Oklahoma State continued its emphasis on building in the trenches with the commitment of 6-foot-6 tackle Jake Baker. The third offensive lineman to commit in the last week, Baker's pledge shows Eric Morris and Cody Crill are making protection and depth priorities for the future.
The offensive line commitments for the Class of 2027 keep coming for Eric Morris and his staff as the emphasis on protecting the quarterback continues to be the focus of the future.
After taking an official visit to Stillwater this weekend, 6-foot-6 offensive tackle Jake Baker committed to Oklahoma State. The Nashville native chose the Cowboys over offers from Arkansas State, Memphis and UConn.
The interest was there and the process moved quickly. Baker was offered last month and wasted little time making his decision. He becomes the third offensive lineman in the class and the third to commit in the last week, joining Chase Clark and Sonny Mullen.
It's clear offensive line coach Cody Crill has an identity in mind and isn't wasting any time building it.
Three of Oklahoma State's eight commitments now come from the trenches, while seven of the eight overall pledges are on the offensive side of the ball. The theme continues to reveal itself.
Adding Baker also pushes the Cowboys up to No. 70 nationally in the recruiting rankings.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway isn't necessarily Baker himself, but what his commitment says about how Eric Morris and Crill are building this roster. While quarterbacks and receivers often grab the headlines, championship offenses are built up front, and Oklahoma State is making sure the foundation is in place.
At 6-foot-6, Baker fits the mold of the type of linemen the Cowboys have targeted throughout this cycle. Size, length and developmental upside have become common themes among the offensive line commitments. The class may not be loaded with four and five-star prospects, but it is being assembled with a clear vision.
That's important because offensive linemen often take longer to develop than any other position group. Building depth years in advance gives players time to grow physically and learn the system before they're asked to protect the quarterback on Saturdays.
And if the early returns from Eric Morris' offense at North Texas are any indication, protecting the quarterback and establishing continuity up front are going to remain priorities.
Three offensive line commitments in one week isn't a coincidence.
It's a statement.
Eric Morris and Cody Crill know where games are won, and the Cowboys are making sure the future of their offense starts in the trenches.
Flashy skill players may generate the excitement, but Oklahoma State is proving that building from the inside out remains the blueprint for sustained success.
