Oklahoma State University Athletics
Loyal and True: Steven Sumpter
February 21, 2014 | Cowboy Football
Feb. 21, 2014
STILLWATER, Okla. – Okstate.com's “Loyal and True” is a feature that details the stories of walk-on players and other key contributors to the Oklahoma State football program who embody what it means to be a Cowboy. The first story features an interview with Edmond, Okla., native Steven Sumpter. His comments:
Steven Sumpter
On his decision to walk on at OSU
“When I was at Missouri Southern, the head coach that was originally there got fired. They brought in a new offensive coordinator and I was playing running back at the time. We just weren't seeing eye to eye on the offense. I just wanted to experience football at the Division I level. That was really my whole decision. My mom went to OSU and I just really wanted to graduate from OSU. I've always wanted to be a Cowboy and play for Coach Gundy.”
On growing up as a fan of OSU
“Growing up, I was definitely a fan of OSU. During the Bedlam games I would always choose OSU over OU.”
On the walk-on process at OSU
“It was kind of like the NFL Combine. They made you do height and weight, your vertical, bench press and 40-yard dash, simple as that. Then they just went off your measurements and took who they wanted.”
On what life is like as a walk-on
“It's definitely not easy. You're contending with guys that they have money invested in. They don't really have money invested in the walk-ons. They're going to play a scholarship player over a walk-on, but if you play your butt off, anything can happen.”
On what it meant to him when he earned his scholarship this year
“It was so much weight off my shoulders. I felt relieved. I felt happy. I was anxious before I got it. Words can't express how you feel when you earn something like that of that magnitude.”
On how he found out he earned a scholarship
“I kind of knew. Last semester, my athletic advisor told me that I would be at the top of the list to get one. I had been travelling all season during the Big 12 games and getting some playing time on special teams. They told me if I kept my grades and kept working hard, then I'd be one of the first guys to get it.”
On the first person he told
“My parents. They were pretty excited. They're still excited.”
