Gundy’s Recruiting Wish List

Just in time for the holidays, I’ve compiled a Christmas wish list for the head man himself: Mike Gundy. With what should end up being a relatively small recruiting class for 2016, there are just a few remaining scholarship spots to be filled. Here’s who Gundy has at the top of his list to finish off a pretty solid recruiting class up to this point:

Zach Farrar, WR

Farrar has just recently popped onto the Cowboy radar after a monster season for Southlake Carroll. He’s a 6-4, 205 receiver with a unique combination of size and speed. His 40-yard dash time of 4.48 is a rare commodity for a receiver his size. At the moment, I would consider Farrar to be leaning towards OSU, given the proximity to home and also the opportunity for early playing time. His last unofficial visit, however, didn’t likely go as planned. He watched the Cowboys get romped in Bedlam.

Michael Wilson, OL

Wilson is another prospect who popped up on the radar late in the recruiting cycle, but he has earned plenty of interest from several big time programs. He’s a 6-9, 310 pound mammoth from Round Rock, Texas, who has also been recruited by the Sooners and other programs. Oklahoma State is currently his only offer, per 247sports.com.

Isaac Nauta, TE

Nauta is a five-star tight end from the well known IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. He has high interest in Georgia, Alabama, and other local schools, but the Cowboys earned an official visit and communication is still open with the standout prep star. As it usually goes, OSU doesn’t get five-star prospects period; let alone from Florida. But the Cowboy back versatility could be luring, and there is a good chance that Nauta would see the field as much as any school he chose next year. At the very least, OSU can sell early playing time.

Tyrus Butler, DT

Just when I thought the position was completely filled after the commitment of Cam Murray, the coaching staff extended an offer to another defensive tackle: Tyrus Butler.

Butler is a 6-2, 300-pound prospect from the talent rich Landry-Walker, in the heart of New Orleans. I can’t help but think that playing in the Sugar Bowl and headed to New Orleans in a few weeks helped make this offer happen. New Orleans is usually LSU territory, but the Cowboys coming to town could certainly boost their chances.

Mecole Hardman Jr., Athlete

Hardman is another five-star talent from Elberton, GA. He is a versatile athlete who can play both sides of the ball, and actually could do just that at the next level. Oklahoma State offered Hardman several weeks ago, and I don’t think they would waste the offer unless they thought they had some remote chance with him. He’s another guy who would be hard to pluck from SEC territory and, at 5-10, 175, his 4.42 40-yd dash speed would be lethal. The Cowboys could use him in the slot, on kick return, at cornerback, or even at running back, and he would be an upgrade in talent at every one of those positions. He’s an army all-american who, if I were guessing, will likely end up at Georgia or Michigan.

Mecole.

Reshawn Parker, LB

Speaking of guys who sprung up late in the process, Parker emerged late in the season at linebacker and could be a nice addition alongside Amen Ogbongbemiga and Devin Harper. Mique Juarez is the clear “wish list” option, but that’s more of a pipe dream. Parker is a versatile athlete who played linebacker and running back in high school, and at 6-2, 200, he could help contribute on special teams early with his speed and size.

Devwah Whaley, RB

Devwah Whaley. (Scout)

Whaley was committed to Georgia for months before the firing of Mark Richt shook things up, and he announced his decision to rescind his verbal pledge from the Dawgs last week. A 6’1, 200-pound back with explosiveness and size, Whaley would likely be the marquee guy in the backfield as a true freshman. He’s getting the full court press from Texas right now, and with Whaley being a Beaumont, Texas native, the OSU staff once again has an uphill climb for this elite back.