The Reload: Blue-Chip RB Shows Interest, LB Target Decision Coming

On the field it was a productive week for Oklahoma State, which knocked off Missouri State in a 58-17 season-opening rout.

Off the field, things are only slightly less hectic. As OSU coaches settle in to the grind of the regular season, recruiting opportunities become fewer and farther between. But there are still plenty of fish out in the sea OSU has its eye on, and some notable movements worth tracking.

Let’s get up to date with the latest.

Four-star RB feeling OSU

Landing offensive lineman Cole Birmingham out of Katy, Texas earlier this year was a massive, massive get for Oklahoma State. He’s a talented big bully who can play several positions on the OL, and could be an early contributor if his skills are as translatable on tape — and at Texas powerhouse, Katy — to the Big 12.

But it’s even bigger in the context of another OSU target, four-star running back Deondrick Glass, who says Birmingham’s commitment to OSU gives him something to consider about the Pokes.

“I’ve been talking to Oklahoma State for a while,” Glass told Rivals.com. “Birmingham is definitely an influence. It would be nice to play with one of my offensive linemen. He knows the way that I run, he can tell me more about it and I wouldn’t be alone, I would have someone to transition from high school to college with so that would be cool.”

Oklahoma State recently missed on Newton (Texas) running back prospect Darwin Barlow, who committed to TCU over OSU, which was a finalist. But the upshot is that Glass, who remains uncommitted, is still in the picture despite close to 30 total offers including Bama, Arkansas, Georgia and others.

In-state product Thomas Grayson out of Booker T. Washington is another name to watch in 2019 as the season wears on. While he doesn’t have an offer as of now, one could come if Glass sends the bat signal that he’s headed elsewhere. And Grayson gives the impression he’d jump at such an opportunity.

“I actually texted [Coach Wozniak] the day I decommitted,” Grayson told PFB two weeks ago. “Because I have really high interest in OSU. I’m hoping to hear from OSU for sure.”

Texas target committing … soon?

Three-star 2019 linebacker prospect Myles Jernigan was expected to commit over the weekend between a final list that includes OSU, Cal and Utah. But he didn’t.

The talented 6-3, 209-pound outside backer may be in a holding pattern as one of his finalists sorts out its options, but heading into an imminent decision, OSU seems to be in a good (not great) spot.

“Oklahoma State, I like that it’s closer to home and they have one of the best strength coaches in the game,” he said recently to 247Sports, adding that he’s looking for a good fit.

“Mainly somewhere I can develop as player, but also a student,” Jernigan said, “as well as be in a family environment.”

OSU has one outside linebacker pledge in 2019 in Na’Drian Dizadare, but at least one spot at linebacker to plug in the cycle that remains unclaimed. Jernigan is a prime candidate to take the spot, but OSU is in a decent place with linebacker Kevon Glenn, too. It looks as if it might be a two-man race for one open spot, and neither are currently pegged to be OSU-bound by industry experts voting in the 247Sports crystal ball.

2019 hoops targets teetering elsewhere

Prep Hoops Illinois senior contributor Scott Burgess broke the news earlier today that class of 2019 combo guard Mario McKinney will be visiting Missouri this weekend on an official visit. McKinney was originally slated to visit Kansas State, but he has changed his plans and will be joining Bradley Beal Elite teammate E.J. Liddell in Columbia, Missouri.

McKinney named Oklahoma State in his final seven schools, but things are not looking good for the Cowboys as both Liddell and McKinney are joining each other on a visit after previously expressing interest to play together in college. Liddell recently took a visit to Ohio State, where he was expected to commit, but the visit has come and gone with no news of his commitment to the Buckeyes.

McKinney was the most likely to join OSU of the duo, but at this point, it doesn’t appear either are likely OSU-bound barring a falling out with Missouri or some of his other finalists.

Dustin Ragusa contributed to this report