Cowboy coffers are full of potential difference makers

But for the buzz to build into an all-out frenzy by December and beyond, Oklahoma State will need more; more guys – critical-to-the-cause guys – to make a difference.

The good news: the Cowboys have candidates.

Here's a look at six who could help stamp 2011 as a special season…

Tyler Johnson, So., LB. The former pro baseball player has moved from intriguing story to potential starter. Johnson and Caleb Lavey are locked in a tight competition for the No. 1 middle linebacker spot where Orie Lemon was so valuable a year ago. For now, Johnson's physicality might provide the edge.

While Johnson got on the field for some valuable snaps in 2010, last season was all about finding his way around the field again. The learning curve remains steep, and he'll have to prove he's plugged into what Bill Young needs out of his man in the middle.

Still, there's optimism Johnson can get it done.

Nigel Nicholas, Jr., DT. It's well documented that OSU's soft spot appears to be in the interior of the defense's front line.

That can be a fatal flaw for a would-be contender.

That's why Nicholas is such a key. One of the few experienced tackles in the program, Nicholas is needed to provide strong play and a veteran presence. He had a solid spring and has matured during his time at OSU. Still, he's a bit undersized and must work harder to succeed. Having seemingly arrived as a starter, Nicholas can't afford to relax now.

James Castleman, Fr., DT. Really, you could include any of the young defensive tackles here, with true freshman Mike Mustafa and redshirt freshman Christian Littlehead also appearing vital to the position. It's asking a lot to throw a true freshman into the mix in the trenches of the Big 12 Conference. But it's not just a dire situation that makes Castleman a candidate to be a major contributor. The belief among coaches is that he's got the goods.