Big Board: Oklahoma State’s Targets at Linebacker for 2018

Oklahoma State’s 2018 class is filling up quickly as summer approaches, and at this pace Josh Henson might have 15 of OSU’s roughly 25-member class filled with offensive linemen. Which might be good for the short term (can you imagine the holes Justice Hill could run through?!) but long-term, that might not sit well with Glenneth Spencer, who is looking to bring in dudes at the linebacker position.

OSU’s 10-member recruiting class has just one linebacker committed in Rockwall inside backer Blake Barron, but perhaps the most important position for OSU — its star linebacker (outside backer) — has not been filled for 2018. Let’s take a look at OSU’s top targets and some names to watch.

DaShaun White — Richland, TX

OSU might’ve been a late arrival to the White party, but they are in the mix despite interest from nearly every major conference throwing offers his way. Oklahoma State offered on an unofficial visit on junior day in mid-April, where Spencer wanted to see him in person to hand him the offer, and the fit would be perfect. He’s since been offered by OU, Arizona State and Arkansas.

White is a 6-foot-1, 200 pound safety/linebacker with versatility and speed much like Jordan Burton. He visited in April, which was actually his second visit to Stillwater.

“Loved it. Been anticipating this visit for months, and now that I finally made it, I liked everything about it,” White told Scout. “This was my second time (to visit Oklahoma State). First time was for the Pitt game.

“I like a lot about OSU, especially how they’re growing as a team, and the culture they have as a team is a lot different than any other team I’ve seen thus far.”

He intends to narrow his list in the coming weeks and likely targeting a summer commitment. The Sooners might be considered one of the favorites, but OSU is in the mix. His 17-offer list he narrows down soon will give us a better indication where OSU stands. Right now I think the OU offer skewed things in favor of the Sooners.

Brian Johnson — Manvel, TX

Oklahoma State is squarely in the mix to land Johnson’s services, as the three-star outside linebacker from Manvel announced his top six schools recently that included the Cowboys. He’s also considering Iowa State, Baylor, Missouri, Indiana and Louisville. With his experience as a safety, Johnson’s versatility and ability to cover the field would make him a perfect fit at the star position. However, he’s 183 pounds, so he’ll have to get his weight up to compete in the middle of the field.

As a junior last season, Johnson recorded 62 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one fumble return for a TD, and seven pass breakups. 247Sports projects he’s a Baylor lean, but I think OSU has a real shot here.

Ayodele Adeoye — Saint Louis, MO

It might depend on how OSU’s other targets shake out as to whether or not they get down their board, but Adeoye is a real option for 2018. The four-star prospect hasn’t been offered by OSU yet, but he’s a big-time talent whom OSU could pursue more seriously.

He’s not committed yet but has 22 offers already and is an Under Armour All-American. Keep an eye on him moving forward as a name to watch for the inside backer position to go alongside Blake Barron.

Brandon Hawkins — Georgetown, TX

Another name with no OSU offer yet — but another name worth watching. Brandon Hawkins is a talented outside linebacker who has blown up on the recruiting trail with close to 20 offers — but no Power 5 teams have hopped on board yet outside of Indiana. He seems like the ideal Gundy under the radar recruit who OSU might give a chance to down the road.