Football Recruiting: The state of Oklahoma State’s 2020 recruiting class

We kicked off our class of 2020 Early Signing Period coverage on Monday with a look at the Oklahoma State roster, specifically who we expect to be back. We mentioned some areas of concern on the roster, which we will address some today, and more moving forward.

But before recruits start faxing in their National Letters of Intent (NLIs) on Wednesday, I wanted to look at the names you should expect to see come across the OSU twitter account between Wednesday and Friday.

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Oklahoma State currently has 18* recruits verbally committed in their 2020 class.

Quarterback

**** Pro Shane Illingworth

The highest rated recruit in OSU’s class and the Cowboys’ highest rated QB prospect since J.W. Walsh, Illingworth is currently rated as the No. 5 pro-style QB for 2020. He’s likely to redshirt next season, but he feels like the eventual replacement for Sanders.

Offensive Line

*** Guard Trent Pullen
*** Guard Eli Russ
*** Guard Cade Bennett
*** Tackle Monroe Mills

Pullen and Russ are the second and third highest rated recruits in OSU’s class and the two highest rated offensive line commits since Michael Wilson in 2012. It’s also the first crop of players for first-year offensive line coach Charlie Dickey.

Wide Receiver

*** Matt Polk

Athlete

*** Brennan Presley

Technically, Polk is the only receiver commit, but we’re including Presley here. He’s listed as an athlete, but he’s going to be a pass-catcher for the Cowboys. My guess is OSU still wants to land one more receiver in this class (we’ll break down possible targets after the signing period).

Tight End

*** Quinton Stewart

With the decision by freshman Cowboy Back Grayson Boomer to transfer, Stewart’s commitment is big. OSU will lose two CWs after the 2020 season, so getting one or two prepped to take over now is important, especially with increased usage rate of OSU’s Cowboy Backs.

Cornerback

*** Korie Black
*** Jordan Reagan
*** Jabbar Muhammad

One of the most important groups in the class, especially considering OSU could bring back just three CBs next season. Muhammad is the second longest committed member of the class. I’ll be honest; watching Korie Black’s highlight tape, and looking at the roster next season, makes me think he’s likely to burn his redshirt as a true freshman.

Linebacker

*** ILB Jeff Roberson
*** ILB Cole Thompson

While the linebacker room is pretty dang solid heading into next season, this is still an important position group. Considering two of your highest rated decommits from the class were both linebackers, the coaching staff has still done a pretty good job here in getting two guys who should be ready to go when their numbers are called in a couple of years.

Defensive Tackle

***Grant Mahon

Mahon has potential, but he’s a project. With the depth they have at the position, they’ll be ok next season.

Defensive End

*** WDE Tyren Irby

Irby is a JUCO guy with two years of eligibility. The DE group on the roster is deep. Adding a guy with experience should only help bolster an already strong position group.

Safety

*** Zach Middleton
*** Nicolas Session

Another position group that feels pretty good. A lot won’t be expected of either of these two next season, which is best. Both need some time to develop but show some real potential.

*Athlete

*** Rashod Owens

Oklahoma State landed a commitment from Owens on Monday night. While I fully expect him to play on the offensive side of the ball, we really don’t know what position group he will join. I think he fits better at receiver, despite his usage as a running back this past season. But wherever he ends up on the field, I think he has the potential to be an impact player in a year or two.

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Obviously, any of these guys could change their mind before or during the signing period, and there’s no reason to think OSU won’t have a guy or two commit during this time. After we know WHO has signed this week, we can start looking at where OSU will focus their attention to complete the class.