Five Predictions for Oklahoma State’s 2019 Recruiting Class

Last year I sat down and put pen to paper with some bold predictions for Oklahoma State’s 2018 recruiting class.

In it, I made some rather dumb, way-too-bold guesses — like Darrell Simpson would be a Cowboy (he became a Sooner), and that Kansas would finish with a higher-rated crootin’ class than OSU (it did not).

But as the saying goes, even blind squirrels find a nut every now and then. So before I go ragging too hard on myself, I’d also like to humble brag that I predicted two things would come true. 1) OSU would add a grad transfer and 2) that Nic McTear would not sign with OSU.

So just like last year, I’m back, baby. But with slightly less warm takes. So let’s get to it.

1. Grant Gunnell commits to OSU

The four-star QB and former Texas A&M commit is back on the market after a long-held Aggies commitment, and all indications are that OSU is suddenly the trending favorite. Just take a look at his 247Sports Crystal Ball!

To land a QB of Gunnell’s caliber at a time when OSU appears to be turning things over to its incoming freshman phenom Spencer Sanders would be a coup of epic proportions. Mike Yurcich has a pretty stellar track record of recruiting QB’s — well, Rudolph and Sanders — but to grab Gunnell given the state of OSU’s QB room currently would be his best work.

2. Oklahoma State lands the top three players in the state

Lincoln Riley wrecked shop in the state of Oklahoma last cycle, but the Pokes already have a head start in 2019.

Of the top eight prospects in the class within the state of Oklahoma, two are already committed to OSU (Grayson Boomer and Demarco Jones). And Boomer is the No. 2 prospect in the state.

I don’t think it ends here. OSU is absolutely in the mix for top prospect Dax Hill (as evidenced by Jones’ comments on the podcast earlier this week), and No. 3 prospect, OKC receiver Demariyon Houston, has taken a keen liking to OSU and its offense. There’s a real chance OSU sweeps up the top 3 recruits in the state.

3. Oklahoma State nabs a Texas A&M commit

In previous cycles, it’s been Texas A&M poaching Oklahoma State’s class. But this cycle, I think it will be the other way around, beginning with the aforementioned predicted commitment of QB Grant Gunnell.

Should Gunnell commit, it could open up a bevvy of options. Most notable to me is current A&M commit Chase Lane, a three-star receiver and teammate of Gunnell’s. Recruits typically follow big dog QBs, and Gunnell absolutely fits that bill.

4. Josh Henson reels in a blue-chip offensive lineman

Offensive line coach Josh Henson recruited and signed an entire offensive line unit in 2018 flush with all four-year players from left tackle to right tackle. So with an influx of talent and youth, I expect Henson to swing for the fences … because with his current situation, he’s got the luxury of taking the risk of striking out with big dogs.

Four-star William Putnam and EJ Ndoma-Ogar are guys I think are — and will continue to be — candidates to fit this category.

5. OSU loses to OU in battle for Kansas DE

A gloomy note, alas.

There’s been a lot made about the recruitment of four-star Wichita defensive end Marcus Hicks, who has made numerous visits to Oklahoma State over the last year. But each time he visits Stillwater, he’s almost always made it a point to get to Norman, too.

To me, I think Hicks is OU-bound despite OSU’s best efforts to recruit him for more than two years. OSU is up against it with some big dogs and I think OU wins out.