Can Oklahoma State football's Josh Ford force way onto field as freshman? 'Dude's violent'
Scott WrightThe Oklahoman
STILLWATER — Back in March, when Josh Ford still could’ve been a Stillwater High School student, he was instead making his presence known to the defensive linemen in Oklahoma State’s spring football practices.
The 6-foot-6, 245-pound freshman tight end flashed his physicality early upon his arrival as a Cowboy, catching the eye of coaches and teammates alike.
“Dude’s violent,” offensive lineman Cole Birmingham said. “He's aggressive. I mean, when he plays football, he doesn't think about anything but hitting somebody. So it's pretty cool to watch.”
Now that Ford has had eight months of learning the playbook, he might be the true freshman with the best chance to earn playing time this season.
Others could play at some point, but Ford is forcing his way into the conversation as OSU rebuilds its tight end depth chart.
The Cowboys brought in Tyler Foster as a transfer, and after a productive career at Ohio, the 6-foot-6, 255-pound super-senior seems like the clear favorite to start.
Quinton Stewart remains a reliable blocker who can fill the backup role. But Ford has a chance to be in the rotation with the two veterans.
The tight end became a more frequently used piece of the offense, particularly as a blocker last season, though Josiah Johnson was targeted 30 times as a receiver.
While Foster has the most well-rounded skillset, Ford’s physical nature will keep him in the mix for playing time.
“When you're a freshman, you kind of have a choice,” Birmingham said. “You don't really know what's going on. So you can either do everything as fast as you can and just try and (expletive) someone up, or just kind of be timid.
“Josh is one of those guys that chose to hit people, and he's learned the plays really, really fast.”
2024 Oklahoma State tight end/fullback depth chart
Name, Class, Ht., Wt., Hometown (Previous school)The starters
Tight end- Tyler Foster, RSr.*, 6-6, 255, Pickerington, Ohio (Ohio)
- Jake Schultz, RSr.*, 6-3, 250, Prague
The reserves
Tight end- Quinton Stewart, RSr., 6-3, 250, Salina, Kansas (Central)
- Josh Ford, Fr., 6-6, 245, Stillwater
- Tabry Shettron, RSo., 6-4, 235, Edmond (Santa Fe)
Fullback
- Bryce Drummond, RJr., 6-3, 230, Pawhuska (North Texas)
- Luke McEndoo, RJr., 6-1, 265, Stillwater
