Oklahoma State Football: 5 Freshmen the Cowboys Can Build Around

In any recruiting class, a program wants to pick up players it can build around for the future. The Oklahoma State Cowboys did a great job of that this year.

Many of the incoming Cowboys could be considered building-block players who could lead to even brighter days in the Oklahoma State football program's future. The criteria to determine such players are how well they will fit with the team and how talented they are.

These Cowboys are not only among the most talented in the country at their positions, but they also fit what the Cowboys need to continue to compete in a tough conference like the Big 12.

Naim Mustafaa

In the pass-heavy Big 12, the Cowboys need as many players like Naim Mustafaa as they can get. It has been proven that the only way to beat many of the passing attacks in this conference is to pressure the quarterback.

Mustafaa looks like a future star at defensive end. Not only is he big at 6’4”, but he is also extremely strong and talented. When he fills out to complement his frame, Mustafaa has the potential to be a terror on the edge for opposing quarterbacks.

Sam Wren

The Cowboys have had recent success with JUCO players coming in and playing on the defensive line. Sam Wren looks like the next player who will come in and have similar impact.

Calvin Barnett earned Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year honors as a JUCO defensive line transfer, and Wren looks like he could be just as good. He is a pass-rushing lineman who could play in the interior or exterior. He also savvy in getting penetration and pressuring the opposing offense.

Corion Webster

When it comes to the prototypical running back for Oklahoma State’s Air Raid offense, Joseph Randle was it. He was a bigger, powerful back who had the speed and hands to make an impact in a scheme that predominantly consisted of the pass.

Corion Webster also fits the model. He's an all-purpose back out of Atlanta, Texas. Webster is 5’11” and 190 pounds—perfect size for his position. He also has good hands and the speed, elusiveness and vision to really break down opposing defenses.

Jerel Morrow

As we discussed previously, the Big 12 is a pass-heavy league, which is why having solid defensive backs is so important. They must be athletic players with good ball skills and speed.

Jerel Morrow is on this list because he has those skills. Morrow is listed on most recruiting lists, but the Emporia, Kan., product will play defensive back at Oklahoma State. As the No. 1 player in the state of Kansas, Morrow should be an impact player for the Cowboys soon enough.

Ra’Shaad Samples

Of all the incoming freshmen in the Cowboys’ 2013 class, the one who fits best in the Cowboys’ schemes is Ra’Shaad Samples. Much in the vein of Josh Stewart, Samples is a smaller, quicker receiver who is perfectly suited for the inside receiver role.

With impeccable route-running, hands and playmaking ability after the catch, Samples could get on the field a lot sooner than most Oklahoma State receiver prospects would. Losing Fred Ross to Mississippi State hurt the Cowboys’ class, but the real prize was always Samples.