OSU lands commitment from 2020 Norman Linebacker

Well that didn’t take long.

Less than a week after Oklahoma State offered him a scholarship, 2020 linebacker Cole Thompson announced his commitment to play for the Cowboys.

Thompson, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound inside linebacker from Norman, chose the Cowboys over offers from Troy, Army, and Eastern Michigan. He also had interest from Texas Tech and Navy.

Don’t let the offer list fool you into thinking he’s not a solid prospect. Thompson had to sit out his sophomore season after transferring from Putnam City West which has slowed his recruitment down.

Last season as a junior, Thompson recorded 120 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and three sacks. Getting this commitment early is good for the Cowboys, especially before more power five programs come calling.

Thompson was in Stillwater for a visit today, which seemed to be enough to sway his decision. It’s not surprising. In an interview with GoPokes.com’s Robert Allen, Thompson had been really high on the Cowboys for some time, especially after a previous Junior Day visit.

“I was blown away and I felt so comfortable,” Thompson told Allen. “The way everybody carried themselves and how they connected with you. I was really taken back by it. They talk so much about culture. They don’t talk down to you or anything. Here I am speaking with Coach Gundy and he’s talking to me like we’ve known each other and it’s so normal and friendly. They make you feel like you’re a part of it.”

Thompson already has a good connection with another 2020 Cowboy commit; Bishop McGuinness linebacker Brynden Walker. The two played AAU basketball together.

With three senior linebackers this season — Calvin Bundage, Kevin Henry and Philip Redwine-Bryant — Oklahoma State has made linebacker a priority for the 2020 class.

Thompson joins Walker, offensive guard Eli Russ, cornerback Jabbar Muhhamad, and defensive tackle Grant Mahon in OSU’s 2020 class.