16 college football greats who’d lead their former team to the 2017 title

Few teams return as potent an offense as Oklahoma State. The Cowboys return a talented receiving corps, running back Justice Hill, a veteran offensive line, and quarterback Mason Rudolph. Mike Gundy’s team will once again be in contention for the Big 12 title thanks to the high-octane attack. But the defense could let the Pokes down against the best competition.

As it is, only five starters return from last year’s defense. That could be a blessing in disguise. After all, Oklahoma State finished in the bottom third of every defensive category in 2016. It is tempting to look at the large number of losses in the secondary and think about how a former great like R.W. McQuarters or Perrish Cox could elevate the Cowboys to title status. But pressure on the front end is especially critical.

Thus Gundy would be wise to consider a former Cowboy great like Leslie O’Neal. A two-time All-America selection, O’Neal was also the Big Eight defensive player of the year in 1984. He was then selected eighth overall in the 1986 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He was part of Oklahoma State teams under Jimmy Johnson and Pat Jones that went to three straight bowl games, then won the NFL defensive rookie of the year award in 1986.