Gundy: Lampkin 'will have to compete' to earn starting position

Published Apr. 24, 2015 5:35 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ashton Lampkin's return to Oklahoma State's starting defense could end up being longer than he expected—and not because of injury this time.

The Cowboys have an extremely deep pool of talent at cornerback for 2015, which is creating an internal competition that has guys like Lampkin, a rising senior, vying for the top spot on the depth chart.

“He’ll have to compete,” Cowboys head coach Mike Gundy told ESPN. “He won’t be able to walk back in and be a starter on this team.”

Lampkin's junior season was cut short four games in to Oklahoma State's season, when he injured his ankle in the first quarter against Texas Tech.

As OSU's talented fledgling defenders continues to grow their wings, Lampkin has some serious competition for playing time.

One such player is Ramon Richards, who helped fill Lampkin's void last season as a true freshman.

“I’m really excited about Ramon Richards,” Gundy said. “His attitude, his swag, the way he plays the game and challenges receivers.”

(h/t ESPN)