Since offering Nick Martin in early September, Oklahoma State leapt into the driver's seat for the running back/linebacker out of Texarkana, TX. On Wednesday the Cowboys beat Big 12 foes Kansas State and Texas Tech for the 2021 athlete.

From the outset, Oklahoma State recruited Martin as an outside linebacker prospect, but he is viewed by other schools in spots ranging from OLB to safety to linebacker. That's a solid fit for exactly what Mike Gundy said the Pokes have been looking for in defensive prospects on Monday in his session with the media.

"We've switched more scholarships to defense," Gundy said. "Then it was either two or three years ago, I don't remember, but we eliminated recruiting corners and safeties and linebackers. We recruit players that we think can play any of those positions, any of those five spots."

At 6-0 and 195 pounds currently, Martin will likely wind up exactly where Jim Knowles and co. were recruiting him to play - outside 'backer. However, his current size and athleticism could allow for a spin up to safety. Or, if he adds a good bit of muscle in strength coach Rob Glass's program, inside linebacker could one day be his destination. In other words, he fits the Gundy/Knowles mold for back seven defensive players very well.

Martin is the 16th verbal commitment in OSU's 2021 class.