John’s Blog: Gundy on OSU Recruiting Class

John Holcomb discusses Mike Gundy’s focus on the D-line, the incoming recruits and how much playing time they could see.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:05 pm

By: News On 6

John’s Blog: Gundy on OSU Recruiting Class

Originally Published: Feb 2, 2011 12:11 PM CDT

John Holcomb
Oklahoma Sports Sports Director - Tulsa

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Calm, confident and moving to the next task.

Those are the impressions I had of Mike Gundy’s signing day teleconference Wednesday morning. The signs of success lie in that Gundy says Oklahoma State has been able to be more detailed in recruiting. This year a big focus has been on the defensive line, specifically tackles.

The Cowboys have as many as 5 interior linemen, and Gundy says you have to have depth at that position to win a championship.

Headlining that position would be James Castleman, a 6-4 280 pounder from Amarillo. Castleman was committed to Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders projected him as a linebacker, and that along with his comfort level led him to change to OSU.

As for those in line for immediate playing time? Linebacker Ryan Simmons might be right there, but Gundy says the Cowboys’ improved depth on defense means they shouldn’t have to count on playing the first-year guys as much as last season.

Still, watch for names like receiver David Glidden from Mustang, Castleman, Simmons and Desmond Roland, a back in the Keith Toston mold to perhaps get some time on the field. Of course the marquee name in the class is Herschel Sims, the 5-star back from Abilene (scheduled to sign with OSU around lunchtime Wednesday), and his impact, even at a fairly-loaded position could be the biggest of all.

The head coach also talked about OSU’s success allowing the Cowboys to get in the door with some recruits in Florida, that there are so many athletes it becomes a “numbers game” for schools, one the Cowboys feel they might be able to take advantage of.

As far as Gundy’s other big question- who’ll be the next offensive coordinator? - he says he expects to have all staff positions filled by two weeks from Monday.