OSU-Arizona moved to Thursday. Good or bad?
OSU's game against Arizona has been moved to ESPN Thursday Night Football.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State finalized its football schedule on Friday which including moving the Cowboys’ Alamo Bowl rematch with Arizona from Saturday, Sept. 10 to Thursday, Sept. 8.
Life experience has taught me this can be a hot button topic with Cowboy fans. So I want to know what you think of another Thursday night home game for OSU.
Click above to email me your thoughts at bchatmon@opubco.com or comment at the bottom of this blog. I’ll consider using any comment or email so please include your full name along with your hometown with your thoughts. I’ll use the best for The Oklahoman and Newsok.com, the rest will likely be used for another post on this blog. So… fire away!
Several hidden gems in ’09, Part II
Michael Harrison has shown flashes of excellence.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
One of the main reasons for Oklahoma State’s recent rise has been quality evaluation on the recruiting trail. Running back Kendall Hunter, a two-time All-American, was a hidden gem out of Tyler, Texas and 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon was an overlooked prospect out of Plainview High School in Ardmore.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2009 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the two years since joining the program. (In an effort to keep this from being the longest blog known to man, I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #36
Scout ranking: #45
ESPN.com ranking: unranked
Recruits
Dameron Fooks, receiver
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: None.
Impact on the program: Was solid in his only season as a Cowboy with 10 catches for 173 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. He eventually quit football to focus on academics.
Analysis: Fooks was a great find who appeared poised to be a contributor during his final two years on campus but elected to leave the program.
LeRon Furr, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Ole Miss, Arkansas, North Carolina State and others
Impact on the program: A very talented player who could earn a key role on OSU’s defense this season after missing much of his redshirt freshman year with a knee injury.
Analysis: His ability is unquestioned but he hasn’t stepped up to seize a significant role in OSU’s defense. Still a good get.
Parker Graham, tackle
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Arkansas State, Missouri State, Wyoming, Northern Illinois
Impact on the program: Graham is one of the reasons OSU has better depth along the offensive line than at any point in coach Mike Gundy’s tenure. He’s a talented player stuck behind other talented players.
Analysis: Another great find by offensive line coach Joe Wickline.
Michael Harrison, receiver
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Colorado State, Wyoming, UTEP
Impact on the program: Harrison is poised to become a playmaker in OSU’s offense after showing flashes as a redshirt freshman. He has the talent and size to be a difference maker before his Cowboy career is over.
Analysis: Another example of excellent evaluation by the Pokes. A two-star recruit who could end up being a difference maker on offense.
Darius Hart, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Kansas State, Louisville, Louisiana Tech, Troy, UAB
Impact on the program: Hart was a solid backup defensive end and special teams player during his two seasons for the Cowboys.
Analysis: A decent pickup who provided depth and versatility during his time in Stillwater.
Several hidden gems in ’09, Part I
Levy Adcock, No. 73, has developed into a All-Big 12 tackle
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
One of the main reasons for Oklahoma State’s recent rise has been quality evaluation on the recruiting trail. Running back Kendall Hunter, a two-time All-American, was a hidden gem out of Tyler, Texas and 2010 Biletnikoff Award winner Justin Blackmon was an overlooked prospect out of Plainview High School in Ardmore.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2009 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the two years since joining the program. (In an effort to keep this from being the longest blog known to man, I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #36
Scout ranking: #45
ESPN.com ranking: unranked
Recruits
Levy Adcock, tackle
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado
Impact on the program: Has become one of the top offensive linemen in the Big 12 and the nation. Plays with great intensity and is extremely consistent.
Analysis: Adcock was a late addition to the Cowboys class but could easily be considered the best player in the class. A great find.
Jordan Barnes, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Oregon, Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin, Louisville and others.
Impact on the program: Barnes is no longer in the program, now poised to play at Toledo for former OSU defensive coordinator Tim Beckman.
Analysis: Barnes left Stillwater after one redshirt season and never played a down for OSU. The Indiana native clearly wanted to be closer to home.
Michael Bowie, tackle
Rivals ranking: Zero stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: Auburn, Oklahoma, Oregon State and others.
Impact on the program: Just arrived back on campus after spending two seasons at Navarro Junior college.
Analysis: Bowie was impressive during the spring and is likely to force his way into the lineup despite the Pokes returning all five starters along the offensive line. Looks poised to be a superb find.
Clint Chelf, quarterback
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: Tulsa
Impact on the program: Currently serves as Brandon Weeden’s backup and could battle for the Cowboys starting quarterback job in 2012.
Analysis: A solid member of the class who has shown the ability and desire to improve during his first two years on campus. Solid get.
Mike Eargle, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: N/A
Other offers: None
Impact on the program: Minimal… Eargle never stepped on campus.
Analysis: Another late addition to the class but he never enrolled.
Power Lunch Chat Recap: Brandon Chatmon
Nash Scores and More
By John Helsley
follow on twitter @jjhelsley
The obvious assumption upon LeBryan Nash’s signing with Oklahoma State hinted at some influence from Nash’s half-brother, former Cowboy Byron Eaton.
LeBryan Nash competes in the slam dunk contest at the McDonald's High School All American basketball Jam Fest at Chicago State University in Chicago, Monday, March 28, 2011. Nash won the contest. (AP Photo/Brian Kersey)
And while Eaton’s OSU career offered a younger Nash reasons to attend Cowboys games — which he did, several times – don’t overplay that connection. Nash has long credited Travis Ford as the tipping point in his desire to go orange and black. And while at 39th Annual Derby Festival Basketball Classic in Louisville over the weekend, Nash reiterated that fact, as the locals pressed him on his coach and former Kentucky star.
“Every time I walked around, somebody has got something to say about him,” Nash told the Louisville Courier-Journal. “That’s why I committed to Oklahoma State. He’s a great coach who is going to push me and hopefully get me to the next level.”
Nash admitted to not knowing so much about Travis Ford, the player.
“He was a shooter, I know he was a shooter,” Nash said. “He knew how to control the offense and can show me how to play point guard when I’m there.”
Point guard? Consider that another tip on how the Cowboys want to play next season — fast. Ford, too, has hinted at putting the ball in Nash’s hands out front; probably not full-time, with Reger Dowell returning and Cezar Guerrero coming in. But expect to see some of it.
As for the Classic, Nash produced 19 points, six rebounds and three assists in 22 minutes. Reports suggested he was one of the most athletic players on the floor.
Nash’s athleticism couldn’t land him another dunk contest title, although he was a crowd favorite. Nash, who won the McDonald’s All-American Jam Fest dunk contest in Chicago, produced two dunks that wowed the crowd, including one in which he passed — behind his back to himself – off the backboard for a throwdown.
While the crowd approved, the judges graded Nash a bit harsher, drawing boos from those in attendance.
“I think that dunk was a better dunk than they gave me,” Nash said. “The fans know I should have won and I know I should have won, but the judges didn’t give it to me.”
Poll: What do you think of OSU playing at Iowa State on a Friday night?
Texas Tech releases schedule, who is next?
OSU will travel to Texas Tech on Nov. 12
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
The Big 12 gave Texas Tech the authority to release its 2011 on Wednesday, meaning the Big 12 could be getting closer to finally releasing its 2011 schedule after months of reshuffling and tinkering for television purposes.
Nothing has changed for OSU, with the Cowboys still facing the Red Raiders on Nov. 12 as expected. The Texas Tech game could be a tough test for OSU, who will be looking to win in Lubbock for two straight years.
Here’s a look at Texas Tech’s official schedule:
Sept. 3 – Texas State
Sept. 10 – Open
Sept. 17 – at New Mexico
Sept. 24 – Nevada
Oct. 1 – at Kansas
Oct. 8 – Texas A&M
Oct. 15 – Kansas State
Oct. 22 – at Oklahoma
Oct. 29 – Iowa State
Nov. 5 – at Texas
Nov. 12 – Oklahoma State
Nov. 19 – at Missouri
Nov. 26 – vs. Baylor (Arlington)
Power Lunch Chat Recap: Brandon Chatmon
Video: OSU’s Orange-White spring game highlights
Thoughts and observations: OSU spring game
Johnny Thomas starred in the spring game
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Spring game is over with the White team winning 49-46 over the Orange squad.
My thoughts and observations of the Orange-White spring game:
— Brandon Weeden is outstanding. He made a couple throws today that were NFL level tosses. Cowboy fans should feel really, really good about having him at the helm.
— Justin Blackmon is Justin Blackmon. If he’s on the field, he’s going to perform at a high level, it’s just that simple.
— Anytime you have two NFL players that are going to lead your team (see above), you have to be excited.
–Safety Johnny Thomas was the star of the spring game with a 64-yard kick return, 61-yard interception return, forced fumble and five tackles. Markelle Who?…. Just kiddin’ Markelle.
— I think Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith have the chance to be one of the top running back duos in the Big 12. They complement each other quite nicely. As crazy as this sounds, it looks like the Pokes will be able to replace Kendall Hunter without a huge drop off.
— If Tracy Moore can consistently perform the way he did today, he could be a big part of the offense. His combination of size, hands and body control makes him tough to cover. It’s all up to Tracy how big a part of the offense he becomes.
— I’m sure Hubert Anyiam is disappointed with his opportunities in the spring game. He had a great spring by all accounts but I don’t remember the ball getting thrown his way very often.
— If Clint Chelf didn’t make one bad decision, his interception to Johnny Thomas, I’d say he had the best day of all the quarterbacks. I think the backup spot is his to lose and I expect him to be the No. 2 this fall as of right now.
–I’m not going to read into the rushing stats too much. The offensive lines were mismatched between the White and Orange squads.
–One problematic stat: The two teams combined to go 6 of 26 on third down conversions.
— J.W. Walsh showed flashes. You can tell he’s a gamer. But you can also tell he’s relatively new to the offense. Give him time to get comfortable with the offense.
J.W. Walsh led the White team offense on a scoring drive
— Justin Gilbert looks like he will become a terrific cornerback for the Pokes. His development and progression has to have the coaching staff excited. He’s playing much more physical than he did last season. And he accepts the challenge of being on an island.
— I really like Zack Craig. I think the sophomore safety going to be a player, I thought he was a sleeper when he signed and he’s only cemented that belief early in his career. He always seems to be around the ball. 7 tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions for Craig.
— Speaking of always being around the ball, linebacker Shaun Lewis with a fumble return for a touchdown. Big play from Lewis? We’ve seen that before.
– One name that could get overlooked is Ryan Robinson. The JC transfer had two sacks from his defensive end spot. He looks like he could provide a much-needed pass rush this fall.
— Richetti Jones was also solid. Two tackles for loss, one sack and one quarterback hurry for the senior-to-be.
— The leading tackler for the White team should make OSU fans smile: Caleb Lavey. We’re used to seeing Orie Lemon sitting atop the tackle list, so to see Lavey, who is battling Tyler Johnson to replace Lemon, atop the list should be reassuring.
— Another overlooked player: Deion Imade. Another sophomore safety who is always around the ball, he finished with six tackles and one fumble recovery.
Kye Staley is back... and he's been productive
– It was awesome to see Kye Staley on the field and being productive. 11 carries, 55 yards. If he continues this, he will find a role in the offense.
— The interception by Tyler Johnson was an exceptional play. You don’t see linebackers who have hands like that, great diving catch. Expect the former pro baseball player to make a impact this fall. He finished with six tackles including one for loss and the interception.
— The offense must take better care of the ball. True enough some of the turnovers were made by backups but that doesn’t make it ok. Everybody needs to take care of the ball and the quarterbacks need to make better decisions.
— On the flip side, the defense made great plays on a couple of the turnovers (Johnson’s INT, Staley’s fumble, Blackmon’s fumble). OSU’s defense is trained to force fumbles and they did.
— Coach Mike Gundy should like the physical mindset of his team. They were willing to be physical and be tough on Saturday.
— Best thing about OSU’s spring: Gundy said he expects everybody to be healthy by July.
— Overall it was a successful spring at OSU and a good spring game. The Cowboys seem poised to create havoc in the Big 12 this season.
