Oklahoma State University Athletics
Hamilton Carries Torch for Past and Present
April 13, 2006 | Cowboy Football
Oklahoma State's tradition of excellence at the tailback position has been well known over the past few decades. That tradition has been carried on recently by the likes of Tatum Bell and Vernand Morency. The Pokes now have a young, talented sophomore who appears ready to receive the torch from legends of the past.
The numbers read like a video game and the stories are revered by proud alumni and students alike. Cowboy running backs have run through defenses for years and Mike Hamilton looks to continue that tradition for the next few seasons.
Mike had one of the best seasons a freshman running back has ever had at OSU, but he knows his place in Cowboy football history will be determined by the upcoming years.
“I feel like I'm in a good position right now. Still I have to get better because you look at those guys [former OSU running backs] and they got better and they were the best at it, so that's what I'm trying to do.”
Hamilton is as humble as he is talented. He credits much of his success and headiness to his family whom he speaks to regularly. Recently he was asked who the most influential people in his life have been since college started.
“I would have to say my brother and my dad. They call me every day and tell me to keep my head up and what to work on.”
A year ago, Hamilton set the single season record for yards by a freshman with 991. This also ranks as the 18th best all-time season for a running back at a school well-known for its strong tradition of backs.
But things have not always looked so positive for the Cowboys sophomore sensation. Coming out of high school he struggled to keep himself eligible for the college ranks. Nevertheless he is thankful that the Pokes stuck with him.
“Oklahoma State, they were recruiting me real hard. Even when my grades got bad they were still after me. I came up here and I liked it on my visit and that's what helped me make my decision to come up here.”
OSU Head Coach Mike Gundy is pleased with Hamilton's progress but he has high expectations for his star back when the Cowboys open in September.
“I've said this and I'll say it again. He's continued to just be steady, he's durable, he plays hard, and he makes plays. The thing that he's done well this spring is he's taken care of the football. So he'll get to carry some of the load, and if he stays healthy and makes plays he'll get a lot more”
Hamilton knows that his first year in a Cowboy uniform was not perfect and he has worked hard to improve some of his weaknesses. He was asked what part of his game needs the most work.
“Probably pass blocking, cutting and picking up linebackers. I think that's what I need to work on most.”
He is also aware where his strengths as a running back lie. He can run away from people, as noted by his 83-yard scamper vs. Texas Tech last fall. Yet his power and strength are what separate him from the rest.
“I'm bigger than most running backs and that helps me.”
He has overcome a lot to be so successful in such a short amount of time. But as the Cowboys break out of a spring practice yelling Big 12 champs, Mike Hamilton walks away knowing he has already accomplished much and there is much, much more to achieve.
Wednesday Practice Report
Oklahoma State completed its 11th spring workout Wednesday afternoon on the grass practice fields. The Cowboys worked for nearly 2 1/2 hours in full pads on a sun-drenched and nearly windless afternoon.
“The defense really played better today. They did a good job on the pass rush,” head coach Mike Gundy commented.
The Cowboys return to the practice field Friday afternoon for a workout that will also consist of a 50-play scrimmage. OSU's final week of spring workouts begins next Monday and concludes on Saturday, April 22 with the annual Spring Game.
“We still have a long ways to go, but we are a more mature team. One thing that has helped our team out is that we are in good physical condition,” Gundy added.
The Spring Game is scheduled to kickoff at 5 p.m. on April 22 in Boone Pickens Stadium.
