How did Oklahoma State football look in first fall practice? Four observations of Cowboys
Scott WrightThe Oklahoman
STILLWATER — Nothing signals the start of preseason camp at Oklahoma State more than Kasey Dunn and a Jugs machine.
With the blistering sun shining outside Wednesday afternoon, the OSU offensive coordinator pumped footballs into the passing machine under the protection of the Sherman Smith Training Center roof, beginning the day with deep balls to receivers and running backs.
“C’mon, man, I do this,” OSU star running back Ollie Gordon II shared with the world after making a basket catch on a pass that dropped in directly over his head.
Dunn had a long line of receivers going through the line catching passes off the Jugs machine Wednesday as he works to develop depth behind his front line of Brennan Presley, De’Zhaun Stribling and Rashod Owens.
Multi-year Cowboys like Talyn Shettron, who has battled injuries the early part of his career, and former walk-on Cale Cabbiness will have chances to emerge as key backups, and some newcomers like Da’Wain Lofton and Gavin Freeman will try to learn quickly on the run after arriving in June.
And one intriguing name to know is that of Snow College transfer Ayo Shotomide-King, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound walk-on who joined the team in June. He had 483 yards and two touchdowns on 37 catches last season and was receiving some low-level scholarship offers before deciding on OSU.
He has to prove himself in August first, but he has a big frame that few on the roster can match, which could help him carve out a role for himself in the receiver depth chart.
Here are a few other observations from the open period of OSU’s first preseason practice:
Trent Howland’s size isn’t exaggerated
When you hear of a 240-pound running back, many will visualize a Jerome Bettis-type bowling ball, but OSU’s new 240-pounder is hardly that.Listed at 6-foot-3 — which looks like a legit measurement — Indiana transfer Trent Howland has a muscly but long frame on which he carries his weight.
With the arrival of Howland and freshman Jaden Allen-Hendrix, listed at 6-2, 230, the running back line has a unique look.
Headed by Ollie Gordon II, the group has three backs who stand at least 6-2. And they were joined Wednesday by Sesi Vailahi, Rodney Fields Jr. and walk-on Hudson Devins, all of whom are 5-10 and below.
Arkansas transfer A.J. Green remains absent from practice after suffering a significant injury late in spring ball. His availability for the early part of the season remains in question, though the Tulsa native has a redshirt year available if needed.
Paul Randolph’s excitement shows in first OSU preseason
New OSU defensive line coach Paul Randolph has made several stops in his long and successful career, so he’s used to being the new guy.But he quickly adapted and built bonds with the Cowboys during spring ball. And one quality all of his players pointed to was his enthusiasm.
Wearing an orange hat and white long-sleeve shirt, Randolph was quickly to work after the players finished stretching. He hollered at his players as he quickly jogged to the location where they’d do their first position drills of the day.
Randolph was brought in to replace Greg Richmond, who was not retained after last season. And the development of the Cowboys’ pass rush remains one of the primary areas of need in the preseason.
Walk-on QB Garret Wilson looks the part
OSU added a walk-on quarterback over the offseason, bringing in Garret Wilson from Oklahoma Christian School in Edmond.With thick biceps sticking out of his black No. 15 jersey, Wilson looks college-ready, even though his freshman season will likely consist primarily of scout-team work.
Listed at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, Wilson threw for 3,004 yards with 35 touchdowns and two interceptions last season at OCS.
Walk-on quarterbacks bring a lot of value to a team, even if they never see the field on game days. Over the last few years, OSU relied heavily on Tulsa Union product Peyton Thompson, who was highly respected as a scout-team quarterback.
