An Offensive Recruiting Wish List for 2017

The Cowboys made some major moves this week on the recruiting trail with the addition of twins Tracin and Tylan Wallace from Fort Worth. But there’s still work to be done on the recruiting front before kids make it official. Signing day is still 10 months away, but here’s a wish list for the offensive side of the ball as we close out the spring and prepare for summer.

Eno Benjamin – Running back

Benjamin is a four-star prospect from Wylie, Texas, who recently named the Cowboys in his top schools. Iowa has long been the favorite for the 5-10, 205-lb. standout, but running backs coach Marcus Arroyo’s relationship with Benjamin could play a factor in his final decision. If he’s looking to stay relatively close, I think OSU has a serious shot to land the big-time back who had 2,652 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns, and 3,035 all purpose yards his junior season.

Laviska Shenault – Wide Receiver

Shenault is a 6-1, 200-lb. receiver from Desoto U – where OSU has developed a recruiting pipeline that includes the likes of Chris Lacy, AJ Green, LaDarren Brown, Tatum Bell, and others. Shenault recently named the Pokes in his top five, and despite big dogs Alabama and LSU also being in that group, I think the Cowboys are serious contenders. Not only can the Cowboys offer location close to home, but also an opportunity for playing time early in his career. Even at Alabama, five-star guys have to wait their turn. Shenault would be a day one impact guy.

Reese Leitao – Tight End

Reese Leitao is a standout tight end who plays for Tulsa powerhouse Jenks. He has the athleticism of a receiver with a freak size (6-4, 240) who would be a matchup nightmare at Cowboy back. Coming from Jenks, a place where OSU has had recent success recruiting, you know Leitao is well disciplined and would be a coachable player. Fitting in the system and being coachable is obviously important to Gundy, and Leitao fits the mold of what an ideal cowboy back would look like. He has offers from Houston, Iowa State, Purdue, Minnesota, and others. Just as the others, I feel the Cowboys have a really good chance with Leitao being the home school – but it doesn’t look like he’s in a hurry to make a decision. If OU jumps in the mix, it would certainly shake up his recruitment. But as it stands now I think the Cowboys are the best and most enticing offer for him.

Kenneth Pleasant – Offensive Tackle

6-foot-7, 315-pounds. Need I say more?

Pleasant holds offers from Mizzou, Houston, OSU, and others. Out of the mix where each school stands, OSU would be the most needy at the offensive tackle position. But Pleasant, a prospect from Katy, Texas, would be considered a risky prospect because of his location. If any one of the popular Texas schools (Texas, Texas A&M, or Baylor) jump into the mix late in the process, I think they would be one of the biggest causes for concerns. It’d be great to land Pleasant, but there’s always a concern reaching into Texas for under the radar guys – because most don’t fly under the radar for long.

Cam Roane – Quarterback

Roane doesn’t hold an offer, but I’m a big advocate of the left-handed slinger from Colleyville, Texas. Roane’s a bit undersized for Mike Yurcich’s trend recently (6-foot-2), but the dude can flat out spin it and has a nice release which would at least minimize the risk of balls getting batted down at the line. With Keondre Wudtee, a dual-threat quarterback, signing for the 2016 class, my bet is on the Cowboys chasing after a pro-style quarterback. Roane fits the profile, and I think he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. He’s a guy to keep an eye on, especially if Jelani Woods ends up at South Carolina or Michigan – which would be my guess.

Check out the 2017 defensive recruiting wish list here.