Oklahoma State University Athletics
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Gundy, Cowboys Talk Homecoming Game Against Arizona State
October 28, 2024 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and several players met with the media Monday in Stillwater to discuss this weekend's Homecoming game against Arizona State. Here are some of their comments:
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On Brennan Presley:
"Presley should be an All-American. Somebody would have to show me three or four wide receivers in the country that make as many plays as he does with the ball in his hands or catches. Like the fourth down catch he made (against Baylor), that was an unbelievable play he made. I mean, he's covered, the guy had his hand on the ball [and] he reached out at 90 degrees flat, took the ball out of the guy's hands and landed headfirst on the ground. He literally should be an All-American."
On Isaia Glass' impact this year:
"He's played pretty good. He's battling through a couple things, but his attitude, his willingness and his competitiveness has been really good. I'm glad we got him, we're down to about five guys now and he's been good for us. I don't think his issues got any worse than they were going into the game, he's still going to be banged up, but I don't think there's anything worse than what it was prior to that."
On Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo:
"He's their energy, right? He's a guy who plays hard, breaks tackles, gets up and tells you to bring it on. He likes it. They feed off of him, in my opinion, they feed off his energy. He very well could be the best back we play. He's a good back. They feed off him, so if you want to slow them down, in my opinion, you better tackle him."
On Arizona State:
"They have good players and they're in a very marketable geographical location in the country for portals, which they've hit that market hard. They've had success in that area and they've done a good job. The back is a tough guy and defensively the coordinator has come in… They run a very similar style to what most of those teams have been doing in the Pac-12."
Running Back Ollie Gordon II
On being a leader for the younger players:
"I feel like it's huge, especially for the freshmen that are playing. Not everybody gets to do that and the change from high school to college is a huge change, sometimes it's a lot to deal with. I feel like it's mandatory for me to be there just so they know they've always got a shoulder to lean on or somebody to talk to."
On the Arizona State defense:
"It'll be like it is every week. Us being more physical than them, that's what we have to do to win. We got to find our run game, we got to find our pass game and once we get all of those clicking, I feel like we'll be fine. Arizona State is a very physical team. The linebackers get downhill, and the safeties will hit you. We just got to hit harder."
Wide Receiver Rashod Owens
On having two games remaining in Boone Pickens Stadium:
"In Boone Pickens Stadium, it's a great atmosphere. Couldn't ask for nothing better. It's just electrifying, the crowd's always there, you know they're always going to support. It's just an honor to be a part of this program, especially this Cowboy culture here. At OSU, it's a blessing, everybody treats you like family at the end of the day."
On Brennan Presley chasing the program's career receptions record and their relationship:
"It's really big time. He definitely worked hard for it, and I think he deserves it for sure… He's definitely a brother, I count him as a brother. Met him my freshman year here and he was just a random guy that. We've built a relationship ever since we've been here for five years now, so I claim him as a brother, close friend, somebody I can trust and just a guy that I love."
Linebacker Justin Wright
On returning to the field after missing 16 straight games with injury:
"Feels great. Feels like I have another opportunity to play with all the guys I worked hard with in the offseason. I can't take it for granted. If these injuries have taught me anything, it is that every day, every rep, every second matters. I try to live it to the fullest."
On learning from his time off the field:
"The experiences I have gone through have put me in a position to handle these moments. By me being able to handle these moments, I can be a better leader to all the young guys. Even some of the other vets who get discouraged at times, I can pick them up."
Defensive End Jaleel Johnson
On his time at Oklahoma State thus far:
"I feel like I'm getting better every day. It's just a blessing to be here, a blessing to play with these people. I love it. I love this team, I love this culture, I love everybody here, I love the fans. I'm just glad I'm here."
On Justin Wright's recent return:
"It's great. Justin's been in the game for a while. He knows what he's doing, he knows what to do. It's great to have him in this defense… He's not scared to hit an offensive lineman. If he's blitzing, he'll go in there headfirst. He's not scared of any of it, he'll take somebody on."
Head Coach Mike Gundy
On Brennan Presley:
"Presley should be an All-American. Somebody would have to show me three or four wide receivers in the country that make as many plays as he does with the ball in his hands or catches. Like the fourth down catch he made (against Baylor), that was an unbelievable play he made. I mean, he's covered, the guy had his hand on the ball [and] he reached out at 90 degrees flat, took the ball out of the guy's hands and landed headfirst on the ground. He literally should be an All-American."
On Isaia Glass' impact this year:
"He's played pretty good. He's battling through a couple things, but his attitude, his willingness and his competitiveness has been really good. I'm glad we got him, we're down to about five guys now and he's been good for us. I don't think his issues got any worse than they were going into the game, he's still going to be banged up, but I don't think there's anything worse than what it was prior to that."
On Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo:
"He's their energy, right? He's a guy who plays hard, breaks tackles, gets up and tells you to bring it on. He likes it. They feed off of him, in my opinion, they feed off his energy. He very well could be the best back we play. He's a good back. They feed off him, so if you want to slow them down, in my opinion, you better tackle him."
On Arizona State:
"They have good players and they're in a very marketable geographical location in the country for portals, which they've hit that market hard. They've had success in that area and they've done a good job. The back is a tough guy and defensively the coordinator has come in… They run a very similar style to what most of those teams have been doing in the Pac-12."
Running Back Ollie Gordon II
On being a leader for the younger players:
"I feel like it's huge, especially for the freshmen that are playing. Not everybody gets to do that and the change from high school to college is a huge change, sometimes it's a lot to deal with. I feel like it's mandatory for me to be there just so they know they've always got a shoulder to lean on or somebody to talk to."
On the Arizona State defense:
"It'll be like it is every week. Us being more physical than them, that's what we have to do to win. We got to find our run game, we got to find our pass game and once we get all of those clicking, I feel like we'll be fine. Arizona State is a very physical team. The linebackers get downhill, and the safeties will hit you. We just got to hit harder."
Wide Receiver Rashod Owens
On having two games remaining in Boone Pickens Stadium:
"In Boone Pickens Stadium, it's a great atmosphere. Couldn't ask for nothing better. It's just electrifying, the crowd's always there, you know they're always going to support. It's just an honor to be a part of this program, especially this Cowboy culture here. At OSU, it's a blessing, everybody treats you like family at the end of the day."
On Brennan Presley chasing the program's career receptions record and their relationship:
"It's really big time. He definitely worked hard for it, and I think he deserves it for sure… He's definitely a brother, I count him as a brother. Met him my freshman year here and he was just a random guy that. We've built a relationship ever since we've been here for five years now, so I claim him as a brother, close friend, somebody I can trust and just a guy that I love."
Linebacker Justin Wright
On returning to the field after missing 16 straight games with injury:
"Feels great. Feels like I have another opportunity to play with all the guys I worked hard with in the offseason. I can't take it for granted. If these injuries have taught me anything, it is that every day, every rep, every second matters. I try to live it to the fullest."
On learning from his time off the field:
"The experiences I have gone through have put me in a position to handle these moments. By me being able to handle these moments, I can be a better leader to all the young guys. Even some of the other vets who get discouraged at times, I can pick them up."
Defensive End Jaleel Johnson
On his time at Oklahoma State thus far:
"I feel like I'm getting better every day. It's just a blessing to be here, a blessing to play with these people. I love it. I love this team, I love this culture, I love everybody here, I love the fans. I'm just glad I'm here."
On Justin Wright's recent return:
"It's great. Justin's been in the game for a while. He knows what he's doing, he knows what to do. It's great to have him in this defense… He's not scared to hit an offensive lineman. If he's blitzing, he'll go in there headfirst. He's not scared of any of it, he'll take somebody on."
Players Mentioned
OL
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RB
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DE
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WR
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WR
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LB
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