Adrian Baker Not Listed on Two-Deep Depth Chart

Oklahoma State had a great offseason. It had seemlingy answered its two biggest questions with a pair of high-profile graduate transfers. Aaron Cochran, the behemoth of a left tackle from Cal came in to replace Victor Salako and Clemson cornerback Adrian Baker seemed to be a leading candidate as the Cowboys’ No. 1 cover man. But when Oklahoma State released its two-deep projected depth chart for its season opener on Friday afternoon, his name was missing.

Cochran is the starting left tackle but the four cornerback slots were filled with the names A.J. Green, Rodarius Williams, Madre Harper and Malik Kearse.The young corners — especially A.J. Green and Rodarius Williams — have earned a lot of buzz through summer workouts and now in fall camp. And part of this could just be that OSU has a lot more talent at corner than most thought. Glenn Spencer recently said the switch Ramon Richards to safety was a move to get “the best 11 on the field.”

But talent and athleticism in practice doesn’t necessarily guarantee production on the field. And you know the coaching staff was hoping Baker could make a bigger impact this year. But Gundy said Baker will get some reps.

“He will play a little more than (what the two-deep suggests),” said Gundy. “More in our packages. Not just the two-deep. I think he’s going to get quite a bit better in the next month.”

Gundy pointed to the time he sat with injury at Clemson as a reason for Baker’s slower progression to ramp up at OSU.

“He didn’t play a year ago so his development has been a little slower comparable to the guys we’ve brought in in the past and/or Aaron (Cochran). He has been in that environment. He’s been around big time football. He’s been around practices and such. I’m hoping he’ll develop more in the next month.”

With the young stars apparently rising in camp, this isn’t necessarily panic worthy but it’s definitely not the best news for a highly-touted fifth-year player you’ve brought in on scholarship.