Oklahoma State Football: 5 Players to Watch for in 2013

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The Oklahoma State Cowboys are returning a lot of talent next year, which makes it somewhat difficult to predict which new player will capture our attention in 2013.

That said, as we all anxiously await the Heart of Dallas Bowl, it's time to start looking forward to the young men that will step in and make plays next year.

This list mostly looks at talent currently on the roster because we haven't even reached national signing day. Look for a list more concerned with recruiting in the coming weeks.

Seth Jacobs

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Seth Jacobs didn't see the field much in his freshman season, but it won't be long before this guy becomes a name Cowboys fans think of fondly.

Jacobs played linebacker, safety and wide receiver in high school and is reported to run a 4.53 40-yard dash.

It's tough to say for sure if the agility and speed displayed in high school will translate into the pass-rushing OLB the Cowboys need.

I envision Bill Young using Jacobs in a Lyndell Johnson-like role, coming off the edge to disrupt the quarterback, while making big plays in coverage.

Brandon Sheperd

Brandon Sheperd came into Stillwater, OK as a 4-star recruit and looked like the real deal in spring training.

However, he was unable to turn any of that into much playing time. So far this year, he only has one catch for one yard and one touchdown.

Not exactly the stat line fans were hoping for.

It might be hard to break into the lineup against next year with so many receivers coming back, but look for Sheperd to take the next step in 2013.

(Note: C.J. Curry could also come on for the receiving corps).

DeMarcus Sherod

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

DeMarcus Sherod has the inside track on taking over inside linebacker duties from Alex Elkins in 2013.

Sherod has good size at 6'2" and 225 pounds. Add in a 4.7 40, and you get the athletic, hard-hitting linebacker the Cowboys want.

Sherod should make an immediate impact next year, as he has the skill set you look for at the position.

He probably won't make as many big plays as guys like Shaun Lewis or Lyndell Johnson, but he'll provide a steady presence in the middle.

Fred Ross

It's difficult to pick which 2013 recruit is going to have the biggest season for the Cowboys, especially considering national signing day hasn't even happened.

This spot could just as easily go to Marcell Ateman, Ra'Shaad Samples, Jerel Morrow or countless other players.

That said, Fred Ross is currently the highest-rated player in the class, so, until we can see them on the field, I have to go with Ross.  

Ashton Lampkin

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Ashton Lampkin is the guy on this list who saw the most time on the field and that could lead to a starting spot in 2013.

Lampkin actually had more interceptions that "star" cornerbacks Broderick Brown and Justin Gilbert combined and will look to improve on that total next season.

With Brown leaving after his senior season, there's a void opening across the field from Gilbert and Lampkin looks like the guy to do it.

He's technically listed as a safety, but at 5'11" he has good size to play the cornerback position.

Look for Lampkin to be inserted into the starting lineup from day one and make an impact in the secondary immediately.