Grading the 2016 Recruiting Class on Offense

The 2016 recruiting cycle has been a whirlwind over the past month, with decommitments, recommitments, and everything in between. With less than two months until national signing day, I’ll hand out grades for each position group on offense and point out some areas I think they can target to improve before the end of the cycle. Here we go….

Offensive line: A

It feels weird handing out such a high grade given the criticism this group has taken, but talking strictly from a recruiting standpoint there are some impressive recruits that Greg Adkins is planning to bring in. As it stands, there are four offensive line prospects verbally committed, and one junior college prospect who made things official with the Pokes this week in Larry Williams. Adkins is also bringing in Kansas’ No. 1 ranked offensive tackle prospect in Teven Jenkins, and an in-state standout in Tyler Brown who appears to be a more college ready prospect than some might think. With a chance to possibly add John Marshall tackle Tramonda Moore, this group already grades out with an “A” in my book, with a chance to make a big jump.

Quarterbacks: D

Kind of hard to grade this one, considering there aren’t any scholarship prospects to grade. The coaching staff did a nice job of scouting out under-the-radar quarterback Nyc Burns, who will join the program as a preferred walk on. But ideally, they would like to add another horse to the barn this cycle. Fortunately, there are some prospects in the pipeline for the Pokes. Oklahoma State extended an offer to Tony Poljan yesterday, which actually might be for a scholarship at tight end. (6-foot-7 basketball star). The coaching staff was in the same situation last year at the running back position after Ronald Jones decommitted, however, the need for a quarterback to come in and play right away is much less dire than the running back position was last year. Keep an eye on Dillon Sterling Cole and Jake Zembiec, but I would take the field at this point – or perhaps a junior college transfer.

Wide Receivers: B

This grade isn’t a slight to the talent committed in the class, but rather the lack of depth of talent. The Cowboys only have two receivers currently committed: Dillon Stoner and Tyrell Alexander. Stoner was a do-everything utility player for Jenks (OK) this season, and his track speed could be put to use immediately as a return man or even a rotational player in the slot. As for Alexander, he too could be put to use in the slot or even on special teams. He’s made his living as a dual-threat quarterback for Lancaster, but with his size he has a chance to make an impact early as a receiver.

The Cowboys can improve in this group by adding some more talent at the position. Depth is necessary for high power offenses, and Oklahoma State is in the mix with Zach Farrar, Adewale Omotosho, and former Texas A&M commit Quartney Davis. I would suspect they are only looking to add one more.

Running backs: B

OSU snuffed out Booker T. Washington running back Justice Hill before the season, and he ended up with a MONSTER year. According to MaxPreps, he had 1,858 rushing yards, 30 touchdowns, and averaged 10.3 yards per carry and 185.8 yards per game. He’s a 5-11 back who is listed at 190. I would be seriously surprised if Hill doesn’t see the field as a true freshman next season. He’s that good.

The Cowboys are also planning to bring in LaDarren Brown, a DeSoto High product who is a track star with elite speed and excellent hands. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees snaps in the slot or if they utilize Brown as a scatback. His elusiveness and speed will be a big time threat, but his size (5-8, 170) suggest to me he may be in line for a redshirt season.

Cowboy back: D

This could change to an A+ real quick if the coaching staff can somehow convince Isaac Nauta to come to Stillwater. But pulling him away from Georgia will be a tough task, and I really don’t see it happening. McEndoo has been scouting and working relentlessly to find a guy who fits the Cowboy back mold; I would guess they end up with an in-state guy under the radar. I like Mustang tight end Blake Williams as well, but I suspect McEndoo finds someone under a rock for this class.

Overall grade: C+

The coaching staff has been on the wrong side of several change of hearts from recruits such as Nick Starkel and Ryan McCollum, but they are in a pretty good position still with signing day around the corner. The most concerning spot for me was offensive line, and I feel they’ve done an excellent job of scouting talented prospects to develop, and Larry Williams is an added bonus who I would say should be a day one starter at guard. The coaching staff is likely focusing mainly on quarterback and wide receiver for the coming weeks, but there is some promising prospects showing interest with plenty of time to improve.