Spring Football Preview: Cornerbacks

Oklahoma State had one of the worst passing defenses in 2014, allowing  more than 60 percent of opposing team passes to be completed, the team will look to bring back the infamous "No Fly Zone." Although it wasn't horrid for the whole season, there were times when the defense would make fans scratch their head. With guys like Ashton Lampkin returning from a season long injury and Kevin Peterson continuing to improve, the Cowboys should have a better pass defense. However, that's not to say that those players are the automatic starters with recruits, transfers and returns all looking for playing time, this years pass defense might be fun to watch.

Departing Players

Juwan Offray

Offray joined the team as a freshman in 2014 and cemented a role on special teams and as a reserve. He played three games with the team and had a total of three tackles, so yes, that stat chart is correct. If you remember correctly, Offray was the other player with Jahjuan Seales in that Whataburger incident. Offray was kicked off the team not only because of this incident but there were other reports he had ran into some problems with coaches. Offray also said he wanted to transfer to another Big 12 school so he could play Oklahoma State again.

Returning Players

Ashton Lampkin

Junior | 5-11 | 185 lbs

He's come a long way since that first interception in 2012 against Savanah State. Lampkin was supposed to be one of the key secondary players for the Cowboys last year but an injury against Tech killed that dream. Although the 2014 season ended early in dissapointment for Lampkin, this year has already started to look like it might be better after he was awarded a medical redshirt. Lampkin should be a solid starter if he can return to form. Summer-enrollee Michael Hunters' presence could provide a push for Lampkin.

Kevin Peterson

Senior | 5-11 | 190 lbs

Peterson was expected to be the anchor of the 2014 Cowboy defense. He did all he could, but the team was young and nearly every player showed weaknesses in areas. That's not to say it was a bad year, there were bright spots in his game, it just wasn't extremely consistent. However, he is still considered to be the No. 1 guy for the Cowboys at the position and is a solid player who's ceiling hasn't been reached yet even though he's considered one of the top in the conference.

Ramon Richards

Sophomore | 6-0 | 180 lbs

Ramon Richards was sort of thrown into the fire last year as a freshman who came in as a two-star recruit and only weighed 180 pounds. Given that, he played fairly well in the pass-happy Big 12, that's not to say he didn't have some bumps. The highlight of his year in 2014 was the fact he was able to pick up three interceptions, one against Bryce Petty. Richards was also able to secure at least five tackles in every game after the West Virgina loss. He'll be one of the four corners on the roster in the fall who have starting experience and if he can bulk up and continue his growth on the field, Richards could become a key nickel player or even just a solid player to put in when Peterson or Lampkin needs a break.

Chris Hardeman

Sophomore | 5-9 | 178 lbs

Hardeman came into 2014 as a four-star freshman and didn't get a lot of playing time. But he got more than he would've gotten had some key players stayed healthy. The playing time Hardeman got in 2014 as a freshman should help him improve on the field and possibly grow into the player OSU thought he could be.

Miketavius Jones

Senior | 5-10 | 175 lbs

Jones hasn't seen a lot of playing time in his career here, but he's been a good player when needed. He's also listed as one of the faster players on the OSU roster, according to his bio on Okstate.com. He probably won't see much time again in 2015 with everyone returning, but keep an eye out for Jones if someone goes down with an injury.

Darius Curry

Sophomore | 6-1 | 195 llbs

As a redshirt freshman, Curry didn't see much time, if any. Curry only appeared in the Iowa state, TCU and Kansas State games. Curry is another one of the players who you should watch going into spring practice who could make either a jump forward or a jump back.

Newcomers

Believe it or not there were no transfers or recruits at corner back that will be here for spring football. There is one player, though. Michael Hunter, the senior transfer from Indiana. He started two years there and figures to be a player to earn some playing time early on.