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National Signing Day 2016: Ranking, grading every Big 12 football recruiting class

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong celebrates the win over the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the chrome orange Oklahoma State Cowboys helmet against the Washington Huskies in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the chrome orange Oklahoma State Cowboys helmet against the Washington Huskies in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma State has put together ten consecutive winning seasons and added its fourth double-digit winning campaign over a six-year period. So, why in the world is the Cowboys’ 2016 recruiting class it’s least talented on paper since 2005? With 21 signees, Oklahoma State ranks No. 44 in the nation – hardly what one would expect from a program that played its way into the College Football Playoff discussion in the second half of the 2015 season.

One potential reason for Oklahoma State’s struggles is that, like Oklahoma, the Cowboys have long used their close proximity to the state of Texas to their advantage. However, as the Big 12 becomes more competitive in that state with Baylor and TCU landing Top 25 classes, not to mention Texas A&M, Texas Tech and SMU all recruiting at a higher than they were a half-decade ago, it’s become harder for Oklahoma State to lure prospects out of the Lone Star State.

Though, as head coach Mike Gundy mentioned in his Signing Day press conference, this year’s class was a unique case because of specific connections in many places such as Tennessee, Minnesota and Canada.

Instant Impact Performer: OT Tramonda Moore

The Cowboys’ major recruiting victory this year was landing Tramonda Moore, a 6-foot-6, 330-pound tackle ranked No. 103 overall in the nation, No. 11 among high school tackles, and as the top-rated player in the state of Oklahoma. Moore is talented enough to play immediately, and should be an All-Big 12 performer before moving on to the NFL.

Unfortunately, there are concerns floating around that Moore may actually end up in junior college instead of Stillwater. If that happens, Oklahoma State’s top impact performer would likely be one of the six other offensive linemen Gundy and company signed. JUCO transfers Larry Williams and Shane Richards are very likely to play early for the Cowboys.

Underrated Signee: ATH Devin Harper

There are several underrated players in this year’s class, but athlete Devin Harper might have the biggest upside. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds, and with 40-yard dash speed ranging between 4.5 and 4.6, Harper could help the Cowboys on either offense or defense.

Complete 2016 Oklahoma State Recruiting Class:

Final Thoughts: It’s remarkable that Oklahoma State started the 2015 season 10-0 yet managed to land its lowest-rated recruiting class since the Cowboys were coming off a 4-7 season in 2005. Talk about a missed opportunity. If Moore doesn’t make it to campus, it would be disastrous.

Next: Texas Tech

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