From 2-star to Youtube sensation

by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon

One of the main reasons for Oklahoma State’s recent rise has been quality evaluation on the recruiting trail. Running back Kendall Hunter, a two-time All-American, was a hidden gem out of Tyler, Texas and 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon was an overlooked prospect out of Plainview High School in Ardmore.

I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.

Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)

Overall class rankings

Rivals ranking: #26

Scout ranking: #40

ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.

Recruits

Brodrick Brown, cornerback

Rivals ranking: 3 stars

Scout ranking: 2 stars

Other offers: interest from Houston, Nebraska, Oregon State, Rice and UTEP.

Impact on the program: After a redshirt season and being injured for much of 2009, Brown started the Cotton Bowl after Perrish Cox’s suspension and showed flashes of playmaking potential. Brown was very solid in 2010 and finished second on the team with 77 tackles. His competitive nature makes him a cornerstone of OSU’s defense.

Analysis: In only two seasons on the field Brown has already surpassed expectations. He could become a three-year starter, not what you expect from a two-star recruit. Another example of good evaluation, particularly because Brown has excelled thanks to his competitiveness and will, things which are hard to evaluate.

DeJuan Davis, offensive line/defensive line