Oklahoma State University Athletics
Reaching New Heights: Rashod Owens’ Versatility Makes the Difference
October 12, 2023 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Rashod Owens' patience has paid off.
The wide receiver has spent all four years of his collegiate career at Oklahoma State and has seen various ups and downs on his journey.
Owens is one of several utility players on OSU's roster, capable of playing multiple positions. In his time in the orange and black, he has played all the receiver positions, tight end, Cowboy back and was a practice squad running back during last year's bowl season.
Switching around positions can affect a player's confidence, and without the guarantee of playing time, several players opt to enter the transfer portal. Despite that, Owens has remained loyal to the program he started with.
"The relationships I've built with my teammates and coaches, but also the foundation of this school," Owens said. "I love the energy and the history behind this school, that's the reason why I stayed here."
While frequently switching positions can be frustrating due to the constant change of diet and workload, it has its perks. Flexibility in that aspect leads to a more dynamic player on both sides of the ball and has made the difference in his heightened performance. Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn has famously appreciated all players who can play multiple positions, something Owens recognizes. He said he'd play anywhere on the field if it helps the team be at its best.
It's also something that comes natural to him, thanks to being a multi-sport athlete growing up.
"I feel like being able to visualize different things and different scenarios and games," Owens said. "It helped me learn and study more about what I'm capable of and visualizing during the game or practice."
In OSU's last game against Kansas State, Owens made his first start of the season and made the most of his opportunity. The redshirt junior put up career high marks in catches, receiving yards and longest reception. His five receptions is two shy of the season-high for any Cowboy, his 75 receiving yards is the second highest of the season for any Cowboy and his 45-yard reception is tied for the second-furthest this season.
He said he credits the energy the team brought for his breakout performance.
"The energy that the team brought, everybody had high energy," Owens said. "Coach (Mike) Gundy had preached about it all week."
It's a game to remember for the San Antonio native, but it's also part of a season that has seen his role grow exponentially. He's appeared in all five games thus far and scored his first touchdown of the season on a 20-yard strike from Alan Bowman in the conference opener against Iowa State. Entering the sixth game of the season against Kansas, Owens propelled himself into one of Bowman's favorite targets.
"Our relationship is really strong," Owens said. "We bonded all spring, winter and especially in the summer. We took a trip to California, and we trained out there and got our connections put together… We always shoot each other texts and talk about film, coverages, leverages and different defenses."
Owens and the Cowboys face the Kansas Jayhawks for the sixth game of the season. In Stillwater for the second week in a row, OSU looks to build on its success from last Friday's competition against Kansas State and secure a stronger spot within the conference.
"They've got some good players over there, but we know we have great players over here," Owens said. "It's going to be a battle. It's going to be whatever team is most physical and I believe we can be more physical than them if we start fast and make sounds."
Kickoff in Boone Pickens Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on FS1.
