Which Transfers Will Impact OSU In 2015?

Safety Derrick Moncrief's announcement that he was transferring in to Oklahoma State from Auburn got me thinking about the history of transfers over the last few years here.  The history of Oklahoma State doing well with transfers goes back to Eddie Sutton and the basketball program.  But, it seems as though recently the football program has started to become a destination of sorts for transfers.  Let's take a look at the recent history of transfers and who could impact the field for the Cowboys this season.

Last season we saw "star" linebacker Josh Furman transfer in from Michigan and make an instant impact with his 64 total tackles and seven sacks.  Quarterback Daxx Garman was another transfer who impacted last season and if it wasn't for injury and a few other things, may be in the middle of a QB competition with Walsh and Rudolph.  Garman has since transferred to Maryland.  Who could forget Tyreek Hill?  The all everything speedster transferred in from Garden City Community College and contributed all over the field on offense for the Pokes.  Posting a total of 815 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns, one rushing and receiving.  His impact in the return game:  715 kick return yards with two touchdowns; 256 punt return yards and a (massive) touchdown.  Hill has since transferred to Akron after a domestic abuse charge was brought against him in the offseason.

2013 brought the likes of Ofa Hautau and Sam Wren transfer from the Junior College ranks.  Both were solid contributors and provided depth over their two seasons.  Wren posted 22 tackles in 2013 and 25 in 2014.  Hautau had eight tackles in 2013 and 30 in 2014.  Tyler Patmon transferred in from Kansas and along with Kevin Peterson and Ashton Lampkin provided depth opposite Justin Gilbert.  He was awarded the team's Newcomer of the Year at season's end.  He made the Dallas Cowboys roster as an un-drafted free agent and is still on the roster where he is expected to compete for the nickel CB spot this coming season.

Defensive tackle Calvin Barnett transferred in to help provide much needed interior depth in 2012.  Along with Barnett was highly sought after JUCO tight end Blake Jackson.  Barnett was a starter who contributed 30 tackles in 2012 and 32 in 2013.  He's still bouncing around the NFL looking for a home, having most recently been cut by the Cleveland Browns. Jackson was a solid but inconsistent contributor to the Oklahoma State football program at TE but sadly didn't make it in the NFL.

The 2011 class was heavy on high school commits and has turned out to be very fruitful for the Oklahoma State football program.  Guy's like Josh Stewart, Ryan Simmons, J.W. Walsh, Desmond Roland, James Castleman, David Glidden and Jimmy Bean came in with that class.

The three JUCO transfers in 2011 were linebackerAlex Elkins, defensive end Ryan Robinson and guard Michael Bowie.  Elkins contributed 90 total tackles in the 2011 season and 75 in 2012.  Bowie started five games in 2011 but was dismissed from the program before the 2012 season after he violated team rules.  He won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 and now resides on the Cleveland Browns roster (they like some OSU guys huh?). Robinson posted 21 tackles in 2011 and 32 in 2012, he was most recently cut by the Seattle Seahawks after he ruptured his Achilles tendon.

I'd say overall the transfer route has been kind to the Cowboys.  Who's this year's group of transfers?  Glad you asked:

Chris Carson - RB The recently named Big 12 Preseason Newcomer of the Year looks to lead the Pokes backfield.  He comes to the Pokes via Butler County Community College.  The departure of Hill and lack of depth at the running back position really turns the pressure up on Carson to adjust and perform quickly.

Michael Hunter - CB The transfer from Indiana comes with the experience of 24 starts over the last two years in the Big Ten.  His stats while at Indiana:  91 tackles; two interceptions; 14 pass breakups.  He hopes to continue the transfer success of Patmon and Furman.  He will compete with Lampkin and Ramon Richards for time this season.

Chad Whitener - LB A transfer from Cal University, Whitener sat out last year due to transfer eligibility rules.  He provides depth at the LB position and should see the field plenty this season.

Victor Salako - OT UAB decided to end it's football program for at least a couple months (now rumored to be starting back up?).  Oklahoma State benefited in the form of Salako who shores up the tackle position for the Cowboys.  The 6-foot-6, 315 pound lineman started 23 of 24 games for UAB.  He's been practicing with the Cowboys since the Cactus Bowl and should be ready to roll as the starting left tackle this season.  A position of great importance as he'll be protecting the QB's blind-side.

This group of transfers will have a big impact on this coming season.  Whether it's in a starting role or providing much needed depth, these guys will be on the field a lot for the Cowboys. With the talk of another former five-star player, Priest Willis, considering a transfer in to Stillwater, maybe it's time to start calling Oklahoma State Transfer U.