OSU Player to Watch, Day 9: Andrew McGee

Oklahoma Sports brings you the ninth day in a 15-part series detailing the players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:31 am

By: News On 6

OSU Player to Watch, Day 9: Andrew McGee

Originally Published: Feb 23, 2010 5:5 PM CDT

More on Oklahoma Sports...
- OU Player to Watch, Day 9: Ben Haybern
- TU Player to Watch, Day 9: Shavodrick Beaver

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

CB Andrew McGee

Background:

As a junior college transfer, Andrew McGee started his career at Oklahoma State with two years of in-game experience and two more years to play. While at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, McGee was an all conference safety in his final year and in his sophomore season was credited with more than 100 tackles, an interception and seven pass breakups. In his first season at OSU, McGee subbed in at cornerback in 11 games and accounted for 32 tackles, six pass breakups and one interception for the Cowboys.

Why He’s on the List:

Perrish Cox turned himself into a shutdown corner in his final season at Oklahoma State and McGee could be the guy to take the reins. He proved his mettle last season and only accounted for four less tackles then the departing Cox. At 6-foot-1-inch, 191 pounds he’s big enough to be a shut-down type of cornerback and match up against the big pass defenses in the Big 12.

Best Case Scenario:

If McGee can come in and if not shut down, at least slow down some of the big-time receivers in the league, it will take a lot of pressure off of the rest of the secondary. If he can also provide run support, he will be able to fill the big gap left by the loss of Cox. Another big contribution to the defense that he can make is filling the role of the experienced leader, having more in-game experience than anyone on the field except for Orie Lemon.

Worst Case Scenario:

McGee had a solid support system a year ago, and if his performance and numbers were floated by the other talented players on the team everyone will notice early on. The Cowboys pass defense is taking a lot of big hits from graduation and if one of the few experienced players on the defense can’t cut it, then OSU is truly behind the eight ball in the secondary.

My Take:

The Big 12 is a very pass-heavy conference and every school has at least one receiver that can kill a team. He accounted for nearly as many tackles as Cox and comparable numbers of interceptions and should be able to contribute. Cox is a first–round talent and it’s probably too much to expect him to do the same job shutting down receivers, but if he can at least limit some of the big plays it will go a long way to helping a young defense blossom early.

Other OSU players to keep an eye on (click the links below for full stories)

Day 1: LB Orie Lemon
Day 2: S Markelle Martin
Day 3: RB Jeremy Smith
Day 4: TE Wilson Youman
Day 5: S/Ret Johnny Thomas
Day 6: QB Johnny Deaton
Day 7: OL Lane Taylor
Day 8: LB Shaun Lewis