Tuesday afternoon marked the end of one of the most remarkable eras in Oklahoma State Cowboys football history, as the program announced that it had fired head coach Mike Gundy. With the end of the second-longest active tenure among the 136 FBS head coaches, a 30-day college football transfer portal window now opens, but who could seek their exit from Stillwater?
Zane Flores, Quarterback
While Flores’ start to the season (57% completion rate, 0:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio) may not trip any alarms as a must-have, he still possesses a couple of years of eligibility. On top of that, he brings solid mobility and a knack for leading the offense, provided that it is a timing-based attack with a couple of pro-style elements. With just enough arm talent to make throws, teams can work around his flaws and craft a competent offense.
Rodney Fields Jr., Running Back
If Fields lands with a team that can promise him more than half the carries, but not an overwhelming percentage, someone will land a good piece for a back-by-committee.
While he can be the primary back, the key could be adding a power component to balance out Fields’ track speed. Additionally, as a solid receiver (six catches in two games), the freshman could become a safety valve for quarterbacks out of vertical options that want to dump the ball off.
David Kabongo, Safety
Granted, Kabongo isn’t the most significant safety at 185 pounds. However, he brings bursts and a desire to force fumbles and wreak havoc. Granted, he will sometimes play a bit out of control, but that’s nothing a strong position coach will not fix with adequate drilling.
Wendell Gregory, Edge Rusher
South Carolina has tallied three sacks to this point and looks like it can develop into an outstanding pass rusher. Right now, Gregory wins with will and drive.
However, if he can work in crisper moves in his repertoire, he will have his choice of offers after the season. Blessed with excellent size (6’3″, 255 pounds), he can also set the edge without a blocker washing him out of the play.
Jaleel Johnson, Defensive End
For every Gregory who flashed pass-rush acumen, teams need a Johnson to shore up the efforts to stop the run. With the RPO and the spread offense a dominant part of the game, finding an end who can rush the passer without neglecting the run game is crucial.
In a perfect world, he’d find a 3-4 defense, but one that grants him the ability to drift between down linemen and rush linebackers in passing situations.
