A new hybrid position emerging?
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State just got a commitment from Dallas (Texas) playmaker Desmond Roland.
As the Cowboys current class begins to take its final shape it is clear a new hybrid position is emerging in Dana Holgorsen’s offense. The Pokes are recruiting playmakers who are great with the ball in the open field either after the catch or after a handoff.
I would liken it to a Percy Harvin-type role. A slot receiver who ends up in the backfield at times and is constantly in motion and putting defenses at a disadvantage with his open field ability.
Here’s a look at Roland in action. He’s No. 2 in red, although the numbers are hard to read so look for the running back with white sleeves. He’s easy to see as he either gets the ball or is used as a decoy on most plays.
Video: OSU embraces change
One snap away
Will Johnny Deaton secure the No. 2 QB spot this fall?
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State is one snap away from handing the reins of its offense to Johnny Deaton or maybe even Nathan Sorenson.
The Cowboys incoming freshmen will join Clint Chelf in the battle to back up Brandon Weeden during fall camp. Deaton rose to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart in the spring and the Cowboys will have to prepare him –or the quarterback who beats him out– to step in if Weeden misses any game time.
When asked if Deaton enters the fall as OSU’s No. 2 quarterback, coach Mike Gundy said: “I think so. I don’t know that anybody has earned that spot but he’ll get as much work as the next guy.”
Sorenson could be the biggest threat to Deaton securing the backup quarterback role. He’s gotten solid reviews for his desire since he stepped on campus this summer.
“We have to get something done with all of them,” Gundy said. “We have to give them enough information that if they’re put in that situation (put in the game) they can execute. That depends on the player and who it is.”
“A smaller Donald Booker”
Will true freshman Shaun Lewis contribute in 2010?
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State’s freshman class have arrived on campus in Stillwater with an eye on impressing everyone with their abilities.
Shaun Lewis appears to have accomplished that goal.
The UnderArmour All-American has caught the eye of veteran defenders Orie Lemon and Jamie Blatnick during the Cowboys summer workout sessions.
“Shaun Lewis came in working very hard, he’s going to get a very good player,” Lemon said when asked who has impressed. “He will be able to help us this year, he’s like an energy bunny, running around making plays. He’ll be a special teams terror and he’ll help us on defense.”
Lewis, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound linebacker from Missouri City, Texas, was one of OSU’s top recruits in the class of 2010.
“He’s like a smaller Donald Booker,” Blatnick said. “He flies around, makes good plays and gives effort.”
Hanging with Holgorsen
Dana Holgorsen's offense seems ideal for Brandon Weeden.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden has spent plenty of time with Dana Holgorsen since the former Houston offensive coordinator took over the Cowboys offensive attack in January. With his down-to-earth nature and frank honesty, Weeden said watching film with Holgorsen is a interesting experience.
“It’s different,” Weeden said. “He’s like “Hey, he’s open, throw it to him.” It’s almost like backyard football. There aren’t a whole lot of rules in this offense, the closest I can compare it to is 7-on-7 in the backyard.”
Reps are the focus in the offense, which depends more on the relationship between quarterback and receiver than OSU’s previous attack.
“That’s where reps come in,” Weeden said. “You hear Coach Holgorsen talk about it all the time and it’s true, we need reps to get on the same page.”
Video: Berry Tramel talks to OSU coach Mike Gundy
Video: Jenni Carlson and Brandon Chatmon talk about Big 12 Media Day and OSU
Power Lunch Chat Recap: Brandon Chatmon
Searching for a “Star”
James Thomas could be Andre Sexton's replacement at "Star" linebacker
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It’s July which means football is right around the corner. It’s the perfect time to take a closer look at Oklahoma State’s roster, so over the next week I will be taking a in-depth, position-by-position look at the Cowboys heading into the 2010 football season. Today I take a closer look at the “Star” linebacker spot:
#22 James Thomas, 5-11, 215, Junior
Analysis: Thomas seems to have a knack for being around the ball. He was a contributor on special teams as Andre Sexton’s backup last season but he lacks the ideal size for the position. He has experience but he will have to continue to raise his level of play to hold off the talented youngsters behind him.
Impact: Opening day starter, special teams contributor.
#29 Joe Mitchell, 6-3, 215, Redshirt freshman
Analysis: Mitchell was one of the stars of the spring. What was most impressive about his spring was the fact he was working out on his own during the fall semester yet was able to step right in and make a impact on the field. It was an extremely quick –and impressive– transition. He has the ideal combo of size and athleticism the Cowboys are looking for at the position. He looks like a future playmaker.
Impact: Could earn a starting spot, especially by conference play. Will be able to help on special teams.
#11 Shaun Lewis, 6-1, 210, True freshman
Analysis: Lewis was one of the headliners of the Cowboys signing class and he has a great combination of quickness, acceleration and tackling ability. He was a UnderArmour All-American and he showed signs of being a difference maker in high school. With Lewis it’s just a matter of when he starts to make a impact.
Impact: He could redshirt but I’d be shocked if he doesn’t contribute immediately in some fashion. He’s just too talented to keep on the sidelines.
Chat Recap: Brandon Chatmon
