The Reload: New Running Back Offer to Florida Prospect, Texas Trio

The Reload is PFB’s recruiting recap with news surrounding the latest offers, rumors, and information, with an ear to the ground on what to expect in the future. The coaching staff has been busy laying groundwork with new offers this week, so this edition will highlight those new targets.

Andrew Cunningham — 2018 Running Back

Sure, Marcus Arroyo has moved on. But recruiting never stops. And the Cowboys extended an offer to 2018 tailback Andrew Cunningham on Sunday — a highly-rated three-star prospect from Tampa, Fla. with 32 reported Division I scholarship offers.

As a 6-foot, 205-pound recruit from the Sunshine State, Cunningham naturally has interest in the southeast with the likes of Louisville, Kentucky, USF, etc. However the likes of Florida, Florida State, Alabama — all the bigger names — have not jumped on board. At least not yet.

Izaih Filikitonga — 2018 Defensive End

When in doubt, always look for talent at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. The high school powerhouse produces Division I talent better than almost anyone in the Lone Star State – and that’s saying something. Oklahoma State extended Filikitonga, a defensive end prospect this week. It’s his second Big 12 offer along with TCU.

Currently on the OSU roster is preferred walk-on running back Ja’Ron Wilson of Euless Trinity, along with offensive guard  Lemaefe Galea’i. Maybe OSU can use those school ties to reel in this elite pass rusher who is likely just seeing his recruitment take off.

Jaqualyn Crawford — 2018 Athlete

Sniffing out talent from Rockdale, Texas isn’t something you see every cycle. But Crawford isn’t an average recruit in the state, either. A four-star prospect with 14 offers that includes TCU, Texas, and Baylor, Crawford is considered an “athlete” and has versatility at several positions. I believe OSU likes him as a potential cornerback.

Crawford can play receiver, special teams as a return man, or at the defensive back position. I think he’s made out of the same mold as Kavontae Turpin — TCU’s return / slot man. He’s quick, elusive, and slippery. And his 5-foot-10 frame suggests he may be better suited on the defensive side of the ball, or in the slot.

Jarrell Cherry — 2018 Defensive End

Yep, another recruit from the Dallas area. This time it’s defensive end prospect Jarrell Cherry who picked up an offer this week. Along with OSU in the mix is Alabama, LSU, UCLA, OU, Michigan, Texas A&M that are already on the list to land his services.

Given the amount of talent in Texas, Cherry is already recognized as a top-25 talent and a top-10 pass rusher in the country. At 6-foot-4, 226-pounds, he would likely be a candidate to play right away as a freshman if he could get up to around 240. (Hint: He could easily do that.)

Sam Vakalahi — 2018 Offensive Guard

Out of Salt Lake City, OSU has offered three-star offensive lineman prospect Sam Vakalahi — a 6-foot-2, 280-pound lineman with offers from Washington, UCLA BYU, Colorado and Utah.

Given his size (and the fact that he used a picture Ofa Hautau in announcing the offer), this offer wouldn’t be surprising if it was for a defensive tackle position. Typically OSU likes 6-foot-3 and above at the offensive line position, and Vakalahi has a body that would likely translate well as a Mote Maile type defensive tackle and run-stuffer.

Mullet points

• Four-star prospects Chad Bailey (linebacker) and Mustapha Muhammad (tight end) visited OSU for the Texas game over the weekend.
• Five-star point guard and OSU target Trae Young is committing on Thursday. He’s choosing between OSU, OU, and Kansas. And Fran Fraschilla finally agrees with that.