OSU insider in-depth: Tommie Saunders

by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com

With recruiting season in full swing, I will be evaluating all 26 prospects who are currently committed to the Oklahoma State football program. I will go in alphabetical order and will post three or four evaluations per day during the next week.

My evaluations will conclude next Friday when I rank OSU’s commitments including their chances of having an immediate impact in Stillwater.

Tommie Saunders, San Antonio (Texas) Madison

Position: Linebacker

Ht, Wt: 6-1, 200

Vitals: 4.5 in 40, 33-inch vertical

Picked OSU over… Oklahoma, LSU, Florida State, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Missouri, Arizona, Utah

Pros: Saunders is a very athletic linebacker who could fit in perfectly in the Cowboys system. He may even be able to play a little safety. He is a hard hitter and physical player. The perfect prototype to play linebacker against the explosive spread offenses in college football.

Cons: Could use a year in the weight room, especially to play linebacker in the Big 12.

Expect an impact in… 2010. I could see him playing right away because his athleticism, aggressiveness and hitting ability, but a year in the Cowboys’ strength and conditioning program would be very helpful.

Here’s Saunders in action: