Oklahoma State’s depth chart surprises
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Oklahoma State released its depth chart for the Georgia game and there are a couple of surprises. If you haven’t seen the depth chart, CLICK HERE to download the PDF file of the OSU/UGA game notes which include the depth chart.
–Alex Cate earned the backup quarterback job, which isn’t a huge surprise. But at the same time, if Brandon Weeden had won the No. 2 job, I wouldn’t have been surprised by that either. What Cate brings to the table is good mobility and the ability to make plays when the play breaks down.
–Justin Blackmon is slated to join Dez Bryant and DeMarcus Conner as a starter at receiver. Josh Cooper and Hubert Anyiam appear to be the backup receivers. It’s clear they expect Blackmon to be a playmaker for the next four years.
–Noah Franklin and Anthony Morgan are the starters at guard, at least as of Monday. When the actual game starts, who knows. One thing I’m certain of: The top five healthy offensive linemen will be on the field.
– Markelle Martin and Lucien Antoine are listed as the starting safeties. Victor Johnson and Johnny Thomas are listed as the backups. I would expect all four to play significant snaps on Saturday.
–The Cowboys appear to be five deep at corner with Perrish Cox, Terrance Anderson, Andrew McGee, Maurice Gray and Brodrick Brown. If they have confidence in all five guys, that bodes well for OSU. Not necessarily this week against “three yards and a cloud of dust” Georgia but against Houston, Texas Tech and other explosive passing teams having that kind of depth is outstanding.
–Perrish and Victor Johnson will return kickoffs. Dez is first team punt returner, Perrish is second team.
Zac’s Ready… Now
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
The long, tedious rite of August has reached its end. Which means only one thing: Game week.
And Saturday can’t get here soon enough for Cowboys quarterback Zac Robinson.
“I’m ready to kick this off right now,” Robinson told us Monday. “It’s been a long time. I know guys are excited. If we could play tomorrow, I’d be all about it.”
One reporter asked Robinson if that made this a long week. To the contrary, the QB said, the promise of Saturday makes this a welcome week.
“I wouldn’t say a long week,” Robinson said, “but now that it’s Monday and getting to a game routine, it’s going to be fun knowing that we’re that much closer to playing a game. I’m hoping it goes back fast and Saturday is here before we know it.”
Robinson, who missed several workouts to a sore leg two weeks ago, said he’s ready to go full speed.
“Last week was really the first week that I cut it loose on some runs,” Robinson said. “I kind of opened it up a little bit and I’ll continue to do so more this week. I feel fine running and obviously, it’s a whole lot different for a quarterback who hasn’t been hit since last season. Once that first hit comes, I’ll be ready to go.”
Robinson seems relaxed, confident and comfortable leading the Cowboys ahead into arguably the most meaningful season opener in school history.
That complete poise is one of the things that makes him so good. Robinson never panics, never flinches and never lets you see him sweat, if he does at all.
And he does it humbly, which makes it even more appealing.
OSU Scouting report: Georgia Bulldogs Aug.31
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Georgia expects starting center Ben Jones, who has been out with a sprained ankle, to practice today, according to this ajc.com report.
In this ajc.com report, linebacker Rennie Curran and defensive tackle Geno Atkins talk about facing OSU’s explosive offense.
In David Hale’s report on macon.com, Georgia players talk about the excitement that is building for the opener.
OSU roster breakdown
Oklahoma State Roster
1 Dez Bryant 6-2 220 WR Jr Lufkin (Texas) Lufkin
The best receiver in college football.
2 Beau Johnson 5-10 216 HB Lawrenceville (Ga.) Gwinnett/Butler C.C.
Could see significant action, battling Toston for carries as Hunter’s backup.
3 Victor Johnson 6-0 187 S So. Waco (Texas) Waco
A playmaker. Has coaches and teammates excited about his potential.
3 Alex Cate 6-1 195 QB Jr Salt Lake City (Utah) Cottonwood
Mobile quarterback, battling for backup spot.
4 Patrick Lavine 6-2 226 LB Sr. Houston (Texas) Jersey Village
Poised for a strong senior season.
4 Brandon Weeden 6-4 224 QB So. Edmond Santa Fe
Former pro baseball player has a great arm.
5 Keith Toston 6-0 214 HB Sr. Angleton (Texas) Angelton
One of the best backup running backs in the country.
6 Bryce Hood 5-9 185 WR So. Bartlesville
Walk on unlikely to contribute.
6 Andrew McGee 6-0 191 CB Jr. Magee (Miss.) Copiah-Lincoln C.C.
Should contribute as a nickel back, especially in Big 12 play.
7 Maurice Gray 5-8 183 CB Sr. Kathleen (Ga.) Warner Robins/Butler C.C.
Solid third corner who has had a good preseason camp.
7 Michael Harrison 6-1 211 WR Fr. Dallas (Texas) Hillcrest
Has impressed teammates during the preseason, may play his way out of a redshirt.
8 Daytawion Lowe 6-0 191 S Fr. Carl Albert
Could contribute on special teams or could redshirt.
9 Kye Staley 5-10 213 HB RFr. Guthrie
Preseason injury was a big disappointment, will miss 2009 season.
10 Markelle Martin 6-1 190 S So. Wichita Falls (Texas) Rider
Very athletic, will play a key role in the secondary.
10 Clint Chelf 6-1 200 QB Fr. Enid
Has talent but is an likely redshirt
11 Zac Robinson 6-3 218 QB Sr. Littleton (Colo.) Chatfield
One of the top dual threats in America.
12 Johnny Thomas 5-11 195 S So.Texas City (Texas) Texas City
Played well on special teams as a freshman, will contribute.
12 Trey Munden 6-0 192 QB Jr. Verdigris/NEO
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
13 Quinn Sharp 6-1 191 P/K RFr. Mansfield (Texas) Summit
Looking to replace Matt Fodge at Punter.
14 Justin Horton 6-3 240 TE RFr. Henderson (Texas) Henderson
One of the most talented Cowboys on the roster.
15 Adrian Richards 6-4 202 RFr. Mesquite (Texas) Mesquite
Big receiver, just needs to get comfortable with the offense.
16 Perrish Cox 6-0 198 CB Sr. Waco (Texas) University
The lone returning starter in the defensive backfield.
16 Perry Watson 5-10 170 WR Fr. Flower Mound (Texas) Flower Mound
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
17 Brayden Stringer 6-4 216 QB Fr. Lawton Eisenhower
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
17 Jarod Fields 5-10 190 CB Jr. Ardmore/NEO
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
18 Charlie Moore 6-3 199 WR Fr. Bullard (Texas) Bullard
Big receiver is a likely redshirt candidate.
18 Andrae May 5-11 171 CB Fr. Houston (Texas) North Shore
Has talent but will likely redshirt.
19 Anthony Hill 5-11 193 WR Jr. Kansas City (Kansas) Coffeyville
Unlikely to contribute.
19 Brodrick Brown 5-8 180 CB RFr. Houston (Texas) Westfield
One of the fastest players on the roster.
20 Andre Sexton 6-0 224 LB Sr. Houston (Texas) Cypress Falls
Team leader. Makes plays all over the field.
22 James Thomas 5-11 209 LB So. LaMarque (Texas) LaMarque
Is solid as Sexton’s backup at the “Star” back position.
22 Dexter Pratt 6-1 224 HB Fr. Navasota (Texas) Navasota
Big freshman will likely redshirt.
23 Nathan Gilsleider 6-2 213 WR Sr. Claremore/Eastern Okla. J.C.
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
23 Terrance Anderson 5-11 190 CB Sr. Aldine (Texas) Aldine
Ready for the challenge of starting in Big 12.
24 Kendall Hunter 5-8 197 HB Jr. Tyler (Texas) John Tyler
One of the nation’s top running backs.
24 Deron Fontenot 5-9 224 LB So. Grand Prairie (Texas) Grand Prairie South
Solid player who just needs to remain healthy.
25 Trevor Rogers 6-0 190 CB So. Enid/Redlands C.C.
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
25 Josh Cooper 5-11 192 WR So. Mustang
If he stays healthy, expect him to make plays.
26 Nick Cash 5-11 185 WR Fr. Jet/Southwestern Okla. State
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
27 Taylor Sokolosky 5-8 187 HB Jr. Tulsa Cascia Hall
Special teams contributor who is the team’s starting holder.
28 Michael Roberts 5-8 191 HB Jr. Albany (Ga.)Cache
Unlikely to contribute
29 Walker Smith 5-10 203 S Jr. Nichols Hills/Wheaton College
Unlikely to contribute
30 David Paulsen 6-2 255 FB Fr. Marietta (Ga.)George Walton
Expected to provide depth at fullback and contribute in short yardage situations.
31 Colton Chelf 5-9 164 WR Jr.:Enid
A playmaker who could contribute on special teams
32 Travis Miller 5-9 192 HB RFr. Marlin (Texas) Marlin
A speedster who needs to get used to the physical nature of D-1 football
33 LeRon Furr 6-2 231 LB Fr. Columbus (Ga.) Carver
With four seniors ahead of him, Furr will likely redshirt
35 Johnnie Cockrell 5-11 219 FB Sr. Nichols Hills/Trinity University
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
35 Mathies Long 6-1 210 S Jr. DeSoto(Texas) Bishop Dunne
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
36 Jeremy Smith 5-10 203 HB Fr. Tulsa Union
Opened some eyes with his preseason play.
37 Bryant Ward 5-11 223 FB Jr. Stillwater
Starting fullback, recently awards a scholarship.
38 Grayson Buster 5-11 186 P/K So. Crawford (Texas) Crawford
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
39 Zach Crump 5-10 205 LB RFr. Jenks
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
40 Nick Rockwell 5-7 143 CB Fr. Houston (Texas) Yates
Walk on, unlikely to contribute.
41 Orie Lemon 6-1 246 LB Sr. Houston (Texas) Yates
Had a breakout year in 2008, looking to play even better in 2009.
42 Justin Gent 6-1 236 LB Jr. Irving(Texas)MacArthur
Solid backup who provides depth at linebacker.
44 Donald Booker 5-11 236 LB Sr. Houston (Texas) Klein Forest/Navarro J.C.
One of the most athletic linebackers on the team.
46 Shane Jarka 6-3 295 DT Jr. Fort Bend (Texas) Austin
In the rotation at defensive tackle.
48 Tyler Fields 5-11 212 LB Fr. Hugo
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
49 Kenny Alexander 6-1 227 LB McKinney (Texas) North
Expected to provide depth at linebacker.
50 Jamie Blatnick 6-3 270 DE So. Celina (Texas) Celina
A pleasant surprise last year, will be a key contributor on defense.
51 Brandon Webb 6-3 326 OL Fr. Owasso
Likely redshirt unless the injury bug hits.
52 Connor Sinko 6-3 253 DS Tulsa Cascia Hall
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
53 Terrill Jimoh 5-11 284 DT Jr. Tulsa Union/NEO
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
54 Andrew Lewis 6-4 291 OL Sr. Joplin (Mo.) Joplin
Moves from guard to center after leading OSU offensive linemen in snaps played.
55 Jordan Barnes 6-0 243 LB Fr. Fort Wayne (Ind.)Homestead
Depth at LB means a likely redshirt season.
56 Patrick Hoog 6-4 296 OL RFr. Castroville (Texas) Medina Valley
Provides depth on the offensive line.
57 Chuck Major 6-3 304 OL So. Tulsa Kelley
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
58 Jarid King 6-0 270 DT RFr. Dallas (Texas) Plano West
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
59 Tolu Moala 6-0 230 LB Jr. Inglewood (Calif.)Hawthorne/El Camino C.C.
Has made some plays in the preseason, could contribute.
60 Brady Bond 6-6 301 OL Sr. Garber
Solid starter teams with Okung to provide great tandem at tackle.
61 Michael Bowie 6-4 325 OL Fr. Sand Springs
Big freshman expected to redshirt.
62 Mark Chesnut 6-1 296 OL Sr. Miami/NEO
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
63 Jordan Taormina 6-6 327 OL Jr. Santa Ana (Calif.) Orange Coast C.C.
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
64 Casey LaBrue 6-3 290 OL So. Enid
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
65 Anthony Morgan 6-5 320 OL Jr. Lancaster (Texas) Navarro J.C.
Will provide depth and may play his way into the starting lineup.
66 DeJuan Davis 6-2 301 OL RFr. Fort Worth (Texas) Crowley
Provides depth at guard.
67 Randall Arbuckle 6-1 227 DS RFr. Canadian (Texas) Canadian
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
68 Lane Taylor 6-2 301 OL RFr. Arlington (Texas) Martin
Provides offensive line depth.
69 Marc Yerry 6-2 241 DS So. Waxhaw (N.C.) Weddington
Has been solid as a snapper in the preseason.
70 Jonathan Rush 6-4 314 OL So. Killeen (Texas) Killeen
One of the favorites to start at guard.
71 Parker Graham 6-7 289 OL Fr. Webb City (Mo.) Webb City
Tall, lanky freshman will likely redshirt.
72 Andrew Mitchell 6-5 309 OL Sr. Choctaw/ Snow J.C.
Versatile. Will provide depth at multiple positions.
73 Levy Adcock 6-6 330 OL So. Seq.-Claremore/NEO
Has impressed during his first year on campus.
74 Grant Garner 6-3 290 OL So. Mesquite (Texas) North Mesquite
Expected to provide offensive line depth.
75 Nick Martinez 6-4 317 OL So. Floresville (Texas) Floresville
In the battle to start at one of the two open guard spots.
76 Russell Okung 6-5 300 OL Sr. Fort Bend (Texas) Bush
A future NFL first round draft pick.
77 Noah Franklin 6-5 314 OL Sr. Vinita
The senior could start at guard.
78 Bryson Hutchins 6-0 241 DL So. Keller (Texas) Central
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
79 Andrew Smith 6-1 245 DL Fr. Tulsa Union
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
80:DeMarcus Conner 6-1 213 WR Sr. Spring (Texas) Westfield
A great blocker will be asked to make plays in the passing game.
81 Justin Blackmon 6-1 207 WR RFr. Plainview
Flashed big play ability during redshirt season in 2008
82 Isaiah Anderson 5-10 170 WR RFr. Wichita Falls (Texas) Wichita Falls
Speedster could provide deep threat.
83 Dameron Fooks 6-3 208 WR So. Anaheim (Calif.) Santa Fe/Fullerton C.C.
Transfer is a big receiver with good hands
84 Hubert Anyiam 6-0 198 WR So. Garland (Texas) North
Bryant’s backup expected to contribute.
85 Damian Davis 6-5 178 WR Jr. Mart (Texas) Mart
Will sit out this season after returning to team as a walk on.
86 Wilson Youman 6-5 250 TE So. St. Martinville (La.) Martinville
Trying to help lessen the loss of Pettigrew.
87 Tracy Moore 6-2 237 WR Fr. Tulsa Union
Maybe the preseason’s biggest surprise, Moore may play as a freshman.
88 Jamal Mosley 6-4 246 TE So. Memphis (Tenn.) Kingsbury
The favorite to start at tight end.
89 Cooper Bassett 6-5 250 TE RFr. Tuttle
One of the Cowboys top blocking tight ends, Bassett is expected to help replace Brandon Pettigrew.
89 Nigel Nicholas 6-3 265 DL RFr. Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland
Nicholas has impressed teammates this preseason, could contribute.
90 Swanson Miller 6-4 299 DL Sr. Alachua (Fla.) Santa Fe/Butler C.C.
Will be counted on to hold his own in the middle.
91 Ugo Chinasa 6-5 252 DE Jr. Richardson (Texas) Berkner
Has set a goal of 10 sacks this season.
92 Darius Hart 6-5 245 DE Jr. Poplarville (Miss.) Pearl River C.C.
Transfer will get the opportunity to play immediately.
93 Andrew Hudson 6-5 225 DE Fr. Amarillo (Texas) Bushland
True freshman likely to redshirt.
94 Anthony Rogers 6-3 274 DT Fr. North Little Rock (Ark.) North Little Rock
True freshman likely to redshirt.
95 Dan Bailey 6-0 200 K Jr. Mustang Southwest Covenant
Solid kicker was 15 of 19 in 2008.
96 Horace Hubbard 6-3 285 DT Jr. Gretna (Va.) Fort Scott C.C.
Transfer looking to provide depth in defensive interior.
97 Jermiah Price 6-1 268 DE Sr. Collins (Miss.) Jones County J.C.
Will be in the rotation at defensive end.
98 Derek Burton 6-3 281 DT Sr. Muskogee
Moved inside from defensive tackle, will be counted on to make plays
99 Wes Harlan 6-0 190 P/K RFr. Houston (Texas) Langham Creek
Walk on, unlikely to contribute
99 Richetti Jones 6-3 264 DE So.Dallas (Texas) Lincoln
A big year for Jones. Time to step up and be accounted for.
by Brandon Chatmon
Scouting report: Georgia Bulldogs for Aug. 29
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
In this report on AJC.com, Tim Tucker writes that OSU coach Mike Gundy isn’t buying into “Georgia’s search for a running back” because the last time UGA was looking for a running back OSU ended getting their first taste of Knowshon Moreno.
In this story on macon.com, David Hale writes that Caleb King may not play in the opener.
And in this story, Hale takes a look at some of the young players who could have big impacts for Georgia in 2009.
Transcript of OSU chat
Here’s a transcript of today’s chat:
Don’t doubt Zac
By Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Some people question whether Zac Robinson can play in the NFL or if he can even get drafted.
Well, here’s my two cents…. YES and YES
Zac Robinson can play quarterback in the NFL, there’s no doubt in my mind. As a Denver Broncos fan, I have been watching Kyle Orton and Chris Simms take snaps for my beloved team and if they can play in the NFL, Zac can.
If Pat White can be a second round pick, Zac will get drafted. Zac is a better passer than people give him credit for.
And apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks that:
PS Sorry Quinton Moore, you just can’t seem to get a break can you??
All’s Quiet In Stillwater
By John Helsley
jhelsley@opubco.com
Not much football news coming out of Stillwater these days.
Apparently, Mike Gundy likes it this way. That was the assumption when Gundy sealed off 12 days of OSU’s preseason from the media, ending all access to coaches and players.
By early evening on Sept. 5, the move will either be looked at as a calculated correct read on his team, or a miscalculated gaffe.
Maybe Gundy sensed his players needed to circle the wagons, albeit from themselves, not us, with the overwhelming majority of preseason stories packed with positives.
Maybe he sensed his guys were impacted by all the attention, both local and national, although it’s something the program and its fans have long craved and cried out for.
Maybe Gundy felt that to ensure the best chance at beating Georgia in the program’s biggest game ever, his team’s focus needed to be clear and tight.
And maybe it will result in a springboard win for this season and beyond.
But maybe, just maybe, Gundy’s move creates just the atmosphere he’s hoping to avoid inside the locker room.
Tightness.
Gundy’s on record as saying he wants his coaches to coach loose, his players to play loose.
By retreating at this stage, he better hope his players don’t perceive it as a move of panic.
Here’s the deal. The Cowboys have strained to reach the big stage. It’s best they act like they’ve been there before, even if it’s just an act.
When you hit the top 10, increased attention is part of the gig. It’s the price of doing business among the elite.
The Cowboys shouldn’t shy from it, they should embrace it.
OSU scouting report: Georgia Bulldogs
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Georgia held a half game on Wednesday with their No. 1s and No. 2s rallying to beat “Oklahoma State” (the Bulldogs scout team).
Rallying? Yep, apparently Richt spotted OSU 21 points and challenged his Georgia team to rally to win.
In David Hale’s report on Macon.com, Richt says his team needs to improve if it wants to beat the Cowboys.
In this feature on Richard Samuel, Hale writes about the Georgia tailback’s transition to playing college football at 17-years old.
Here’s a look at Caleb King. The UGA running back has been hampered by a hamstring but here’s some highlights of his 08 spring game performance.
Don’t forget Dez…
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
In my scouting reports for Georgia, I have embedded highlights of Bulldogs players in several of the posts. But this thought occurred to me the other day:
“If I’m a OSU fan and I’m reading all this blogs, I’d be thinking, ‘Huh these guys look pretty good, these guys look tough, etc…’” Almost as if OSU doesn’t have guys who are gonna be a problem for Georgia.
Well no more of that, it is time to even things out… I started yesterday with Kendall Hunter and will continue today with Dez Bryant
