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James Washington.
Ramon Richards.
Mason Rudolph.
All three of these names are now at or near the top of the depth chart for the Pokes. Last season they were coming in as freshmen with hopes of one day impacting games on Saturday's for Oklahoma State University. Due to injury, sheer talent, or both they were forced into early action.
There shouldn't be as big of a need for the incoming class to see the field this season, but if talent or lack of depth warrants it who will be ready to shine? I'll give you three freshmen who look to impact the upcoming season.
- Darrion Daniels - DT (Bishop Dunne HS TX) - Having lost both James Castleman and Ofa Hautau to graduation the Cowboys have a big need at defensive tackle this season. At 6'4" 295, Daniels has the size to compete immediately in the trenches at the D1 level. His level of impact will likely depend on how quickly he can adapt to Glenn Spencer's scheme.
- Keenen Brown - WR (Alief Taylor HS TX) - The Pokes are loaded at WR again this year. Brandon Sheperd, David Glidden and James Washington should all be heavily relied upon but Keenan Brown turned a few heads this off-season and has elite size (6'3" 205). He also has a year of learning the offense as he red-shirted last season. If he's to make an impact he'll have to beat out the likes of Chris Lacy, Marcell Ateman and Jhajuan Seales, who possess similar size but have made catches in actual games.
- Johnny Wilson - OL (Midland Christian HS TX) - The offensive line was a work in progress for most of the season in 2014. It's been mostly solidified and upgraded with the likes of Victor Salako added as a transfer from the University of Alabama Birmingham. Robert Allen of GoPokes.com had this to say about Wilson who he watched during a player ran practice: "The freshmen look solid and one that kind of stands out a little is Johnny Wilson. The offensive lineman, likely guard or center, out of Midland Christian is a stout and well put together freshman. He is more finished product than I'm used to seeing offensive linemen coming out of high school."
Other thoughts
Let's hope the Cowboys don't have to use QB John Kolar, who looked very promising at the Orange White game, this season. Best case scenario is a redshirt year from Kolar who could use the time to get the playbook down and get his weight up.
Jeff Carr is a speedster RB who should also get the luxury of a redshirt season if all goes well.
Jalen McClesky, the only WR in the 2015 class, is the son of former NFL player JJ McClesky and is known for his athletic ability and his route running but also could and should benefit from a redshirt season.
Kevin Henry, a big hitting safety out of Louisiana, will likely be moved into the "star" linebacker position but could compete for playing time as a freshman. At the very least he should see time on special teams.