Football Recruiting: An in-state offer and a four-star visitor

Oklahoma State is putting a good deal of focus on keeping in-state recruits in-state, more specifically, in Stillwater.

That includes offering a 2020 underrated athlete, and getting a visit from the top in-state prospect in the class of 2021.

Gundy offers in-state 2020 athlete

It looks like Coach Gundy is getting a little hands-on when it comes to extending scholarship offers, as he apparently made the offer himself to in-state athlete Zach Middleton.

The 5-10, 190 prospect is a swiss army knife for Bishop Kelley, playing both safety and running back this past season, after playing quarterback and safety as a sophomore. Throw in the fact he runs track, and you understand he’s a true “athlete.”

Middleton rushed for 1,129 yards and 15 touchdowns on 105 carries, and added another 200-yards receiving. Meanwhile, on defense, he recorded 83 tackles, 11 passes defended, and an interception, and caused two fumbles.

While Middleton is currently unranked, after watching his highlights, he feels like a vastly underrated prospect. Another one of Gundy’s diamonds in the rough.

As of now, Oklahoma State is Middleton’s only Power-5 offer, and the leader in the clubhouse to land him according to 247Sports. He does also have offers from Air Force, Army, Arkansas State, Eastern Michigan, and FCS William and Mary.

Four-star tight end visits Stillwater

Speaking of in-state talent, class of 2021 four-star tight end Ethan Downs reportedly made a trip to Stillwater on Wednesday, according to 247Sports’ Brandon Drumm.

Downs is the state’s top ranked player for 2021, though surprisingly has just four offers so far; Oklahoma State, Baylor, Nebraska, and Penn State. Considering he will be making his third trip to OU this weekend for the Sooners’ spring game, it’s surprising they haven’t extended an offer yet. Though I wouldn’t be shocked if that changes in the next couple of days.

One thing going for the Cowboys; they were the first to offer him. That doesn’t always mean a player will pick that school, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Downs plays both tight end and defensive end for Weatherford. As a sophomore, he rushed for 482 yards and four touchdowns on 70 carries and caught 20 passes for 326 yards and six touchdowns. On defense, he racked up 72 tackles, including 15 TFLs, and five sacks, and also recorded two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

247Sports Recruiting Analyst Evan Daniels has some really good things to say about Downs in his analysis.

“...a legitimate Power Five-caliber recruit at tight end or defensive end. Good height and impressive build with space to continue adding good bulk. More broad-shouldered than long-armed. Physical, high-motor player who plays to and through the whistle and sets the tone. Shows impressive play strength on tape...Cream of the crop in Oklahoma’s 2021 class with long-term top half of the NFL Draft potential.”