Oklahoma State Football: Ranking the 10 best players on the roster

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Oct 8, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Tre Flowers (31) breaks up a pass to Iowa State Cyclones wide receiver Deshaunte Jones (8) during the second half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Oklahoma State won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

Tre Flowers had his best season statistically with the Pokes back in 2015 where he posted a career-high in solo tackles (65), tackles for loss (3.0), and interceptions (2). Even though Flowers regressed statistically in 2016, his effect on the field was felt even more. Jordan Sterns started opposite Flowers last season and took away many of his would be tackles.

Flowers is one of the five returning starters for the Cowboy defense in 2017. Former cornerback Ramon Richards (also on this list) moves over to the other safety position alongside Flowers. The transfer of former Clemson cornerback Adrian Baker should allow Richards’ move to corner easier on players like Madre Harper, A.J. Green, and Jerel Morrow.

More than anything, Flowers will be counted on to be one of the leaders of the Cowboy defense. Fellow Cowboy defenders such as linebacker Chad Whitener and Richards will be looked to as leaders.

Safety might also be the most important position for the Pokes on defense in 2017 because of the quality of offenses in the Big 12. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer has to deal with numerous high-powered and talented offenses in conference play.

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