Oklahoma State Football: Top five names to watch in 2017

Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State players celebrate their win over Colorado Buffaloes at Alamodome. Oklahoma State defeated Colorado 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State players celebrate their win over Colorado Buffaloes at Alamodome. Oklahoma State defeated Colorado 38-8. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 3, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Madre Harper (25) recovers a loose ball for a touchdown against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the first quarterat Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys cornerback Madre Harper (25) recovers a loose ball for a touchdown against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions during the first quarterat Boone Pickens Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Madre Harper

Position: Cornerback

Class: Sophomore

Predecessor: Ashton Lampkin

Harper signed with the Cowboys as a three-star recruit in the 2016 class. He saw limited time on the field in 2016 but played well when given the chance. Harper recovered one fumble and compiled eight total tackles. With Lampkin graduating, Harper can take his spot to start 2017. Rising senior cornerback Ramon Richards expects to take the overall no. 1 spot on the depth chart.

Other corners competing for starting time include rising sophomore A.J. Green and rising senior Darius Curry. Whoever takes the spot opposite Richards better get accustomed to the position quickly. Big 12 offenses pose a threat to take the top off any secondary they face. With top players such as Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield, West Virginia quarterback Will Grier, Texas quarterback Shane Buechele, and TCU quarterback Kenny Hill, highlighting the best offensive players, OK State’s secondary best be ready.

Head coach Mike Gundy looked to have some confidence in Harper this season. Considering Harper played in more than one game as a true freshman at a position with a lot of depth, shows that he has promise.