OSU Football: What Can We Glean From The Initial Depth Chart?

Here's what we've learned from Oklahoma State's first depth chart release of the 2016 season.

The offensive line will go LT - Salako, LG - Keyes, C - Lundblade, RG - Robinson, RT - Crabtree. This unit looks mostly the same as last year with redshirt freshman Marcus Keyes the exception at left guard. Juco transfer Larry Williams also figures to see significant playing time at guard. Either Johnny or Michael Wilson could take over at center eventually.

With Marcel Ateman out for some time, the receiving corps features three true freshmen (Tyrell Alexander, Dillon Stoner and Obi Obialo) on the two-deep. James Washington on the outside and Jalen McCleskey in the slot are the two who will see the most snaps. Jhajuan Seales and Chris Lacy are listed as starters but will likely split more reps than they’ll play together.

Mason Rudolph is the starting quarterback, as if that needed clarification. The battle for backup was one of the most interesting parts of fall camp and redshirt sophomore Taylor Cornelius has emerged ahead of John Kolar and Keondre Wudtee.

Then there’s the running back position. Will the lead back be the much-hyped Chris Carson, the elder-statesman Rennie Childs, incoming super-senior Barry J. Sanders or freshman sensation Justice Hill? They’re all listed as co-starters, meaning Gundy and Yurcich will feed the hot hand. Look for Carson to handle the first series this weekend.

The ever-reliable cowboy backs remain the same. Blake Jarwin and Zac Veatch have tons of experience in the offense.

On the defensive side, the line looks strong again despite losing All-American Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean at defensive end. Redshirt sophomores Jarrell Owens and Jordan Brailford have won starting spots but expect lots of Trey Carter and Cole Walterscheid as well.

The Cowboys have more depth on the interior d-line than ever before. Vincent Taylor and Mote Maile start but Darrion Daniels and Vili Leveni will get plenty of playing time too and could even push Maile for a starting role. Former Baylor recruit DeQuinton Osborne, a junior college transfer with two years of eligibility, could get regular rotation minutes after standing out in fall camp.

Jordan Burton and Chad Whitener are returning starters for Glen Spencer at linebacker and senior Devante Averrette is currently ahead of Justin Phillips and Gyasi Akem for the other starting job. True freshman Calvin Bundage makes the three-deep at star linebacker behind Kirk Tucker and Burton.

At cornerback the Pokes will rely on third-year starter Ashton Lampkin and Ramon Richards, with Louisiana Monroe transfer Lenzy Pipkins coming in as a nickel back. Darius Curry backs up Richards and Spencer needs someone, be it freshman AJ Green or redshirt frosh Bryce Balous, to emerge as the future of this position. Curry and Richards have been inconsistent up to this point.

Jordan Sterns and Tre Flowers are entrenched starters at safety but Oklahoma State has two guys behind them who are too good to keep off the field, Derrick Moncrief and Kenneth Edison-McGruder. The Cowboys are deep at safety for the first time in years.

As expected, punter Zach Sinor and kicker Ben Grogan retain their jobs with Matt Ammendola as the backup kicker. Barry J. Sanders and Justice Hill will be the kick returners to open the season and Jalen McCleskey will return punts.