Oklahoma State University Athletics
Spring Preview: Special Teams
April 14, 2015 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Junior Ben Grogan headlines Oklahoma State's group of specialists, but he is not the only returning starter in this area. Sophomore Kaleb Smith, who handled snaps on placements, is back, as is senior Josh Elias, who snaps on punts. The only specialist not returning from a year ago is punter/kickoff man Kip Smith.
Grogan was perhaps the most improved player on the OSU roster from 2013 to 2014 and he was recognized as one of 20 national semifinalists for the Lou Groza Award presented to the nation's top kicker. Though he started the season by missing three of his first five field goal attempts, he made 20 of his last 23, highlighted by a game-winning 21-yarder in overtime to lift OSU to victory over Oklahoma in Norman. His 22 field goals made in 2014 is the third-best single-season mark in school history.
Candidates to replace Smith include redshirt freshman Zach Sinor and walk-on Matt Hockett, neither of whom have seen game action to this point of their careers. Sinor was generally regarded as the top punter coming out of the state of Texas after his senior year at Medina Valley HS. Hockett was an all-state selection by The Oklahoman and the coaches at Norman HS.
The Bottom Line
With Ben Grogan, Josh Elias and Kaleb Smith in place, the Cowboys are set at kicker and snapper. Areas to fill during the offseason include punter, kickoff specialist and holder.
