STILLWATER — One of the Oklahoma State football players most eagerly watched last December and January was cornerback Corey Black.
There has been speculation about where he will play in 2024.
Will he go to the NFL?
Will he enter the transfer portal to leave for another program, or could he join his brother at Texas?
All of those seemed like viable possibilities, but Black chose option No. 3 and will remain at OSU for his super senior season.
“I had a lot of conversations with my coaches and parents,” Black said. “Through all these conversations, we pretty much came up with this.”
Black's return will be invaluable for a Cowboy defense that is looking to take big steps forward in its second year under coordinator Brian Nardo.
Here are the cornerback positions for the Pokes this spring:
more:Which Oklahoma State University football players have the most to gain from spring practice?
season rewind
According to Pro Football Focus, Black was the third-best player on the OSU defense last season among players who played at least 60 snaps, behind Anthony Goodrow and Colin Oliver.
He played 680 snaps, but receivers were targeted only 35 times all season, so quarterbacks avoided him whenever possible. He gained 264 yards and allowed just 16 catches.
The second most used cornerback was redshirt freshman DJ McKinney, who subsequently transferred to Colorado, but the Cowboys rotate cornerbacks more frequently than they have in the past, including Cam Smith and Cale Smith (unrelated). has accumulated a wealth of experience.
Last year's cornerback group was solid, but there's still room for growth, and that's likely to happen this spring.
Roster management
Who is outside: DJ McKinney
Who is there: none
For June admission: Father LaDainian Fields; Father Jacobi Oliphant
more:'Football is life' for Cam and Dylan Smith as they live their dreams together at Oklahoma State
take
Black's combination of size and experience should make him one of the top cornerbacks in the Big 12 and near the top in the nation.
However, a more important development occurs on the other side, because when Black is avoided, that player attracts more attention.
McKinney is gone to Colorado, but Cam Smith and Cale Smith combined for 678 snaps, and Black was impressed with their work in the early spring.
“Everyone in our room is growing at a good pace,” Black said. “Everyone is learning and working together to get better. Everyone in this room is growing, but especially Cam and Cale.
“Experience is the best teacher if you ask me. Once they actually get out there and get reps, they feel like they've grown a lot.”
And there are older players behind them as well.
Redshirt senior Kenneth Harris, who transferred from Arkansas State a year ago and then redshirted, brings a wealth of experience. And Jordan Regan, another redshirt senior, has been a mainstay for the program and contributed on special teams in recent years.
depth chart
starter
- Corey Black, Sr.*, 6-0, 185
- Cam Smith, RJr., 6-0, 185
reserves
- Cale Smith, RJr., 6-0, 170
- Kenneth Harris, RSr., 6-0, 190
- Jordan Regan, RSr., 6-1, 190
- Dekelvion Beamon, RJr., 6-1, 200
- RJ Lester, RFr., 6-3, 180
- Deshawn Buckner, RSr., 6-0, 200
- Evan Smith, RSo., 5-9 170
*Super senior
