Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowboy Offense Has Media Day on Wednesday
December 29, 2021 | Cowboy Football
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The ninth-ranked Oklahoma State football team continued its stay in the Scottsdale and Phoenix area ahead of Saturday's PlayStation Fiesta Bowl.
The Cowboys had a lighter, special teams practice on Wednesday afternoon after two consecutive days of full practices. Tonight, the team will head to TopGolf for a fun night in Scottsdale after spending a few hours at Octane Raceway racing go-karts on Tuesday.
Earlier today, members of the Oklahoma State offense met with the media via Zoom. Here is some of what offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and the OSU offense had to say:
Offensive Coordinator Kasey Dunn
Opening statement:
"This is a great bowl and we're excited to be here. You know, we had that battle against Baylor in the Big 12 Championship game. To settle into this bowl is an honor and we're excited and ready to get going for Notre Dame."
On getting Jaylen Warren back:
"There is no question he's been our go-to guy all year long. To have him back and available for this game, so we think, that's going to make a difference. The kid's a great player and he's a spark plug for our offense. The kids love him and rally around him, so it's a difference maker for sure."
On Notre Dame's safeties and defense:
"They're sound all the way across the board, not just the safeties. I'm talking about their defense as a group. They run to the ball, play hard and are an aggressive defense. They do a lot of things in the back end that make it hard for a quarterback. We have our hands full with this group for sure. This is one of the better defenses we've seen without question. The safeties do a great job, they really do. They sit and know where they're supposed to be, and like I said they run to the ball. We have to make sure we're on point too because this will be one heck of a challenge."
On what he is looking for from Spencer Sanders:
That's a really good question. The thing we need from him, and it's always been this way, is just to manage the game. Having Jaylen [Warren], at least I think, available for the game is going to make a difference. He's a hell of a player and to be able to just get him the football and get him running will make a difference for us. So I think it just comes back to Spencer, again, managing the game and making good decisions with the football. If he doesn't like the throw, not to force it. just run it, because he's a talented runner as well. If he just pulls it down and takes off running, they are going to have a hard time tackling the guy. Everybody does. He just has got to believe in his ability to do that. So, again, just managing for him. I think that's the deal.
Quarterback Spencer Sanders
On his overall performance this season:
"I think it was kind of like a rollercoaster. I had some bad games and some good games, but we played together as a team and we had a great season overall. Personally, I'm never proud. I can always get better, always succeed and excel in my game, so I just want to keep getting better. We fought hard together as a team, that's why we won."
On Joe Michalski filling in for Danny Godlevske:
"He's grown incredibly. He's taken the steps of not an easy job. That's being the center, that's id's, that's making the calls, all that kind of stuff. It's not an easy job. As we've seen, he's done a pretty good job. I'm proud of every snap he has played. He plays his tail off and plays at 110% every time."
On playing Notre Dame:
"It'll be exciting. I think it'll be one for the books. As you said, we haven't played them yet, so it will get that conversation started. Honestly, it's just two great teams playing in a wonderful bowl in a wonderful place, so it'll be a lot of fun. It's Notre Dame. That's just a lot of excitement. That's what you hear across the whole U.S., it's not just a small town college people don't know about. When you say Notre Dame, everybody knows Notre Dame. Playing a team like that is exciting and is an experience."
On the Notre Dame defense:
"It's a good all-around team. They're big up front. They have some size outside and over the top. I'm sad to hear (Kyle Hamilton) isn't playing. I think he's a very talented player, but they have some other cats too. They're definitely some good players. It's like every other team, some people have certain coverages they run in certain situations. I can't spill all that before the game, but playing a different team you see the different style of defense. It's interesting to me because I've played Miami and that was the only team outside of the Big 12 besides preseason, but we mostly play the same preseason schedule, so it's cool and neat to see a new defense like Notre Dame. They're very big on discipline and doing their job. I think we'll see man and a little bit of zone. They got a good front, so it will definitely be a competition for us and a good battle."
Offensive Lineman Josh Sills
On not dwelling on past losses:
"I wouldn't say it's something you kind of get over, it's something you look past. We have a new week, a new opportunity. We have a great challenge in front of us with Notre Dame. With playing such quality opponents you can't dwell in the misery, or dwell in the past. If we did that, we could very well do that again against Notre Dame. You just have to move on from it, learn from it, watch the film from it and come back to practice, work hard and get better, and that's what we've done."
On the offensive line play this season:
"I think the biggest thing is I'm proud of everyone for coming to work every day and they work hard. Coach Dickey really challenged us this year. I think we kind of rose to that challenge. We started off the year a little rocky, but toward the end of the year, I think we ended up being one of the best O-lines in the Big 12. I think we ended first or second in rushing and that kind of thing. I think that speaks volumes of everyone on the offensive line just coming to work, rising to the challenge of Coach Dickey every week. I'm super thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of a group as close as we are and have someone like Coach Dickey to coach us. It's been a fun year and I'm looking forward to going out on top Saturday."
On what makes the team rally around Jaylen Warren:
"I think the way that he works. He works super hard. Like coach Dunn said, you never see a play where he loafs, or see anyone get on him. I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is Sunday workouts for us after the fourth or fifth game became optional for lifting and running. I don't think he missed one until he got banged up. I think a lot of guys took attention to that. Just his willingness, he never quits."
Running Back Jaylen Warren
On his role as a leader on this team:
"I would say I lead by example. I have had a couple guys come up to me and ask what runs through my head while I practice or when I am running? Really I just play for my family and knowing I've been doubted my whole life, as far as being able to play the running back position at the collegiate level. I don't do much talking, I just play and people feed off that."
On what went into his decision to play in the bowl game:
"I think missing the last game kind of sealed my decision. I would play with these boys if we had five more games, I just like playing with them. The brotherhood we've created kind of sticks out for me, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep playing with them. Like this last week of practice has kind of been sad knowing it's my last week of practice with them."
On not missing optional workouts:
"Just because I guess those 30 carries, yeah it could contribute to a win, but I feel like those get me started for the week. I didn't earn anything to take off of a workout, so I go."
On reflecting on the season and his injury:
"My dad brings that up to me a lot about this season. I guess sometimes people see my success bigger, especially this season bigger than how I see it. When people bring that up, I think it's pretty cool me coming in doing that. No one would've expected that. It's a pretty cool thing to think about. My injury in the Big 12 game was my ankle."
Wide Receiver Brennan Presley
On his relationship with Tay Martin:
It's really good. Tay be funny. He funny all the time. We joke around. We have fun. He makes practice fun for all of us. He brings that leadership. He can give us experience and advice like, Hey, this might not work in a game; this might not work in a game. So just having that. And even the stuff off the field, like being here and being able to go out and, of course, being safe, but having fun and stuff like that, he can offer advice, like, I don't think you want to do this; I don't think you want to do that. So having that extra big-brother mentality with us on the field and off the field.
On a young receiver who could have a breakout bowl game:
Jaden Bray. Jaden Bray and John Paul Richardson and Bryson Green. All three of them have had great bowl prep. They are just working their games, come in clean. They are taking this really as a chance -- like, what I did last year, as a chance to get in that game against a great team in Notre Dame and just show what they have. I think they are taking this approach very seriously, and I think they are going to be great in the game.
On the strengths of the offense:
"I think one of the things is our toughness and our personality with the way we approach the game. Anybody can have a game plan until they get hit. Even early on in the season when we came out and had close games, we didn't fold, we didn't waver, we didn't do any of that. Our toughness prevailed whether we are running the ball or airing it out or making a play on special teams, our toughness shows and that starts with the work we do in the winter, spring and summer."
On facing the Notre Dame defense:
"From a receiver standpoint it's mono e mono most of the time. It's win your one on ones. If Spencer is getting pressured, then you have to get open quick to give him an outlet. We have to play tough. They are big and physical. We're going to have to take some hits and get back up. Everyone will have to be on the same page and be smart and discipline to beat these guys. They are top five in the nation for a reason, they won't come out and lay down. We've been practicing for about a month for this so going into the game we have probably practiced every single play we could run, so as long as we get out there and don't make mistakes and do our assignments, then we should be fine."
Wide Receiver Tay Martin
On what stands out about the wide receiver unit:
"The comradery we had as a whole. We were together most of the time so we built connections that we are going to have down the road. Having guys that you can depend on like that is going to translate on and off the field. We're confident in each other and it definitely showed on Saturdays. I am grateful to build those relationships with the guys."
On Jaylen Warren:
"He made a great transfer coming in. You can imagine coming in for a short period of time and trying to learn the plays and get along with everybody and get to know them can be tough. He did a great job coming in, keeping his head down, working and doing what he had to do. Having a guy like that is super beneficial for the whole team and it showed this year. I am very grateful to play with him as well."
On coming back for his final season:
"It meant the most to me. I was able to watch a couple of guys last year like Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner move on and do some great things. Last season wasn't a bummer or anything because I was able to pick up some pro habits and translate it to this year. It definitely was a great year for my last season. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to be coaches by (Kasey Dunn) and the other guys here with me. I'm excited for what's to come and I'm grateful I had this last season with these guys."
The Cowboys had a lighter, special teams practice on Wednesday afternoon after two consecutive days of full practices. Tonight, the team will head to TopGolf for a fun night in Scottsdale after spending a few hours at Octane Raceway racing go-karts on Tuesday.
Earlier today, members of the Oklahoma State offense met with the media via Zoom. Here is some of what offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn and the OSU offense had to say:
Offensive Coordinator Kasey Dunn
Opening statement:
"This is a great bowl and we're excited to be here. You know, we had that battle against Baylor in the Big 12 Championship game. To settle into this bowl is an honor and we're excited and ready to get going for Notre Dame."
On getting Jaylen Warren back:
"There is no question he's been our go-to guy all year long. To have him back and available for this game, so we think, that's going to make a difference. The kid's a great player and he's a spark plug for our offense. The kids love him and rally around him, so it's a difference maker for sure."
On Notre Dame's safeties and defense:
"They're sound all the way across the board, not just the safeties. I'm talking about their defense as a group. They run to the ball, play hard and are an aggressive defense. They do a lot of things in the back end that make it hard for a quarterback. We have our hands full with this group for sure. This is one of the better defenses we've seen without question. The safeties do a great job, they really do. They sit and know where they're supposed to be, and like I said they run to the ball. We have to make sure we're on point too because this will be one heck of a challenge."
On what he is looking for from Spencer Sanders:
That's a really good question. The thing we need from him, and it's always been this way, is just to manage the game. Having Jaylen [Warren], at least I think, available for the game is going to make a difference. He's a hell of a player and to be able to just get him the football and get him running will make a difference for us. So I think it just comes back to Spencer, again, managing the game and making good decisions with the football. If he doesn't like the throw, not to force it. just run it, because he's a talented runner as well. If he just pulls it down and takes off running, they are going to have a hard time tackling the guy. Everybody does. He just has got to believe in his ability to do that. So, again, just managing for him. I think that's the deal.
Quarterback Spencer Sanders
On his overall performance this season:
"I think it was kind of like a rollercoaster. I had some bad games and some good games, but we played together as a team and we had a great season overall. Personally, I'm never proud. I can always get better, always succeed and excel in my game, so I just want to keep getting better. We fought hard together as a team, that's why we won."
On Joe Michalski filling in for Danny Godlevske:
"He's grown incredibly. He's taken the steps of not an easy job. That's being the center, that's id's, that's making the calls, all that kind of stuff. It's not an easy job. As we've seen, he's done a pretty good job. I'm proud of every snap he has played. He plays his tail off and plays at 110% every time."
On playing Notre Dame:
"It'll be exciting. I think it'll be one for the books. As you said, we haven't played them yet, so it will get that conversation started. Honestly, it's just two great teams playing in a wonderful bowl in a wonderful place, so it'll be a lot of fun. It's Notre Dame. That's just a lot of excitement. That's what you hear across the whole U.S., it's not just a small town college people don't know about. When you say Notre Dame, everybody knows Notre Dame. Playing a team like that is exciting and is an experience."
On the Notre Dame defense:
"It's a good all-around team. They're big up front. They have some size outside and over the top. I'm sad to hear (Kyle Hamilton) isn't playing. I think he's a very talented player, but they have some other cats too. They're definitely some good players. It's like every other team, some people have certain coverages they run in certain situations. I can't spill all that before the game, but playing a different team you see the different style of defense. It's interesting to me because I've played Miami and that was the only team outside of the Big 12 besides preseason, but we mostly play the same preseason schedule, so it's cool and neat to see a new defense like Notre Dame. They're very big on discipline and doing their job. I think we'll see man and a little bit of zone. They got a good front, so it will definitely be a competition for us and a good battle."
Offensive Lineman Josh Sills
On not dwelling on past losses:
"I wouldn't say it's something you kind of get over, it's something you look past. We have a new week, a new opportunity. We have a great challenge in front of us with Notre Dame. With playing such quality opponents you can't dwell in the misery, or dwell in the past. If we did that, we could very well do that again against Notre Dame. You just have to move on from it, learn from it, watch the film from it and come back to practice, work hard and get better, and that's what we've done."
On the offensive line play this season:
"I think the biggest thing is I'm proud of everyone for coming to work every day and they work hard. Coach Dickey really challenged us this year. I think we kind of rose to that challenge. We started off the year a little rocky, but toward the end of the year, I think we ended up being one of the best O-lines in the Big 12. I think we ended first or second in rushing and that kind of thing. I think that speaks volumes of everyone on the offensive line just coming to work, rising to the challenge of Coach Dickey every week. I'm super thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of a group as close as we are and have someone like Coach Dickey to coach us. It's been a fun year and I'm looking forward to going out on top Saturday."
On what makes the team rally around Jaylen Warren:
"I think the way that he works. He works super hard. Like coach Dunn said, you never see a play where he loafs, or see anyone get on him. I think the biggest thing that stands out to me is Sunday workouts for us after the fourth or fifth game became optional for lifting and running. I don't think he missed one until he got banged up. I think a lot of guys took attention to that. Just his willingness, he never quits."
Running Back Jaylen Warren
On his role as a leader on this team:
"I would say I lead by example. I have had a couple guys come up to me and ask what runs through my head while I practice or when I am running? Really I just play for my family and knowing I've been doubted my whole life, as far as being able to play the running back position at the collegiate level. I don't do much talking, I just play and people feed off that."
On what went into his decision to play in the bowl game:
"I think missing the last game kind of sealed my decision. I would play with these boys if we had five more games, I just like playing with them. The brotherhood we've created kind of sticks out for me, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to keep playing with them. Like this last week of practice has kind of been sad knowing it's my last week of practice with them."
On not missing optional workouts:
"Just because I guess those 30 carries, yeah it could contribute to a win, but I feel like those get me started for the week. I didn't earn anything to take off of a workout, so I go."
On reflecting on the season and his injury:
"My dad brings that up to me a lot about this season. I guess sometimes people see my success bigger, especially this season bigger than how I see it. When people bring that up, I think it's pretty cool me coming in doing that. No one would've expected that. It's a pretty cool thing to think about. My injury in the Big 12 game was my ankle."
Wide Receiver Brennan Presley
On his relationship with Tay Martin:
It's really good. Tay be funny. He funny all the time. We joke around. We have fun. He makes practice fun for all of us. He brings that leadership. He can give us experience and advice like, Hey, this might not work in a game; this might not work in a game. So just having that. And even the stuff off the field, like being here and being able to go out and, of course, being safe, but having fun and stuff like that, he can offer advice, like, I don't think you want to do this; I don't think you want to do that. So having that extra big-brother mentality with us on the field and off the field.
On a young receiver who could have a breakout bowl game:
Jaden Bray. Jaden Bray and John Paul Richardson and Bryson Green. All three of them have had great bowl prep. They are just working their games, come in clean. They are taking this really as a chance -- like, what I did last year, as a chance to get in that game against a great team in Notre Dame and just show what they have. I think they are taking this approach very seriously, and I think they are going to be great in the game.
On the strengths of the offense:
"I think one of the things is our toughness and our personality with the way we approach the game. Anybody can have a game plan until they get hit. Even early on in the season when we came out and had close games, we didn't fold, we didn't waver, we didn't do any of that. Our toughness prevailed whether we are running the ball or airing it out or making a play on special teams, our toughness shows and that starts with the work we do in the winter, spring and summer."
On facing the Notre Dame defense:
"From a receiver standpoint it's mono e mono most of the time. It's win your one on ones. If Spencer is getting pressured, then you have to get open quick to give him an outlet. We have to play tough. They are big and physical. We're going to have to take some hits and get back up. Everyone will have to be on the same page and be smart and discipline to beat these guys. They are top five in the nation for a reason, they won't come out and lay down. We've been practicing for about a month for this so going into the game we have probably practiced every single play we could run, so as long as we get out there and don't make mistakes and do our assignments, then we should be fine."
Wide Receiver Tay Martin
On what stands out about the wide receiver unit:
"The comradery we had as a whole. We were together most of the time so we built connections that we are going to have down the road. Having guys that you can depend on like that is going to translate on and off the field. We're confident in each other and it definitely showed on Saturdays. I am grateful to build those relationships with the guys."
On Jaylen Warren:
"He made a great transfer coming in. You can imagine coming in for a short period of time and trying to learn the plays and get along with everybody and get to know them can be tough. He did a great job coming in, keeping his head down, working and doing what he had to do. Having a guy like that is super beneficial for the whole team and it showed this year. I am very grateful to play with him as well."
On coming back for his final season:
"It meant the most to me. I was able to watch a couple of guys last year like Tylan Wallace and Dillon Stoner move on and do some great things. Last season wasn't a bummer or anything because I was able to pick up some pro habits and translate it to this year. It definitely was a great year for my last season. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to be coaches by (Kasey Dunn) and the other guys here with me. I'm excited for what's to come and I'm grateful I had this last season with these guys."
Players Mentioned
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WR
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RB
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