Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Football Spring Report
April 17, 2003 | Cowboy Football
Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma Enrollment: 22,000 Founded: December 25, 1890 President: Dr. James Halligan Athletics Director: Dr. Terry Don Phillips Faculty Athletic Representative: Dr. Gerald Lage Colors: Orange and Black Mascot: Pistol Pete Nickname: Cowboys Conference: Big 12 Media Relations Staff Steve Buzzard (contact) Will Hancock Michael Noteware Office Telephone: 405-744-5749 Office Fax: 405-744-7754 Buzzard's Home 405-377-8533
Football Facts 1996 Record: 5-6 Conference: 2-5 Lettermen Lost: 13 (Offense 6, Defense 7) Starters Lost: 9 (Offense 3, Defense 6) Lettermen Returning: 37 (Offense 17, Defense 17, Specialists 3) Starters Returning: 17 (Offense 9, Defense 6, Specialists 2)
Returning Starters
Offense Defense Specialists Willie Grissom, WR Denshio Cook, DT Jason Davis, P Josh Henson, LG Brandon Ashley, DE Tim Sydnes, PK Tom Lavigne, C Raymond Cato, ILB Jeremy Offutt, RG Kenyatta Wright, OLB Calvin Menephee, RT R. W. McQuarters, FS Alonzo Mayes, TE J. B. Flowers, RC Terrance Richardson, WR Brian Aikins, FB Others Returning who started at least four games in 1996 Offense Defense Adam Davis, LG Andrel Waddle, OLB George Arceo, RG Alvin Porter, RC Jack Golden, TE** Kevin Kemp, DL*** **moved to defense ***moved to offense
1997 Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Bob Simmons (Bowling Green, 1971)
Offensive Staff Coordinator: Les Miles (Michigan, 1976), third season at Oklahoma State Quarterbacks: Ron Calcagni (Arkansas, 1980), second season at Oklahoma State Tight Ends: Tommy Kaiser (Houston, 1974), fourth season at Oklahoma State Running backs: Tom Lavigne (Grambling, 1975), third season at Oklahoma State Receivers: Richard Wilson (Arkansas, 1981) third season at Oklahoma State
Defensive Staff Coordinator/Pass: Johnny Burnett (UC Santa Barbara, 1970) second season at OSU Coordinator/Run: Rob Ryan (SW Oklahoma, 1987), first season at Oklahoma State Outside Linebackers: Brent Guy (Oklahoma State, 1983), sixth season at OSU Defensive Line: Calvin Miller (Oklahoma State, 1976), fifth season at OSU Strength and Conditioning:
1997 Players to Watch
Alonzo Mayes, Tight End 6-5, 285, Senior Oklahoma City (Douglas)
Emerged as the best tight end in the Big 12 Conference last season and is a bonafide All American candidate ahead of the 1997 season. He gives Oklahoma State one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the country with great size, tremendous hands and outstanding blocking ability. He turned down an opportunity to pursue the NFL a year early to complete his eligibility at Oklahoma State. His numbers in 1996 were simply outstanding. In 10 games he caught 30 passes for 512 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 17.1 yards per reception and had a long gain of 53 yards. He had three games with 50 or more receiving yards, including a career-best 149 yards on six receptions against Missouri at Columbia. His 1996 efforts did not go unnoticed. He was consensus first team All-Big 12.
Mayes' Career Year Rec Yards TD APR 1994 1 15 1 15.0 1995 32 421 4 13.1 1996 30 512 3 17.1 Totals 63 948 8 15.0
Andre Richardson, Tailback 5-8, 190, Senior Dallas (Carter)
The 1994 Freshman of the Year in the Big Eight Conference has spent the last two seasons watching David Thompson rush for more than 3,000 yards. This season it is Richardson's turn to step into the spotlight at the tradition-rich tailback position at Oklahoma State. Despite playing a predominant backup role to Thompson the last two seasons, Richardson will go into the 1997 season needing just 74 yards to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark for his Oklahoma State career. Last season he played in all 11 regular season games and finished with 447 yards on 89 carries. He scored three touchdowns and averaged 5.0 yards per rush. He enjoyed his career-best performance last season against Iowa State when he rushed for 173 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns against the Cyclones.
Richardson's OSU Career Year Att Yards TD APR APG 1994 121 774 2 6.4 70.4 1995 115 705 4 6.1 64.1 1996 89 447 3 5.0 40.6 Totals 325 1926 9 5.9 58.3
R.W. McQuarters, Free Safety 6-0, 190, Junior Tulsa (Booker T. Washington)
One of the most talented and versatile athletes in the Big 12 Conference. He made his OSU debut in the season opener of the 1995 season by starting against eventual national champion Nebraska on national television. Two years later, he is ready for his junior season as one of the premier defensive backs in the country and possibly the most dangerous kick returner in the NCAA. Last season, he started the first seven games of the year before suffering a broken leg late in the Iowa State game on Lewis Field. That injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He is nearly 100 percent during spring drills and the '96 injury should be no factor in '97. Despite missing the last four games of the season a year ago, McQuarters was fourth on the team in total tackles (64) and the co-leader in interceptions with two. He has been all-conference after each of his first two collegiate seasons and has also lettered for Oklahoma State in basketball.
McQuarters' OSU Career Tackles Kickoff Returns Year UT-AT=Total Int No. Yards APR 1995 35-27=62 3 27 645 23.9 1996 32-32=64 2 15 331 22.1 Totals 67-59=126 5 42 976 23.2
Raymond Cato, Linebacker 6-2, 220, Sophomore (RS) Midwest City, Oklahoma
One of the rising young stars on the Cowboy defense. Cato came into his own a year ago by leading the Pokes in two defensive categories, including total tackles and tackles for loss. For the season, he registered 119 tackles, including 37 solo stops and 82 assists. Included in his unassisted tackles were 13 for minus 39 yards. In addition, he had two sacks for minus 18 yards, recovered one fumble, had one pass interception and three passes broken up. He was the subject of a position switch a year ago that has paid off. He moved from the secondary to linebacker ahead of spring drills a year ago and wound up starting all 11 games last year at that spot. He was an honorable mention All Big 12 selection last season and should be in line for even more honors in 1997.
Cato's OSU Career Year UT-AT=Total For Loss Sacks Int PBU FR 1996 37-82=119 13-39 2-18 1 3 1
Jason Davis, Punter 6-0, 215, Senior Kerrville, Texas
Preseason All-Big 12 candidate after equaling the fourth-best single-season punting effort in Oklahoma State history. The transfer from Blinn Junior College in Texas registered an average of 44.0 yards on 59 punts. That equaled Greg Ivy's 1995 average and tied him for fourth on the single-season list. That average was good enough for 18th in the NCAA but only fifth in the Big 12 Conference, which boasted six of the top 30 punters in the country and five with averages of 44 yards per boot or better.
Davis' OSU Career Year No. Yards Avg Long 1996 59 2598 44.0 82
Tim Sydnes, Kicker 6-2, 180, Sophomore Oklahoma City (Putnam City West)
In his initial season as Oklahoma State's kicker, he was second to only David Thompson is the scoring category with 63 total points. He missed only one extra point on the season (27 of 28) and was 12 of 19 in the field goal category with a long of 55 yards. Had three successful field goals in Lewis Field win over Tulsa and turned in two other multiple field goal games (Colorado and Texas A&M).
Sydnes' OSU Career Year PAT Field Goals Long Points 1996 27-28 12-19 55 63 Sydnes' Field Goal Breakdown FGM-FGA Pct. 1-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 59-99 12-19 .632 0-0 5-5 3-7 3-6 1-1
Kenyatta Wright, LB 6-2, 225, Sophomore Vian, Oklahoma
Another youngster who turned in an outstanding freshman season at OSU. He won a starting job at inside linebacker and started the last six games of the year. His seasons statistics were significant. He tied for second in total tackles with 72 and had four for minus yardage. He is certainly capable of turning in an all-star season in 1997.
Wright's OSU Career Year UT-AT=Total For Loss Sacks PBU FR 1996 11-61=72 4-12 1-6 3 2
Roster Dotted with Underclassmen Cowboys Eye Further Improvement With Young Talent
Senior Day ceremonies at Oklahoma State in 1997 won't last long. The Cowboys enter the 1997 season with just four seniors on the roster. In fact, of the 51 letters awarded last season, 25 went to first-time letterwinners and 17 of those were true or redshirt freshmen.
Translation: the rise in football fortunes at Oklahoma State will continue with a load of talented youngsters.
OSU does have four seniors and they are good ones. Topping the list is tight end Alonzo Mayes. The Oklahoma City Douglas product was the best in the Big 12 Conference last year and should be considered the best in the country ahead of the '97 season.
Another senior is tailback Andre Richardson who is eight yards shy of 2,000 career yards and he's spent three years as primarily a backup to David Thompson.
The other two seniors are Josh Henson and Calvin Menephee, both talented offensive linemen who have combined for 33 starts over the past three years.
While the Cowboys will enter 1997 with a definite lack of seniors, they will have one element that has been woefully short the last few years ... depth. OSU went through spring drills with 103 players on the practice field. Just a few years ago, the Pokes went through spring practices with half that number.
In all, OSU returns 37 lettermen and 17 starters. Nine of those returning starters are on offense while six are on defense and two are specialists.
There are question marks. Perhaps the biggest unanswered question going into the spring was at quarterback. Tone' Jones, a starter since his freshman season is gone. His replacement will come from a trio of contenders including junior college transfer Joe Phears, redshirt sophomore Chris Chaloupka and redshirt freshman Tony Lindsay.
Each quarterback candidate has strong points and each had his moments during the spring, but the battle for a top spot on the depth chart is likely to continue right into two-a-days.
Of the three quarterbacks, Chaloupka has the most experience, playing in six games last year, including a start against Texas Tech when Jones was sidelined.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys look stronger on the line, especially with the return of Jamal Williams who was the most effective lineman on the team two years ago. He regained his eligibility while attending Kemper Military Academy last season and will be a welcomed addition to the defense in 1997.
The linebacker corps appears to be in great shape ahead of two-a-days. Returning are Raymond Cato and Kenyatta Wright, who came into their own last year to form one of the youngest and most talented linebacking duos in the Big 12. They were one-two in tackles (Cato had 119 and Wright 72).
OSU must replace two starters in the secondary but the talent and depth is good there as well. Gone are Trent Fisher and Jitu Criddle. Back are Alvin Porter and J. B. Flowers, both of whom started at times last year and are promising young players. Also back is R.W. McQuarters who started 11 of 12 games as a freshman and seven of 11 a year ago before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final four games.
The kicking game is solid for 1997. Returning are punter Jason Davis, kicker Tim Sydnes and holder Tom Benson. Davis averaged 44 yards per kick a year ago in his first OSU season. His 1996 numbers were good enough for 18th in the NCAA but only fifth in the Big 12 Conference which boasted eight of the top 50 punters in the country and five who had averages of 44.0 yards per kick or better.
Sydnes was second on the team in scoring with 63 points. He was 27-of-28 on extra point tries and 12-of-19 in the field goal department. He is not without competition, however. Freshman Russell Schwettmann looked strong in the spring and could be a factor if he continues to practice well in the fall.
Oklahoma State's 1997 schedule will be a challenge. The Cowboys open with two straight away from Lewis Field. The August 30 opener at Iowa State will be followed with a game at Lafayette against Southwestern Louisiana which upset Texas A&M a year ago. OSU returns to Lewis Field to complete its non-conference schedule against Northeast Louisiana and Fresno State before jumping back into Big 12 play when Texas and Colorado visit Lewis Field on back-to-back weekends.
Important Dates
Spring Game April 19 2 p.m. Spring Practice Ends April 19 Bob Simmons Media Golf Day July 21 12 Noon Freshman Report August 4 All Day Season Opener August 30 TBA
1997 Spring Two-Deep
Offense Defense WR-- Willie Grissom (5-11, 190, So.) DE-- Brandon Ashley (6-5, 255, Jr.) Sean Love (5-11, 180, So.) Alton Weaver (6-5, 275, Jr.) Cameron White (6-3, 175, Fr.) Jermaine Birdow (6-4, 220, So.) LT-- David Camacho (6-8, 310, Jr.) DT-- Denshio Cook (6-4, 280, Fr.) Andrew Golembieski (6-5, 265, Fr.) Zac Akin (6-1, 225, Fr.) Kelly Klare (6-5, 315, Jr.) Stephen Cager (6-1, 240, So.) LG-- Josh Henson (6-2, 250, Jr.) DT-- Cortney Mallory (6-3, 255, Fr.) Blaine Cook (6-4, 255, Fr.) Jamal Williams (6-3, 255, Jr.) Chris Lewis (6-5, 260, So.) Kerry Linnear (6-5, 255, So.) OC-- Reynell Lavigne (6-1, 270, Fr.) DE-- Andrel Waddle (6-2, 225, So.) Josh Henson (6-2, 250, Jr.) Taber LeBlanc (6-3, 235, So.) Josh Lind (6-7, 250, Fr.) Eric Stevenson (6-3, 235, Fr.) RG-- Adam Davis (6-6, 240, Fr.) LB-- Tarrell Knauls (6-3, 230, So.) George Arceo (6-5, 295, Jr.) Justin Thomas (6-3, 220, Fr.) Eric Jackson (6-5, 265, Fr.) Jack Golden (6-3, 230, So.) RT-- Jeremy Offutt (6-5, 260, So.) LB-- Kenyatta Wright (6-2, 225, Fr.) Kevin Kemp (6-6, 300, Fr.) Billy Stone (6-1, 230, So.) Tim Adams (6-8, 325, Fr.) Cortney Mallory (6-3, 255, Fr.) TE-- Alonzo Mayes (6-6, 265, Jr.) LB-- Raymond Cato (6-1, 220, So.) Greg Brown (6-2, 230, So. Josh Green (6-0, 220, So.) Garrett Steggs (6-3, 200, So.) Clint Metcalf (6-3, 220, So.) WR-- Terrance Richardson (5-10, 190, So.) CB-- Alvin Porter (6-0, 180, Fr.) Tank Coleman (5-9, 170, Fr.) Maurice Simpson (6-0, 190, Fr.) Duante Hill (5-9, 190, Jr.) Evan Howell (6-0, 180, Fr.) QB-- Chris Chaloupka (6-3, 195, Fr.) FS-- R.W. McQuarters (5-11, 190, So.) Joe Phears (6-2, 200, Jr.) Chris Thompson (6-3, 195, So.) Tony Lindsay (6-2, 190, Fr.) Richard Escalera (6-0, 180, So.) TB-- Andre Richardson (5-9, 190, Jr.) SS-- Chris Carter (6-3, 190, Fr.) Nathan Simmons (5-10, 190, Fr.) Adam Edwards (6-2, 200, Fr.) Jamaal Fobbs (5-11, 180, Fr.) Bryce Binyon (5-11, 180, Fr.) Justin Matthews (5-11, 190, Fr.) CB-- J.B. Flowers (6-2, 190, Fr.) FB-- Brian Aikins (6-1, 245, So.) Kevin Williams (6-0, 186, Sr.) Kevin Brown (6-2, 240, Fr.) Terrance Vaughn (5-7, 160, Fr.) Jeremy Halferty (6-2, 200, Fr.) Specialists P -- Jason Davis (6-0, 215, Jr.) KR-- R.W. McQuarters (5-11, 190, So.) Russell Schwettman (6-0, 190, Fr.) Andre Richardson (5-9, 190, Jr.) Nathan Simmons (5-10, 190, Fr.) K -- Tim Syndes (6-2, 180, Fr.) Tank Coleman (5-9, 170, Fr.) Seth Condley (6-0, 200, Fr.) S -- Thomas Benson (6-1, 205, Fr.) Bryce Binyon (5-11, 180, Fr.)
