:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50553797/Tyrell_20Alexander_20_4__20_1_.0.jpg)
Two weeks ago Oklahoma State Head Coach Mike Gundy told Mark Cooper of the Tulsa World that he could see four freshmen getting playing time this year. But, when the depth chart was released at the Oklahoma State Media Luncheon earlier this week; there were five freshman listed. Then later at the luncheon Gundy mentioned a sixth freshman who could see some action.
Gundy on 6 freshmen to potentially play: Calvin Bundage, AJ Green, Dillon Stoner, Obi Obialo, Justice Hill & Tyrell Alexander.
— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) August 25, 2016
Along with Gundy’s initial four, Calvin Bundage (LB), Dillon Stoner (WR), Justice Hill (RB) and Obi Obialo (WR); we may see A.J. Green (CB) and Tyrell Alexander (WR).
So, who are these two guys?
A.J. Green
No, the Cincinnati Bengals all-pro receiver does not have extra years of college eligibility. Trust me, I checked.
This A.J. Green was rated a three-star cornerback coming out of high school by 247Sports.com. He was reported to have offers from many schools including Arizona State, California, Houston, Louisville, and Missouri. The DeSoto, Texas product was clocked at a 4.31 in high school and spent a lot of time going up against bigger receivers in practice. Including his 6-foot-5 former teammate, and current LSU freshman receiver Dee Anderson.
Green will be joining a very inexperienced group of cornerbacks. Outside of Ashton Lampkin and Ramon Richards, there’s not a cornerback on the roster who has started a game. However, Green has impressed cornerbacks coach Tim Duffie in practice, so hopefully he will add some depth to a position where it is currently a major question mark.
Tyrell Alexander
With the injury to Marcell Ateman, some room has opened up at the wide receiver position. Along, with freshman Obi Obialo, it seems Tyrell Alexander has also taken advantage of this situation. Alexander, who was rated a four-star by ESPN, has also impressed in practice.
Even with a strong receiving corps, OSU will look for the 6-foot-3 Lancaster, Texas native to step up in Ateman’s absence as a deep threat receiver.
Alexander held offers from multiple schools including Arkansas, Arizona State, Baylor, Houston, Oregon, Tennessee and TCU.
It’s really exciting to see that there are multiple freshmen with the chance to see the field this year. Hopefully, these young players will use this experience to not only make significant contributions in 2016, but establish themselves as leaders throughout their careers at Oklahoma State.