Oklahoma State University Athletics
OSU Football Preview
August 29, 2011 | Cowboy Football
Aug. 29, 2011
It turns out Mike Gundy has a pretty good grasp of his program.
The Cowboy head coach was one of the lone positive voices trumpeting Oklahoma State football last fall. Amid predictions of doom and gloom, the former OSU quarterback calmly stated that some young players in the program could show up quicker than (outsiders) expected. He was also a believer in the "success fosters success" theory. Gundy hypothesized that 18 wins during the 2008 and 2009 seasons had raised expectations within the program and that the 2010 team simply expected to win, regardless of experience.
And, as it turned out, Gundy also had a better grasp of Oklahoma State's recruiting efforts than the numerous, really numerous, doubters.
A year ago, Oklahoma State was void of virtually any experience. New faces up front on both sides of the ball, at quarterback and in the secondary, were replacing the proven and departed stars. Dez Bryant had taken his talents to the Dallas Cowboys and running back Kendall Hunter was coming off a season that saw him rush for less than 400 yards in 2009. Russell Okung was the sixth-overall pick in the NFL Draft, a unanimous All-American and the most decorated offensive lineman in school history.
Despite the seemingly endless flow of negative forecasts, Oklahoma State elected to play the season anyway. And 2010 turned out to be historic.
OSU reached 11 wins for the first time ever, earned a share of the Big 12 South for the first time ever, went undefeated on the road for the first time since World War II, set a school record with nine first-team all-conference selections, had three All-Americans, two national award winners and earned two Big 12 player of the year awards. OSU also finished in the top 10 for the first time since 1984.
That's a pretty classic example of young players showing up quicker than expected.
"We knew coming out of spring ball we could be better than people thought," Gundy said. "But who could blame anyone for picking us low? We had lost some great players - people who had been around our program for a long time."
The new motto around the Oklahoma State campus is that 2010 is history. It's a great piece of history, but it is over and 2011 is on the horizon with a challenging schedule and suddenly sky-high expectations. OSU had never been in an Associated Press preseason top 10 prior to 2009. And it would now appear the school has a chance to accomplish that feat for the second time in three years.
Success is fostering success.
"We are used to winning," Gundy said. "This year's senior class has never won less than nine games in a season. But we also know each year has its own challenges. Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon won't be a surprise to anyone this year. And we are replacing some very productive players on defense.
"Like always, we have a lot of work to do."
Offense
Four inexperienced offensive linemen, a new go-to receiver and a 27-year-old quarterback were all it took to produce one of the nation's top offenses and one of the best attacks in OSU history during the 2010 season.
OSU may have had the nation's best skilled players in the country in 2010 with an All-America running back, a Biletnikoff Award-winner at receiver, an All-Big 12 fullback and an All-Big 12 quarterback. The running backs are gone, but talent is in the wings and OSU figures to once again be among NCAA leaders when it comes to points and yards.
Todd Monken is in second tour with OSU, and his first year as offensive coordinator of the Cowboys. But the transition appeared seamless in the spring with OSU's nine returning starters on offense.
Quarterback
Brandon Weeden was voted as the All-Big 12 first-team quarterback last year by the coaches and the media. It was one of those in-season storylines that makes preseason predictions obsolete almost immediately. His maturity offset his inexperience at the collegiate level and his progression throughout the season was evident to all. The big-armed former professional baseball player was an immediate team leader and the trigger man in Oklahoma State's new attack.
Weeden enters 2011 as one of America's top quarterbacks. He has already filed away a load of school records after just one year as a starter. Behind him are redshirt sophomore Clint Chelf and true sophomore Johnny Deaton, along with true freshman J.W. Walsh. Chelf appeared to be a clear No. 2 after spring drills as he has continued to make dramatic improvements since arriving on campus. Deaton and Walsh have the skill set but are still overcoming their relative lack of time on campus.
The Bottom Line
Weeden enters the season as a marquee name in college football and could leave Oklahoma State as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in school history. Behind him OSU has talent, but with that "lack of experience" tag hanging over the trio.
Running Back
This position should be interesting in a fun way. The Cowboys are trying to absorb the loss of two-time All-American Kendall Hunter. He left Stillwater for the San Francisco 49ers as the fourth-leading rusher in school history. In his place, OSU will offer up a pair of sophomores in Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith.
Randle made a splash in 2010 from the moment he first stepped on the practice field. He became an effective runner and receiver as a rookie and displayed big-play potential as Hunter's backup. Smith is a hard-hitting back who distributes as much punishment as he takes. By the end of 2010 his per-game load was increasing, despite the presence of Hunter and Randle.
The two sophomores offer up a terrific 1-2 punch. And while it remains to be seen if OSU's keeps alive its streak of 1,000-yard rushers (four years running), the yards from scrimmage from that position are likely to remain steady.
Gundy likes to operate with at least three running backs ready to roll and the wild card in 2011 is true freshman Herschel Sims. The heavily-decorated Abilene, Texas, product will certainly have his chance to make a contribution this fall.
The fullback position doesn't show up much in the stats column at OSU, but departed senior Bryant Ward was a two-time All-Big 12 performer and special teams standout. Looking to fill his slot will be junior David Paulsen, who tops the depth chart entering camp. He is a Georgian who has lined up at several positions at OSU but fits the mold of OSU's previous blocking backs.
The Bottom Line
OSU looks set at running back with the return of Randle and Smith. Freshman Sims will get a look in fall camp as well. Like seemingly always, the running back position is in great shape at Oklahoma State.
Receiver
A year ago this group was considered an unknown - one of the biggest question marks on the roster. This fall, with practically the same cast of characters, the OSU receiving corps is considered one of the best in the country. OSU's four starters have 305 career receptions, and each has shown big-play ability.
Outside Receivers
Hubert Anyiam and Justin Blackmon hold down the two outside positions. Anyiam was the leader of the 2009 receiving corps with 42 receptions. His 2010 season started and ended with injury issues but there is no questioning his talent level when healthy. His backup, entering camp, is Isaiah Anderson. Anderson is in the conversation when it comes to talk of the fastest Cowboy on the roster.
Across the way is Blackmon. His story and productivity are well-documented. In the era of early defections to the NFL, it is rare when a school can return a starter that has already been named the best in America at his position, but Blackmon fits the bill. Sophomore Michael Harrison is already proving to be a capable backup with several big (and important) plays to his credit.
Inside Receiver
OSU is set here as well. Rising senior Josh Cooper is coming off his best season as a Cowboy, and he will end his career among OSU's all-time leading receivers. Cooper had 68 catches as a junior. In the mix to serve as his backup are senior Colton Chelf and true freshman David Glidden. The brother of Clint Chelf, Colton made his first real contributions to the squad in 2010, and he could be headed toward bigger things as a senior. Glidden followed in Cooper's footsteps at Mustang HS has already spent his prep career being compared to Cooper.
Tracy Moore is a physical receiver with excellent hands and now plenty of experience and is listed as the starter at the other inside spot. He is backed up by a pair of veterans in junior Justin Horton and sophomore Charlie Moore.
The Bottom Line
OSU looks experienced and talented across the board at receiver, and with an offense that likes to spread the wealth, any of the Cowboys are capable of putting together eyebrow-raising seasons.
Offensive Line
The offensive line at Oklahoma State could serve as a snapshot into the program itself. Based on the number of returning starts in 2010 (12), OSU looked to be heading for a rebuilding year. But the talent that was plugged into the vacated openings helped OSU reach nearly unprecedented offensive heights. And in 2011, five starters return and OSU may have its best depth chart in the offensive line since Gundy took over the program.
Left Tackle
Despite five returning starters, there could be a position battle here as talented newcomer Michael Bowie and returning starter Nick Martinez split duties during the spring. Martinez started every game last season and fought through a late-season injury to finish a very productive junior season. Bowie arrived from junior college and looks to have physical tools that few can match.
Left Guard
OSU coaches were hoping to see Jonathan Rush as a starter in 2009 but a late summer injury shelved those plans. In 2010, he became a starter and was a physical, mobile presence up front. Brandon Webb is the backup. He is a talented underclassman that figures to become a starter at some point in his career.
Center
Grant Garner was a key cog for OSU in 2010. A first-time starter with very little playing experience, he came through in a big way and enters 2011 on the Rimington Award watch list. Garner, who has already earned his degree, is an intelligent player and was one of OSU's top linemen down the stretch. Casey LaBrue, an Enid native by way of Missouri State University, is listed as the backup entering fall camp.
Right Guard
Lane Taylor was his steady self in 2010. He was OSU's lone returning starter entering the season, and he now leads OSU with 24 career starts. Taylor's backup entering 2011 is talented and physical redshirt freshman Gerron Anthony. Junior Evan Epstein could also factor in at this spot.
Right Tackle
Levy Adcock was another big storyline in 2010. After seeing only special teams duty as a sophomore, he burst on the scene last fall and earned All-Big 12 first-team honors and was a candidate for Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year. Adcock has the size and athleticism to match most any outside pass rusher he might face. He figures to be a national honors candidate this season. Redshirt sophomore Parker Graham and redshirt freshman Daniel Koenig will battle it out for backup duties.
The Bottom Line
Oklahoma State returns all five starters from one of America's most productive offensive lines. On top of that, quality backups are waiting in the wings.
Defense
The work of defensive coordinator Bill Young has been critical to OSU's climb over the last two seasons. His teams have shown improvement statistically, and the Cowboys have been among America's best in the takeaways.
His task this season will be replacing two All-Big 12 selections and the interior of the defense.
Defensive End
Last season, Jamie Blatnick and Richetti Jones were part-time starters sharing the same position. This fall, they are both listed as starters on opposite ends of the defensive front. The duo provides OSU with some much-needed experience along the defensive wall. OSU lost three-year starter Ugo Chinasa from 2010 and with Blatnick and Jones splitting the field, the battle figures to be for the backup roles.
Athletic Cooper Bassett, the converted tight end, looks to be settled in at one DE spot behind Jones. The other backup could be hard-working junior college transfer Ryan Robinson. He is yet another Georgian on the Cowboy two-deep.
The Bottom Line
OSU looks to be set with its starters. Development of the rest of the depth chart will be a key development during fall camp.
Defensive Tackle
Gone are two starters in the middle of the OSU defense as seniors Shane Jarka and Chris Donaldson held down those spots last fall. These battles will be critical for Oklahoma State when camp opens. Junior Nigel Nicholas is a favorite to win a spot. He is a converted defensive end and is athletic with two years of backup experience. Redshirt freshman Christian Littlehead and sophomore Anthony Rogers may battle for the other starting spot. OSU has a big crop of tackles joining the roster and help from the true freshman class is a possibility. The coaches will also keep an eye on Maurice Hayes. The junior college transfer arrived in Stillwater in January, and he could be a factor as well. Redshirt freshman Diamonte Wheeler will also get his shot.
The Bottom Line
The tackle positions pose the biggest question mark for OSU entering the fall. The sheer numbers of candidates are up and Nicholas has a chance to be very effective, but some new faces will need to come through as well.
Outside Linebacker
On the strong side, OSU returns a rising star in Shaun Lewis. The freshman All-American is a proven playmaker with a nose for the ball. He was already taking on a leadership role in December as OSU prepared for the Valero Alamo Bowl. Behind Lewis is James Thomas, a veteran and part-time starter who has improved throughout his career.
OSU must replace departed senior Justin Gent across the field, and this position battle wasn't settled in the spring. Sophomore Joe Mitchell is the leading candidate among returners to fill that slot, but it would not be a surprise to see athletic junior college transfer Alex Elkins or freshman Kris Catlin logging substantial playing time during the fall.
The Bottom Line
Lewis and Thomas have one side of the linebacker corps under control. At the end of spring, the weak side was still up for grabs, and it will be a crucial development during camp. Justin Gent was never a star, but as a fifth-year senior starter, he was a very productive member of the OSU defense.
Middle Linebacker
In the heart of the OSU defense, the Cowboys must replace departed All-Big 12 `backer Orie Lemon. The candidates are true sophomores Caleb Lavey, Tyler Johnson and LeRon Furr. Each player has his own strengths, but none had taken total control of the position at the end of spring. It remains to be seen if Lemon will be replaced by a committee or if the learning curve for one of the candidates suddenly accelerates.
The Bottom Line
A case could be made that this is the one position battle to keep an eye on in the fall. Lemon was the team leader a year ago as well as the team's top tackler. His replacement will be critical to OSU's 2011 success.
Cornerback
Oklahoma State looks to be in good shape here, despite the loss of All-Big 12 corner Andrew McGee. Brodrick Brown had a steady 2010 in his first year as a starter, and he returns at one corner. His backup is sophomore Devin Hedgepeth, who performed well last year as a true freshman backup.
The ultra-athletic Justin Gilbert looks to be slated for McGee's vacated starting position. Gilbert had a strong true freshman season and in the spring he appeared to have taken his defensive game to a new level. He was one of America's top kick returners in 2010.
Third-year man Andrae May enters fall camp listed as Gilbert's back-up.
The Bottom Line
Corner looks to be a position of strength with athleticism, quality depth and experience all in the mix for the Cowboys.
Free Safety
One of the more athletic positions on the field for OSU is free safety. Senior Johnny Thomas became a starter last season, and he blossomed into a defensive standout. His backup is Daytawion Lowe, a headline recruit who sat out 2010 with injury. The sophomore could be a big contributor this season. Sophomore Deion Imade contributes to the Cowboys' depth here.
The Bottom Line
Consider this position a strength with a returning starter and quality backups.
Strong Safety
Another OSU pillar in 2011 figures to be senior strong safety Markelle Martin. He will be a three-year starter and a national honors candidate. He is the complete package in the secondary. True sophomores Lavocheya Cooper and Zack Craig are waiting in the wings. Both saw action last season, primarily on special teams.
The Bottom Line
Another position of quality for OSU with a proven starter and young athletic backups waiting their turn.
Special Teams
OSU returns an absolute weapon in All-America punter Quinn Sharp. He set a school record last year in average, and he also led the nation in touchbacks on kickoffs. Holder Wes Harlan returns, as does deep snapper Andrew Suter and both of OSU's top return men in Justin Gilbert (kickoffs) and Josh Cooper (punts) are back.
OSU must replace Lou Groza Award winner and all-time leading scorer in placekicker Dan Bailey. The candidates include Sharp, walk-on Bobby Stonebraker and incoming scholarship freshman Matt Green.
The Bottom Line
OSU's special teams have been a strength for seemingly years. If OSU can find a quality replacement for Dan Bailey, 2011 could be special even by OSU's lofty standards.
