Oklahoma St. Cowboys Football: 10 Players Who Are Key to 2011 Season

Oklahoma State's football team had a great season last year, winning 11 games for the first time in school history thanks to a number of keys players.

Some of those key players have moved on to the NFL, but most of them are back and ready to build on last year's record-breaking season.

Here are the ten players who are key to Oklahoma State continuing last season's success.

Justin Gilbert

As a freshman last year, Gilbert saw only limited time playing his normal position at cornerback. But he did show promise, totaling 18 tackles and one interception. He's shown enough already that he can play the position at a high level.

But where he really makes a difference is in the return game. Gilbert had about 700 return yards and two kickoffs returned for touchdowns.

Gilbert is a guy who will be key in both the special teams and defensive phases.

Brodrick Brown

As just a sophomore last year, Brown proved he was one of the best cornerbacks in the Big 12.

He had 77 tackles, including 12 versus Texas A&M and 11 against Texas. He also logged two interceptions.

Brown is a big play guy, who will nab another two or three interceptions this season and return at least one for a touchdown.

Don't believe me about his big play ability? Watch this video.

Hubert Anyiam

Although he came into last season as the projected No. 1 receiver at OSU, Anyiam battled injuries throughout his junior season and was surpassed by Justin Blackmon.

His sophomore year though, Anyiam caught 42 balls for 515 yards, in the absence of the Cowboys' then No. 1 receiving Dez Bryant.

Anyiam has the ability to be an All-Big 12 receiver. If he can come anywhere his performance of two years ago, he'll be an invaluable asset to the Cowboys.

Hopefully, he'll be the guy who can balance out the field with Blackmon.

Johnny Thomas

Johnny Thomas is a guy who doesn't seem to get a lot of press.

He's a senior who had 63 tackles and three interceptions last season.

He, along with Brown and Markelle Martin, anchors the defense, one that must continue to improve if the Cowboys want to stay good.

Thomas will have a big season, though he probably won't get the attention he deserves.

Markelle Martin

Martin had 55 tackles and three interceptions last year and helped Oklahoma State to have one of the best takeaway defenses in college football.

That was good enough to have him projected as a first round pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

Martin, with Thomas, Brown, and Gilbert, will contribute to what could be the strongest position group on the Oklahoma State team.

Josh Cooper

Every big time passing game needs an inside receiver who makes the tough catches in small spaces.

Josh Cooper is that guy for the Cowboys. He caught 68 passes for 736 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Cooper became the second favorite target for the Cowboy passing game last year, and his role will only grow bigger this year.

He also returned punts and brought one back to the endzone.

Shaun Lewis

As one of the most highly recruited outside linebackers going into last season, Shaun Lewis surprised people when he picked Oklahoma State.

But he apparently made the right choice. Lewis had 58 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries as a true freshman.

Anywhere there was a big play to be made on defense, Lewis was there. He'll be there again all of this season too.

Joseph Randle

Another true freshman who contributed greatly last season, Randle saw plenty of playing time as a backup to All-American Kendall Hunter.

Randle ran the ball 82 times for 463 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching the ball 37 times for 437 yards and one touchdown.

Randle proved his versatility and, though the Cowboys will split the time at running back, Randle will be the clear starter.

He'll continue making big plays at an even higher level.

Justin Blackmon

From unknown to Biletnikoff Winner, Blackmon had a blur of a season last year.

He had over 1,800 yards total from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns.

He's big, strong, and has great hands.

You can't say enough about this guy. You just have to watch and try not to let your jaw drop too hard.

Brandon Weeden

A former minor league pitcher in the Yankees' system, Weeden has a mental stature pretty on par with his year, considering he's already 28 years old.

Despite all the "old man" jokes he gets from teammates, Weeden's maturity is vital to this young Cowboys team, who otherwise would probably be over its head.

Weeden is the most important player because the quarterback always is in the pass-happy system the Cowboys run. He'll spread out the ball, make good decisions, and lead the team as he did last year.

And he'll have an NFL payday waiting afterward.