Oklahoma State University Athletics
Spring Preview: Cornerbacks
April 11, 2015 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - With three players who have logged extensive playing time returning in his position group, first-year cornerbacks coach Tim Duffie (formerly OSU's safeties coach the past two seasons) knows exactly what he's working with. Perhaps the biggest unknown will be who between junior Ashton Lampkin and Ramon Richards will start opposite senior Kevin Peterson.
But first, to Peterson. A three-year letterman who has started 25 games in his career, he is part of the core leadership group not only of the defense, but of the team as a whole. Peterson has recorded 103 tackles, intercepted four passes and broken up 17 passes in his career. A starter opposite 2013 NFL first-round draft pick Justin Gilbert as a sophomore in 2013, Peterson had high expectations going into last season. While he had his moments - most notably holding West Virginia All-America receiver Kevin White to three catches for 27 yards - the 2014 season did not live up to the lofty standard that Peterson set for himself. A strong offseason could position Peterson among the best cornerbacks in the Big 12 going into 2015 and he is certainly one to consider for preseason recognition.
As for Lampkin and Richards, this is where the depth of OSU's cornerback position shows up. Regardless of who runs with the first team, Duffie will have a returning starter at his fingertips to use in nickel sets. Lampkin was the opening day starter in 2014 and held that position until being lost for the season to injury in week four. Richards, a converted high school quarterback who was originally ticketed to redshirt in order to learn a new position, was then thrown into the mix - probably much earlier than his development would have dictated, yet he rewarded the coaches by growing into a viable performer by year's end. He finished his freshman year with 42 tackles, three interceptions (one of which he returned for a touchdown at Kansas State) and four pass breakups. What Richards experienced early on was difficult at the time, but it accelerated his development and will likely be invaluable to him as his career progresses.
Beyond those three, the cornerback position also includes senior Miketavius Jones and sophomores Darius Curry and Jerel Morrow as players who will get a good look this spring and who will likely factor into the playing time rotation during the season.
The Bottom Line
Oklahoma State has three perfectly good options to start at cornerback in Kevin Peterson, Ashton Lampkin and Ramon Richards. All three have already been starters for the Cowboys and bring a wealth of experience at a position group that is deep with candidates for meaningful playing time.
