OSU football recruiting: Cowboys' class lacks star power, but Mike Gundy says it's the best he's had

But the Cowboy coach still seemed relaxed and content at his Wednesday press conference in Stillwater, confidently introducing the 23-player group of new Cowboys.

“I've said this for a few years, and I'm not just trying to blow us up or pump my own tires up,” Gundy said. “We take a two-star and make him a three, a three and make him a four and a four and make him a five. We really believe that's what we do.”

The big name from years past was certainly lacking in this year's class. There was no Herschel Sims or Wes Lunt. But Gundy seemed pleased with the overall diversity and quality, calling it the ‘best class since he's had' at OSU.

And that starts at the wideout spot, where the Cowboys secured the signatures of four-star Texas products Marcell Ateman and Ra'Shaad Samples.

They lost out on long-time commit Fred Ross (another four-star guy who signed with Mississippi State on Wednesday), but seem to believe the two-man haul could pay immediate dividends.

“(Ateman) is six-foot-four, very athletic and physical,” Gundy said. “He's 190 (pounds) now…and he's gonna play at 210….Samples is not as tall, but he's really fast and has great side-to-side movement and will be a great outside receiver for us. His body type is a lot like Josh Stewart's, but he brings enough to the table where he'll play outside for us. Both of those guys will fit in and have an opportunity to play in the first game.”

Another position group that's likely to produce an immediate contributor is the running back. The Cowboys have Jeremy Smith and Desmond Roland heading the depth chart, but injury and workload have forced them to go three-deep with carries in recent years.