Grading the 2016 Recruiting Class on Defense

This morning I handed out grades for the recruiting class on offense, which you can read here. Now let’s take a look at the defensive side of the ball and evaluate the progress on the recruiting trail up to this point. There is still two months left until national signing day, but here are how they stack up now and some areas they need to target moving forward…

Defensive line: B-

The coaching staff has done a really nice job of targeting young under the radar talent along the defensive line, starting with the headliner Jonathan Marshall – a defensive end who was originally committed to TCU. They also have commitments from defensive end Tralund Webber, a junior college guy who could be more ready to contribute immediately, and defensive tackle Cam Murray. Murray is an exciting young talent who will be a good prospect with time to develop behind Darrion Daniels and Taaj Bakari. I feel the defensive end position has been addressed nicely especially with a promising talent in Jonathan Marshall – a small town athlete who plays a little running back a well. In a limited sample size, the Cowboys have had good success recruiting former running backs to play at defensive end recently with sophomore defensive end Jarrell Owens coming on as a breakout candidate toward the end of this season.

Cornerbacks: A++++

Aside from the offensive line, the cornerback position was one that needed addressed most desperately. OSU will lose experienced corners in Kevin Peterson and Michael Hunter, but are bringing in some nice young talent as well with a solid junior college guy as well in Malik Kearse. Along with Kearse, the prospects include Lamar (TX) Madre Harper, AJ Green from powerhouse DeSoto, and also Rodarius Williams. All of these guys are a nice addition, but there’s only enough playing time for a few… Given the lack of returning experience, I expect at least one or more true freshmen will see significant playing time next season.

Safeties: C

This is really technically not applicable, because there are no safeties on the board for the Cowboys. But they earn a C simply for being able to bring in Auburn safety transfer Derrick Moncrief, a former junior college standout with an impressive 6-2, 220-pound frame. With Jordan Sterns and Tre Flowers returning alongside Moncrief, who has already been on campus this year, I think the safety position next season could have a downright nasty rotation. Throw in up-and-coming sophomore Kenneth McGruder, and more of these hits could be coming in the near future….

Linebackers: B

If you pay attention to recruiting “rankings” the linebacker prospects are two of the lowest rated by analysts… But don’t let the rankings fool you. Amen Ogbongbemiga and Devin Harper are some serious talent. Ogbongbemiga, Emmanuel Ogbah’s cousin, is from Texas but has been playing two seasons per year in Canada. He can lay the wood, as can Harper – who broke out as a senior at the tailback position as well. Both prospects are listed at 6-1, 210. Given the depth at the position next year with Josh Mabin, Justin Phillips, Devante Averette, Seth Jacobs, Gyasi Akem, Jordan Burton, Kevin Henry, and Chad Whitener… I would presume both are likely headed toward a redshirt season. But both are very intriguing prospects with high upside.

Overall grade: B

I am most impressed with the job the staff has done recruiting the biggest position of need at cornerback and defensive end. I think as a group they’ve done a nice job of getting commitments from high school talent with big upside and incorporating some junior college guys who can perhaps come in and contribute early for the defense next season. For the most part, I think the recruiting class on the defensive side of the ball is all but complete. Of course with two months until signing day, much can change… but for now, I think this is a very solid group of recruits that fans should be happy with at the moment.