The Pokes have become quite popular
Justin Blackmon has spent plenty of time on ESPN this summer
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Over the past few years, it would have been hard to be a college football fan in America and overlook the exploits of Oklahoma State.
Consecutive bowl appearances, several weeks in the national Top 10 and multiple individual award winners have helped the Cowboys make their mark on the national landscape.
The proof?
OSU has made 22 television appearances in the past two seasons as the Pokes have become an exciting option for television networks.
Schedule changes for the 2011 season are further proof of the national interest in the Cowboys. The Iowa State game was moved to Friday, Nov. 18 to become a featured game on ESPN while Bedlam was moved to Dec. 3 to become a featured game on Championship Saturday to give the Big 12 a footprint while other conferences hold their championship games.
Neither move would have occurred without the rise of the Pokes.
The added television time should pay off in the future for OSU — both athletically and academically — as each appearance acts as an free advertisement for the school.
“You probably couldn’t put a dollar value on it,” athletic director Mike Holder said. “It’s priceless. You couldn’t afford to buy the commercial time.”
But for Holder and OSU, television appearances are only a piece of the puzzle.
“The best advertisment we’ve got is to graduate our student athletes, play by the rules and be good sports and the last piece of the puzzle is winning,” Holder said. “But the winning part loses all significance if one of the other three is not there.”
Holder’s vision is not complete
Boone Pickens Stadium at night
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State athletic director Mike Holder has helped transform the Cowboy football program.
An upgraded Boone Pickens Stadium including the West End Zone facilities and the Sherman Smith Center will have the Pokes’ program in great position in the race to have top-level facilities.
Yet, Holder’s vision is not finished.
With the Cowboy golf, basketball (men’s and women’s) and football programs boasting first-class facilities, Holder is looking forward to taking steps towards seeing his dream of an athletic village at OSU.
There’s no timetable for the athletic village but it is clear Holder is committed to his goal of helping every OSU athlete on campus to succeed.
“There’s still a huge responsibility to continue the quest,” Holder said. “(We want) to do what we have for football, basketball and golf for all the athletes here.
“Everybody deserves the chance to make their dreams come true at the highest level.”
OSU’s original plan for an athletic village included a tennis facility, baseball stadium, indoor track and other athletic facilities.
Sharp has proven to be special
K/P Quinn Sharp is one of the nation's best
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program.
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Jamal Mosley, tight end
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Tennessee, Michigan State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Kentucky and Southern Miss.
Impact on the program: Mosley was slated to replace NFL first round pick Brandon Pettigrew at tight end before off-the-field troubles derailed his time in Stillwater. He’s no longer a member of the program.
Analysis: A talented player who let off-the-field actions end his time at OSU, thus he looked like a gem early on but ended up being a risk not worth taking.
Nigel Nicholas, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Duke
Impact on the program: After a redshirt season, Nicholas played a role in the defensive tackle rotation in 2009. He was a solid backup again as a sophomore in 2010 and is slated to be the man in the middle for this year’s defense. He’s undersized but quick and active in the middle. He brings needed experience to the defensive tackle position for OSU this season.
Analysis: Although this season will be his first as a starter, Nicholas has been very productive for a guy who had only one other offer out of Rossville (Ga.) Ridgeland High School. A good job of evaluation by the Pokes.
Jermiah Price, defensive end
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Louisville, South Florida, West Virginia, Southern Miss, UAB
Impact on the program: A juco transfer, Price was solid in two seasons with the Pokes. He had three sacks in 2008 to lead the team and added two sacks in 2009. He was one of the top pass rushers on the team during his time in an OSU uniform.
Analysis: Price did what he was supposed to do during his two seasons in Stillwater. He was in the defensive end rotation and provided experience while youngsters Ugo Chinasa and Richetti Jones got time to develop. A solid, but not outstanding, pickup.
Adrian Richards, receiver
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Baylor, Boise State, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Minnesota and others.
Impact on the program: At 6-foot-4, 187 pounds with good speed, Richards looked the part. But he never impacted the program due to his struggles catching the ball and getting comfortable in the offensive system. He’s no longer on the roster.
Analysis: With a unique size/speed ratio, Richards was probably a risk worth taking but he definitely didn’t pan out. Richards never really lived up to his potential..
Quinn Sharp, kicker/punter
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: None but interest from several Big 12 schools.
Impact on the program: One of the keys to OSU’s success in 2010 and 2009. His kickoffs into the end zone make things a lot easier on the defense. And his 46.24 yards per punt average is among the nation’s best.
Analysis: You cannot underrate the impact Quinn Sharp has on football games with his kickoffs and punts. And this season he could take over as OSU’s placekicker. A guy like Sharp is the perfect example why coach Mike Gundy does not hesitate to give scholarships to specialists. Giving Sharp a scholarship was a great decision that has paid major dividends during his two seasons on the field.
Could Lunt be the answer in 2012?
The Class of 2012 has found its signal caller.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It’s not hard to understand what intrigued Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken about Rochester (Ill.) quarterback Wes Lunt. The 6-foot-6, 185-pound prospect picked the Pokes over several other offers including Boston College and Michigan State. He’s likely to join the competition to become OSU’s starting quarterback in 2012.
He’s a tall, lanky quarterback prospect with the potential to grow.
And, maybe, most importantly, he’s a winner.
Lunt passed for 3,136 yards and 30 touchdowns in leading Rochester to a 14-0 record and Class 4A state title in Illinois last season. He completed 212 of 323 passes (65.6 percent) and threw just four interceptions in 2010.
CLICK HERE for highlights of Lunt in action.
When looking at the highlights of Lunt in action, you immediately notice his size and his athleticism (check out his throws while running to his left). He definitely appears to have the physical skills to succeed at OSU.
Like every quarterback, the key to Lunt’s success could be his ability to process things quickly, execute quickly and throw accurately while under pressure. All three things are hard to evaluate before a player arrives on campus but Pokes’ fans should be pleased to see Lunt commit because the potential is there.
Another positive for Lunt is his team’s 14-0 record and state title last season. For the second straight class, OSU appears poised to bring in a winner at quarterback (True freshman J.W. Walsh led his Denton Guyer squad deep into the Texas playoffs for three straight seasons).
As OSU continues to take steps towards building a program that competes for Big 12 championships every season, the more winners you can bring in at the quarterback position, the better.
Overall, Lunt appears to be a good pickup for OSU’s Class of 2012. There’s no reason he can’t join the battle to become OSU’s starting quarterback in 2012, especially if he’s able to adapt quickly to Big 12 football.
Freshmen jersey numbers
Cowboys enter BPS before their win over Texas A&M
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Here’s a list of the jersey numbers for incoming freshman and newcomers at Oklahoma State.
#3 Isaac Maselera, S
#4 J.W. Walsh, QB
#6 David Glidden, WR
#7 Shamiel Gary, S (Transfer from Wyoming, eligible in 2012)
#9 Josh Stewart, WR
#15 Isaac McCoy, WR
#23 Herschel Sims, HB
#24 Miketavious Jones, CB
#26 Desmond Roland, HB
#27 Lyndell Johnson, LB
#32 Kris Catlin, LB
#36 Jonovan Griffin, CB
#37 Alex Elkins, LB
#41 Nico Ornelas, LB
#42 Demarcus Sherod, LB
#49 Matt Green, K
#52 Ryan Simmons, LB
#63 Mike Mustafa, DT
#65 Alex Villareal, DT
#66 Travis Cross, OL
#69 Devin Davis, OL
#80 Torrance Carr, WR
#91 James Castleman, DT
#92 Jimmy Bean, DE
#93 Maurice Hayes, DT
#95 Ashaad Mabry, DT
#96 Ryan Robinson, DE
Sims, Castleman among summer arrivals
OSU signee Herschel Sims (Photo courtesy Abilene Reporter-News)
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Several newcomers stepped on the campus of Oklahoma State this week. As the Cowboys begin summer workouts, the players will get their first glimpse of incoming freshmen who have the talent to help OSU immediately. Last year, impact newcomers like Shaun Lewis and Joseph Randle began impressing during summer workouts.
Each year a group of freshmen arrive in June while others arrive in July. There are various reasons for which month each player arrives but often the first group often consists of players who are likely to be called upon in the fall. However, that’s not always the case. For example, Justin Gilbert was among the last freshmen signees to arrive last summer, yet it didn’t stop Gilbert from making an immediate impact as a returner and seeing spot duty at cornerback.
HB Herschel Sims: Mike Gundy has been consistent in saying the Cowboys will need a third and possibly fourth running back this season. Sims has as good a chance as anyone to help provide quality depth behind Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith.
K/P Matt Green: If Green can come in and handle kickoffs or any portion of the kicking game, it would take a load of the shoulders of Quinn Sharp. One of the nation’s top punters, Sharp could win the place kicking job as well. If Green came in and showed the ability to lessen the load on Sharp it would help the long-term wear on the junior’s kicking leg.
LB Nico Ornelas: The sooner he could get on campus and begin putting on weight the better. He’s an athletic linebacker with a willingness to hit but must gain pounds to be a Big 12 linebacker.
DT James Castleman: Arguably the most important summer arrival. Castleman can prove himself worthy of playing immediately and he has special, unique physical abilities that will make him tough to keep off the field if he is committed to making an immediate impact. Thus getting him on campus is key so he can start getting familiar with the demands of playing Big 12 football.
LB Demarcus Sherod: An athletically gifted linebacker, Sherod plays a spot that was not solidified during spring drills. Arriving early this summer allows him the opportunity to prove he can help right away.
CB Jonovan Griffin: The comparisons to Justin Gilbert are uncanny. Both players starred as athletic quarterbacks in Texas before moving to cornerback at OSU. But expecting Griffin to have an impact like Gilbert has during his first year on campus is unfair but he’s talented so getting him on campus and beginning the transition to a new position may help him be ready to play this fall if he’s called upon.
WR Josh Stewart: A quick athlete who could help immediately at slot receiver. A good friend of J.W. Walsh, Stewart will get the chance to participate in summer workouts and become more familiar with the Cowboys’ offense. OSU needs more quick inside receiving threats and Stewart could fit the bill.
LB Alex Elkins: A junior college transfer who didn’t participate in spring drills, Elkins could be an impact player at linebacker. Much like Sherod, the opportunity is there for any linebacker who proves himself ready to play.
Due to explicit language, Click Here to watch Elkins
LB Lyndell Johnson: Johnson plays one of the deepest positions on the squad but still could have an impact. He could prove too talented to keep off the field so bringing him in early allows him the chance to get used to the defensive system and changing positions in the months before fall camp begins.
OL Devin Davis: He’s in a similar situation as spring enrollee Travis Cross. OSU’s offensive front is so talented and deep it would be tough to break into the lineup for just about any offensive line prospect. But the time he puts in now could give him a step ahead when his chance comes in 2012 or ’13 or ’14.
Valuable learning lesson
A sea of orange at BPS
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It was a wake up call for Torrance Carr.
When the Richardson (Texas) standout realized his lack of academic focus could cost him the chance to play college football, Carr knew he would have to make school one of his top priorities during his senior year. The Oklahoma State coaching staff took a chance on Carr on signing day and he rewarded the Cowboys by qualifying.
When he arrives on campus in late June, Carr plans to continue his focus on academics, having learned a life lesson from his high school struggles.
“It took me a while to get my score so I feel like people are going to think I don’t know what I’m doing,” he said. “So I want to buckle down on my grades so I don’t have any problems.”
When Carr looks back on his prep days, he sees a kid with the intelligence to succeed but not the desire.
“When I would get C’s my mom would be like you need to do better than that,” Carr said. “But I was thinking ‘I’m passing, I can still play football,’ that’s just how I looked at it.”
Then the spring of his junior year arrived and it became plain as day why Carr should focus on his studies.
“Coming into senior year, losing a lot of offers and almost not being able to come, it showed me its’ really, really important,” he said. “You need to get your stuff done.”
A valuable lesson. And a lesson Carr should carry throughout his years in a Cowboy uniform.
Martin has lived up to the hype
Markelle Martin will be a core member of OSU's defense
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Markelle Martin, safety
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Oklahoma, Kansas State, Texas A&M.
Impact on the program: Martin began his freshman season at cornerback before ended up at safety. He’s become one of the foundations of OSU’s defense heading into his senior year and is among the Big 12’s top defensive backs. One of the best players on the squad and one of the reasons for high expectations this season.
Analysis: A four-star player who has lived up to that billing. He played immediately upon his arrival in Stillwater and emerged as a playmaker as a sophomore. Martin has become a great player who will likely play on Sundays in the near future.
Swanson Miller, defensive tackle
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Kansas State, West Virginia, South Florida, Troy.
Impact on the program: A key contributor on OSU’s defense in 2009. The Cowboy defense often played at its best when Miller played well as he showed the ability to get penetration finishing with 24 tackles and three sacks. He had 17 tackles as a junior in 2008.
Analysis: While Miller never dominated games or earned all-conference honors, he was a very solid player at the position that is tough to recruit to. The fact he ended the 2010 season on the roster of the New Orleans Saints speaks to Miller’s talent. Overall Miller was a very solid pickup for OSU.
Travis Miller, running back
Rivals ranking: 2 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: None
Impact on the program: After a redshirt season, Miller had a minimal impact on the squad in 2009 with 13 carries for 59 yards. In 2010, he appeared poised to get some carries as a part of Dana Holgorsen’s offense but quit shortly before the season began.
Analysis: OSU took a chance on a two-star recruit in Miller who had excellent quickness and speed but didn’t chose to continue his football career after his first two years on campus. Overall, a disappointing result, fortunately the Cowboys aren’t hurting for running backs.
Andrew Mitchell, tackle
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Arizona, Arizona State, Kansas State, NC State and others
Impact on the program: Mitchell provided quality depth during his two seasons in Stillwater. He used his versatility to step in when injury troubles hit including in 2009 when Brady Bond missed several games due to injury.
Analysis: A swing backup tackle, Mitchell never seized a starting spot but was solid when he did see the field. A non-starter at OSU who spent 2010 on the Cincinnati Bengals roster after suffering a knee injury in the preseason, so a pretty good signee for OSU.
Tolu Moala, linebacker
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 2 stars
Other offers: BYU
Impact on the program: He provided depth and toughness during his two years with the Cowboys. After redshirting due to injury in 2008, he recorded 23 tackles in 2009 and 15 tackles in 2010.
Analysis: Moala did what he was signed to do by providing immediate help and depth at linebacker. His ability to return from a preseason injury and provide depth in 2010 was a huge help to OSU’s defense. Not mind-blowing but not disappointing either.
Overlooked but solid
Beau Johnson was overlooked but a solid recruit
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.
I decided to review recent OSU recruiting classes because it gives you a better feel for where the players you will see making plays on Saturdays this fall came from. And it makes it easier to understand recruiting is a full of unknowns so assuming an elite recruit will become an elite playmaker is fool’s gold, especially once you get past the players who are simply freaks of nature with sheer physical ability which is unmatched.
Here’s a look back at OSU’s recruiting Class of 2008 with a detailed look at each recruit, their ranking when they arrived on campus and their production or potential in the three years since joining the program. (I’ll break the class into several different blogs in the next few days)
Overall class rankings
Rivals ranking: #26
Scout ranking: #40
ESPN.com ranking: unranked. Given a C in overall grades in the Big 12 behind Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas A&M and Missouri.
Recruits
Maurice Gray, cornerback
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Arizona State, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Ole Miss and others.
Impact on the program: Played a contributing role behind Perrish Cox and Terrance Anderson and on special teams in 2009. Probably not the impact expected from a four-star recruit but he wasn’t a complete bust.
Analysis: A decent pickup. Not great, not bad. Frankly, the type of player the Cowboys won’t recruit anytime soon because they have enough talented young corners on the roster and don’t need a veteran corner to play immediately.
Patrick Hoog, offensive guard
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Baylor, Colorado State, Rice, Texas Tech, UTEP.
Impact on the program: Hoog has played a special teams role early during his career and provides solid depth. He entered the spring as the backup behind Lane Taylor at right guard and is one of the reasons OSU feels really good about its depth.
Analysis: A solid pickup. While not a starter, Hoog is developing nicely and provides quality depth along the offensive line. If needed, he could step in and hold his own.
Justin Horton, tight end/inside receiver
Rivals ranking: 3 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Nebraska, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa.
Impact on the program: Horton has seen the field in spot duty since his redshirt freshman season. He has incredible potential thanks to his size (6-3, 240) and speed. The perfect type of player to stretch defenses with his speed in the middle of the field but he has not brought consistent production to the table thus far. He has five career catches.
Analysis: Another solid pickup. If he steps up and begins to fulfill his potential he will become a great pickup thanks to his unique physical gifts. Regardless he should make an impact in spot duty on special teams and offense.
Beau Johnson, running back
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 4 stars
Other offers: Kansas, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kansas State, Kentucky.
Impact on the program: Johnson had two solid seasons as a backup running back for the Cowboys. Kendall Hunter was All-Big 12 in front of him in 2008 and Kieth Toston was All-Big 12 in front of him in 2009 so we never will know what Johnson could have done if he was “the man”. He had TWO NFL running backs ahead of him.
Analysis: Johnson was a four star recruit who never became a starter. Does that make him a disappointment? Maybe or maybe not. I personally would say no because he did make plays when he got the opportunity, it’s not his fault Toston and Hunter were on campus at the same time.
Victor Johnson, safety
Rivals ranking: 4 stars
Scout ranking: 3 stars
Other offers: Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Miami (Fla.), Nebraska.
Impact on the program: Contributed immediately upon his arrival but two knee injuries derailed his Cowboy career. Johnson also had some off-the-field issues and he transferred to Northeastern Oklahoma State University this spring.
Analysis: When on the field and healthy, Victor Johnson was a playmaker. But the combo of injuries and off-the-field troubles doomed his Cowboys’ career. A very good football player who just didn’t pan out for a number of reasons.
Niners’ GM has high expectations for Hunter
Kendall Hunter is one of the best RBs in OSU history.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
When Kendall Hunter was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2011 NFL Draft, it appeared he could be the perfect “change of pace” back under new coach Jim Harbaugh.
But 49ers’ GM Trent Baalke expects much more from Hunter calling him “A four-down contributor” while talking with reporters about the Niners draft picks. Here’s a summary of Baalke’s thoughts on Hunter via sfgate.com:
“RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State (4th round, no. 115): His three clips included two long runs with Hunter reading blocks well and stepping through tackles. Baalke doesn’t believe Hunter is a change-of-pace back, despite his stature (5-7, 200 pounds). He has a good combination of quickness, strength and explosion, he also impressed Baalke with his pass-protection skills at the combine.”
Sounds like Kendall Hunter will get the opportunity to prove people wrong like he’s done since he was an overlooked recruit out of Tyler, Texas.
Here are some highlights of Kendall’s 2010 season.
