Justin Gilbert, CB

01/06/2013 - Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert will return for his senior season, a school official confirmed to The Oklahoman Sunday. The Tulsa World first reported Sunday that Gilbert had told family members he would not enter the NFL Draft and had instead opted to come back to Stillwater for his final season of eligibility.

Gilbert followed up a promising sophomore season in 2011 with a disappointing junior campaign, tallying 63 tackles, zero interceptions, nine pass breakups and one forced fumble. He also averaged 25.8 yards per kick return, including a 96-yarder for a touchdown against West Virginia to set a school record for most kickoff returns for a touchdown in a career (five).

In 2011, Gilbert recorded five interceptions and was the Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP in his first season as a starting cornerback. He also returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. That development and production, combined with elite speed and natural athleticism, prompted immense hype about Gilbert heading into the 2012 season. Things, simply, did not pan out as expected.

Gilbert was often on the receiving end of outside criticism after a season where he was part of a Cowboy pass defense that allowed 280 yards per game and was often pushed by true freshman Kevin Peterson for playing time. - Gina Mizell, The Oklahoman

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Although Brodrick Brown has more experience and polish as a cover cornerback, Gilbert might have the larger football ceiling. With a year of starting experience under his belt, he is also one of the conference's top special teams return men and enters 2012 tied for the NCAA-lead among all active players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns.

Gilbert was a moderately-recruited CB/WR out of Texas, choosing the Cowboys over Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Nebraska.

He saw most of his playing time as a true freshman on special teams, recording 18 tackles and a pair of scores on kickoff returns. Gilbert became a starter at cornerback opposite Brown last season as sophomore, finishing with 59 tackles. He finished second in the Big 12 with five interceptions (tied with Brown) and was among the conference leaders with 15 passes defended. Gilbert also scored twice more on kickoff returns, giving him four for his career.

Entering his junior season in 2012, he already ranks second in the school history with 1,401 career kickoff return yards, including a 26.9 average.

Gilbert has good size for the position to match his excellent speed and acceleration. Gilbert progressed with each game last season on defense, showing improved cover skills and the ability to track the ball while staying toe-for-toe with receivers. He doesn't have the same resume as Brown (yet), but his upside is undeniable as he ranks as one of the better underclassmen corners in the country.

--Dane Brugler