Oregon State signing a nice recruiting class
By osbeaver
Oregon State has quietly been putting together one of its strongest recruiting classes under Riley. Right now the class ranks somewhere in the 36-41st range (No. 38 ranked class in the nation according to Scout.com) and will likely finish in the Top 40. Earning an Alamo Bowl and being in the headlines all year after a killer 6-0 start is paying dividends. With less than a week until signing day, some top targets remain including OLB Keishawn Bierria, CB LJ Moore and speedster Tatum Taylor. Bierria is rumored down to Oregon State and Washington with many believing OSU holds the lead. Oregon has dropped out after offering Johnny Ragin III. Riley’s program would present him opportunities to play in higher quality bowl games for the next several years. Couple that with the opportunity for playing time to develop into a enforcer for the defense and OSU seems like a pretty good bet to pick up his services. LJ Moore is said to be leaning to Cal or ASU but OSU still is thought to have a shot. The final two likely opportunities for OSU are CB Corey Lawrence who will pick between OSU and New Mexico and ILB Edward Williams. Williams would be a nice get and is down to Texas Texas Tech and Oregon State.
If Riley and crew are able to secure Bierria, Moore or Williams it is probably a Top 35 class. Even without they should be inside the Top 40 with recent news that they have secured the #8 prospect from Hawaii, DE Titus Failauga. I think the overall good recruiting with a schedule that sets up well for a quick start next year, along with the rebranding, makes this an exciting offseason with a team that looks very good to get 8+ wins again next year. I would say right now OSU should be in line for a Holiday Bowl or better next year if they play their cards right. Compared to the Kraft Fight Hunger bowl ASU players might earn, I think OSU is the smarter pick for players serious about having a good chance to play in the NFL. Let’s hope LJ Moore agrees. This class has some key gets like 4-star DB Dashon Hunt (pictured) and WR Hunter Jarmon (cover) who is one point from being a 4-star. What do you think of the class so far and where it will likely end up next week? Do you think OSU finishes strong for a Top 35 class?