boomer’s made it a point to go out of his way in recruiting Hicks, too.

Shortly before Glenn Spencer and Oklahoma State parted ways, four-star defensive tackle/defensive end DeMarvin Leal named Oklahoma State among his final suitors. Despite the turnover, OSU is still in the mix as Joe Bob Clements has been his primary recruiter.

The four-star recruit from Judson is also being pursued by Bama, Clemson, Texas A&M and others. So, hold your breath at your own peril. This one may be more of a pipe dream, but it’s noteworthy that OSU needs tackles more than it needs anything in 2019. Leal would help and provide versatility anywhere on the line.

Blue-chipper delight here, but it’s not a random prospect despite the optics. Will Putnam, whose brother wrestles at OSU, was offered last fall. He made a visit to Stillwater in January and is considering OSU along with Ohio State, Miami, Auburn and plenty of others.

This one is probably a long shot but still a name worth watching. Oklahoma State’s never signed an offensive lineman as highly-rated as Putnam. The closest to him, Tramonda Moore (rated 94.80 by 247Sports), never played for OSU and recently signed with Oklahoma.