Oklahoma State football: Examining the Cowboys' commits of the 2022 recruiting class

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State is off to a strong start at the skill positions in its 2022 recruiting class, with a trio of four-star prospects among the nine players committed so far.

And that doesn’t include Bixby standout Braylin Presley, whose production and athleticism seem worthy of a four-star ranking. The class already has a quarterback in Garret Rangel from Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, plus a 6-foot-3 cornerback in Cameron Epps.

With the addition of some linemen, and a few more skill players, this has the makings of one of coach Mike Gundy’s best recruiting classes to date. The group already ranks in the top 20 nationally, according to Rivals.com.

Here’s a look at the nine committed players in the class:

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CJ Brown, RB, Beggs

One of three running backs in the class, all with different skillsets. Brown is a speedster at 6-foot, 180 pounds who hits the hole quickly and explodes through it. He picked OSU over the likes of Arkansas, Nebraska, Iowa State, Baylor, Kansas State and others.

Gabe Brown, LB, Stillwater

A 6-foot-3, 210-pound linebacker, Gabe Brown is a playmaker all over the field. He was the first player to commit to the Cowboys in this class, making his decision known last September. Texas Tech came in with a February offer, but he remained firm with the Pokes and made his official visit to Stillwater earlier this month with the other committed players.

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Jordan Crook, LB, Duncanville, Texas

Another inside linebacker prospect at 6-0, 225, Crook fits the OSU mold, especially as a tackler. He doesn’t miss tackles when he gets the opportunity. Crook received 27 offers from coast to coast, including the likes of Washington, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Baylor, Cincinnati, Houston and many more.

Landon Dean, DE/LB, Frontenac, Kansas

Already physically developed at 6-4, 235, Dean could be an ideal fit at OSU’s edge rusher position, or he could grow into more of a down lineman. Either way, he’s athletic enough to be an impactful player. The Cowboys out-recruited Kansas State and Iowa State for Dean.

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Cameron Epps, CB, St. Louis, Missouri

Listed by Rivals.com as 6-foot-3, 216 pounds, Epps is a unique prospect as a cornerback with that kind of size. Out of Chaminade College Prep in St. Louis, Epps is a four-star prospect for a reason, and his size, combined with his natural cornerback skills make him a rare find at the high school level. 

Mason Gilkey, WR, Pawhuska

One of four Oklahoma-grown stars, Gilkey has good production to go with good height — 6-4, 170 — and athletic ability. He will need to bulk up some for the physical challenges that await him at the college level, but he’s got the skills to be an impact player. 

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Ollie Gordon, RB, Euless, Texas

A 6-2, 205-pound back out of Trinity High School, Gordon is a total-package type running back, with power, speed, elusiveness and receiving skills. The four-star prospect had a wide range of programs among the 15 schools that offered him, including USC, BYU, Texas Tech Missouri, Houston and more.

Braylin Presley, RB/WR, Bixby

Perhaps the most known commodity among the commitments in the 2022 class, Presley — the younger brother of OSU receiver Brennan Presley — has been producing on the big stage for a couple of seasons now. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Presley can, and will, play running back and slot receiver at OSU to fully take advantage of his unique gifts.

Garret Rangel, QB, Frisco, Texas

A strong-armed quarterback cut from the Mason Rudolph mold, Rangel recently turned heads at OSU’s camp for its top recruits, called The Show. His ability to be accurate on all routes, from short to deep, makes the Lone Star High School product an ideal fit in Stillwater. Rangel is the first high school recruit for QB coach Tim Rattay at OSU.