Oklahoma State Recruiting: National Signing Day 2015 Preview

With National Signing day a week away, the OSU Coaching staff is putting the final touches on another outstanding recruiting class. This year's class is shaping up to be somewhat small, as the Cowboys were one of the youngest teams in the country last season. The Pokes will lose only 8 starting seniors from last year's squad (LB Josh Furman, Safety Larry Stevens,  DT James Castleman, OL Chris Grisbhy, DT Ofa Hautau, FB Teddy Johnson, RB Desmond Roland and P Kip Smith), as well as dismissed running back Tyreek Hill.

Among the top prospects committed to OSU is 4-star quarterback John Kolar out of Norman North High School. Kolar is listed as the #3 pocket passing quarterback in the country according to ESPN, and is ranked 72nd overall on the ESPN300. Kolar has been committed to the Cowboys since last April, and is currently enrolled in classes and will be a part of spring practice.

6-5 210 lb athlete Louis Brown gave his commitment to OSU during his visit last week. Brown is ranked 267th on the ESPN 300 and should be a load at defensive end for the Pokes in the future.

Kevin Henry, 4-star safety out of Baton Rouge, LA, was a huge get for the Pokes on the defensive side of the ball which is a testament to the success that Defensive Coordinator Glenn Spencer has had in non-traditional recruiting grounds like Louisiana and Georgia. Henry is currently ranked 271st on the ESPN300.

The coaching staff appeared to focus on revamping the offensive line that seemed problematic during the middle stretch of the season last year. UAB offensive tackle transfer Victor Salanko will almost certainly make an immediate impact with his experience and size. Additionally, the Pokes have acquired OT Matt Kellerman, OT Brandon Pertile, and OT Deya Mhieson from the junior college ranks, and all three are currently enrolled and will be on the depth chart for spring practice. Additionally, OSU has commitments from 4-star OT Johnny Wilson and 3-star OG Vaimoe Sekona to help bolster the offensive line depth.

During the early signing period, the Cowboys signed RB/ATH Todd Mays, S Jordan Burton, and DT Motekiai Maile in addition to the three offensive lineman listed above.

Here's how the class stacks up nationally according to the major recruiting sites:

Rank	Site	Total	★★★★	★★★
#35	ESPN	17	4	13
#42	247 Sports	17	2	15
#43	Scout	17	1	16
#50	Rivals	17	1	16

It appears for the most part, all positional needs are taken care of in this class with the exception of running back. The Cowboys lost long time commit (and highest rated recruit) Ronald Jones when he de-committed last month and eventually committed to USC. While there is a small chance that Jones may still end up with the Cowboys, there is an ongoing effort by the coaching staff to sign at least one more running back in addition to Todd Mays.

Here are the players to keep an eye on heading into signing day that could potentially end up with Oklahoma State.

Chris Warren III | RB | Rockwall, TX

Rockwall High School

6-2 | 235 lbs

Narrowed down his top 4 to OSU, Texas, Texas Tech, and Washington. Visited Stillwater 1/17.

Rankings

• ESPN - ★★★★ | #9 Running Back | 102nd on the ESPN 300
• Scout - ★★★★ | #6 Running Back | 56th Overall Prospect
• Rivals - ★★★★ | #15 Running Back | 159th Overall Prospect

Warren is capable of carrying the load in a downhill attack. Already has close to ideal measurables for a BCS level back. A versatile athlete who also plays on defense and could get recruited as an athlete given his frame and athleticism.

Chris Carson | RB | Lilburn, GA

Butler County Community College

6-1 | 190 lbs

Committed to Georgia. OSU is his only other school of interest. Visited Stillwater 1/24.

Rankings

• ESPN - ★★★★ | #3 Junior College RB | 10th on the JC 50
• Scout - ★★★★ | 14th Overall JC Prospect
• Rivals - ★★★

Carson is a good looking load carrier. He possesses the ability to be an immediate contributor and possible impact guy in the right scheme--downhill to the hole. A Power five guy that shows real flashes of big play ability.

Jordan Stevenson | RB | Dallas, TX

South Oak Cliff High School

5-9 | 185 lbs

Committed to Wisconsin. Has expressed interest recently in OSU.

Rankings

• ESPN - ★★★★ | #32 Running Back
• Scout - ★★★★ | #12 Running Back | 84th Overall Prospect
  
• Rivals - ★★★ | #27 Running Back

Stevenson has some shake and possesses big-play explosiveness. Additional size and strength will determine his productivity at the college level. Ideal fit for the spread offense and could be utilized in the slot as well. Top-end speed is his best trait.

Cory Dauphine | RB | Port Aurthur, TX

Memorial High School

5-11 | 178 lbs

Committed to Texas Tech. Recently received and offer from OSU. Low interest in decommiting from Tech at this point.

Rankings

• ESPN - ★★★★ | #25 Running Back | 296th on ESPN 300
• Scout - ★★★★ | #16 Running Back | 113th Overall Prospect
  
• Rivals - ★★★ | #36 Running Back

Dauphine is a well-round back who can get the tough yards, make the big block or catch the screen out of the backfield. Projects best in a downhill offense or a spread that looks to attack vertical running seams. Lacks a big -play element but is a quality back falling under the radar some.

Darrion Daniels | DT | Dallas, TX

Bishop Dunne High School

6-4 | 290 lbs

Uncommitted. OSU is believed to be in his top 4 along with OU, Texas Tech, and Iowa. Visited Stillwater on 11/14/2014.

Rankings

• ESPN - ★★★★ | #27 Defensive Tackle
• Scout - ★★★★ | #22 Defensive Tackle | 226th Overall Prospect
• Rivals - ★★★★ | #16 Defensive Tackle | 161st Overall Prospect

Daniels is an active tackle with upside. With his combination of frame, athletic ability and motor, he is a high-level BCS caliber prospect.

View 2015 Class