Oklahoma State Football: Top five names to watch in 2017

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Nov 12, 2016; Stillwater, OK, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Patrick Mahomes II (5) runs the ball defended by Oklahoma State Cowboys safety Tre Flowers (31) during the first half at Boone Pickens Stadium. Cowboys won 45-44. Mandatory Credit: Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Tre Flowers

Position: Safety

Class: Senior

Predecessor: Jordan Sterns

One of three seniors on this list, Flowers became an integral part of the OK State defense in 2015. Yet, he stood in Sterns’ for the last two seasons. And while Sterns was the highlighted safety for the last two seasons, Flowers actually started alongside him so you cannot really call Sterns his predecessor.

Flowers compiled 61 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and one fumble recovery in 2016. Rising junior Kenneth Edison-McGruder likely takes the spot of Sterns opposite Flowers. But Flowers taking the next step to being the best safety and possibly the best player in the Pokes secondary would a natural step.

The biggest problem Flowers and Sterns faced was their inability to cover the deep ball. Because they were sure tacklers and stopped the run, they faced the consequences from opposing offenses in the Big 12. Defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer should help sure up that deficiency in the secondary come 2017.

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