Oklahoma State Football: 2012 Starting Lineup Projection

The Oklahoma State Cowboys will have a lot of changes in their starting lineup heading into next season. The 2012 starters will look very different from those of 2011.

The main losses will be quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Justin Blackmon, who will both be playing on Sundays next year.

Here's what the Cowboys' starting lineup will look like heading into next season.

(Skill positions only.)

Quarterback

Clint Chelf

Chelf is a sophomore this season and will more than likely be the starter next season.

Redshirt freshman J.W. Walsh and true freshman Wes Lunt are both probably more talented, but neither will be ready to take over the reins just yet.

Running Back

Joseph Randle

After rushing for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, Randle proved that he was a worthy successor to All-American Kendall Hunter.

His status as starter won't change, despite having two immensely talented backs behind him in Jeremy Smith and Herschel Sims.

Wide Receivers

Michael Harrison, Isaiah Anderson, Tracy Moore and Josh Stewart

Harrison and Anderson have been blossoming young wideouts for the past two seasons behind Justin Blackmon, and, though neither will be the caliber of a Blackmon, each will make a very dangerous outside threat.

Moore will continue in his role as an inside receiver. His size and strength are huge assets that allow him to box out smaller defenders. Stewart was a true freshman this year but showed great promise in limited playing time.

He'll take over as the inside receiver for senior Josh Cooper. He's small but has great speed and good hands.

Cornerback

Brodrick Brown and Justin Gilbert

Brown and Gilbert formed one of the most dynamic cornerback duos in the country last season.

The pair combined for 114 tackles and nine interceptions. They both will return next year, a year older and a year wiser.

Safeties

Daytowion Lowe and Johnny Thomas

Lowe was thrust into a starting position this season after Thomas was ruled ineligible academically at the beginning of the season.

Thomas is allowed to return to the team next season, which will give the Cowboys two experienced safeties for next season after the departure of Markelle Martin.

These two will form the best secondary in the Big 12 with the cornerbacks.

Punter/Kicker

Quinn Sharp

Sharp has been one of the best kickers and punters in the nation this season.

He averaged 47 yards per punt this year, scored around 11 points per game and made 87 percent of his field goals.

Sharp will be the starter at both positions next year, as he's proven he can handle the double work load.