STILLWATER – Jaxon Player was looking like a great possibility for Oklahoma State to step in where departing defensive tackle Jayden Jernigan played on the Pokes defensive line. Player, who has played well in the past against the Cowboys and been very impressive went into the NCAA Transfer Portal last week and Oklahoma State was one of the first to respond. Player had Oklahoma State in his top five on Twitter along with Oklahoma, Arkansas, TCU, and Baylor. Pokes Report has learned that list is down to Arkansas, TCU, and Baylor.
The Arkansas attraction I’m not sure about, but TCU and Baylor would get Player close to home. Baylor especially.
The Waco Midway H.S. product is 6-0 and 290 pounds. He plays strong and very athletic. He is a two-time All-American Athletic Conference honoree. This past season he had 50 tackles, 22 unassisted, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, 5.0 sacks, a fumble forced, and one recovered.
In his career he has 136 tackles. 66 unassisted, and 8.0 sacks. Pro Football Focus gave him overall grades of 87.3 this season, 74.0 his junior season, 80.6 his sophomore campaign, and 74.8 as a freshman.
Player would not likely play nose for Baylor with Siaki Ika cemented in the middle of the Bears defense.
Oklahoma got a transfer on the defensive line from Hawai’i on Thursday in Jonah Laulu. Oklahoma State is recruiting 2022 junior college prospect Seleti Fevaleaki that is 6-2, 290-pounds.
The Cowboys will return Brock Martin, Tyler Lacy, Collin Oliver, Trace Ford, Kody Walterscheid, and Tyren Irby at defensive end. Inside the Cowboys will return Israel Antwine, Sione Asi, Samuela Tuihalamaka, and promising young tackle Aden Kelley. They could also return Brendon Evers.
