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.
Fans respond to Bedlam’s move
Bedlam will be on Championship Saturday this year
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Last Friday, the Big 12 announced Bedlam would be moving to early December. Here are some additional thoughts from fans on Bedlam’s move to Championship Saturday:
“It will give us an extra bye week, correct? I don’t see any other reason it hurts us, with the exception of this… OU, recently anyway, seems to have slow starts to their season and be dominant by the end. But if you’re playing them last you’re playing them last so I don’t think it makes a difference.”—Brad
“I would like to maintain the tradition of playing after Thanksgiving. Given the current state of the Big XII, I could see this being a temporary move until the conferences realign again.” — Eric Woodworth, Edmond
“I like it. Having the game on Thanksgiving weekend has, for me, always detracted from Thanksgiving a bit. “ — Greg, Midwest City
“I think it is a great move and more importantly, a necessary one. With the conference losing its championship game, the Big 12 needed a way to remain relevant and in people’s minds while the other conferences are playing their own title games. In my opinion, with OSU’s recent success and OU’s tradition, the Bedlam game should stack up well against any other game played that same weekend.” — Michael Perez, Tulsa
“Christmas come early? I think so. I like it in December much more than around Thanksgiving. Now I don’t have to feel bad for skipping family time to go to a game. Plus, for me, I have to drive 4 ½ hours to catch the game, so less traffic on the trip up and back will be great. Also, what a great weekend to showcase the state of Oklahoma! If both teams have the season most hope/think they will; this could be the deciding game for the Big 12 Championship. The whole nation SHOULD be watching.” — Tristan Brown, Valliant
“I like the idea of prime time ABC on Championship weekend in December. However, they could play on a Tuesday in July….I’ll be there in Orange. Go Pokes!” — Brian, Tulsa
“I’m fine with it. In fact, it might make for a little less stressful week pushing it back. With Thanksgiving activities, then a quick turnaround to the game, sometimes i made for quite a packed week.” — Jay Martin
“I think it is a positive statement that the Bedlam game now takes place on the weekend that was formerly reserved for the Big XII Championship. It means OSU has elevated the football program to an unprecedented level. As an OSU fan I take great pride in this and is further evidence this program has become a consistent force in the Big XII, not just a factor every few years.” — Jimmy Green, Edmond
“I think it’s great, it makes the Bedlam game the spotlight of the Big 12. It says a lot about the program OSU has built, 5 or 6 years ago this game would not be a national focal point. It will always be a big game statewide but it’s great to see Oklahoma State has risen its national image.” — Chris Anderson, Tulsa
“Does not make a difference to me either way.” — David, Edmond
“Yeah, to me as someone living in Houston, it really doesn’t make any difference. This is the game we circle on the schedule every year. Certainly the positive is that the conference thinks enough of our program to make it a “feature” game on that weekend….on the flip side, I’m more concerned about getting over the hump and finally beating the Sooners. It has been a very lopsided rivalry during my 40-some odd years of watching the contests. Beating the Sooners is really the last hurdle for head coach Mike Gundy to cross in the Cowboy renaissance under his leadership.” — Rod Kelly, Spring, TX
“I love it. In my mind it really solidifies the Bedlam game as being a premier matchup nationally. I think it is a great thing for all parties involved. Only downside would be extremely cold weather. Would Bedlam have been different last year if Blackmon could have had an extra week to let his ankle heal? Who knows but the extra week should allow both teams to be as healthy as possible and well prepared.” — Jeff, Broken Arrow
“The extra week of rest will be good for the Cowboys who always seem to have some injury issues going into Bedlam in recent years.” — Hiram Sasser, McKinney, Texas
“Once again, the little brother uses the coat tails of big brother to gain national attention….if OU would not allow OSU to move the dates to help them get national attention, they would never have the success that they have…they rely on the SOONERS to help them get respect…I say screw them….they don’t deserve it.” — Dennis
“I am fine with a December Bedlam game…last game of the season, a potential conference championship and fabulous national TV exposure!” — Bob Bridges, Houston, TX
“I think it is good for both schools to get showcased in the last game week. If things go as planned (which rarely happens) this game will be for the big12 championship anyways. Now I just find a different excuse for not spending a week with the in-laws!!” — Dustin, Midwest City
“I think its advantage for us when you consider the past games and when they are played. The only thing I don’t like is the fact OU/STOOPS era has always seemed to get better as the season progressed. If OU gets past Florida (State), it may not make any difference when we play OU!” — Richard McDonald
“We have no problem with the game being moved to Championship Saturday. I would assume that it will be for the Big 12 championship. Should be a great atmosphere.” — Jack Lorenz
OSU’s top duo split up for spring game
Can you stop him?
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Oklahoma State released its rosters for the Orange-White spring game on Thursday. The spring game will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium and admission is free.
The biggest surprise is the decision to split up quarterback Brandon Weeden and receiver Justin Blackmon. That duo could be a key to OSU’s success this year but they won’t get an opportunity to further cement their connection during the spring game. Weeden will lead the Orange team while Blackmon will lead the White team with quarterback Clint Chelf at the helm of the offense.
Weeden will get the opportunity to develop a better relationship with receiver Hubert Anyiam, which could be another key to making OSU’s offense even more explosive. Tracy Moore will also join Weeden on the Orange team.
Running back Joseph Randle will be the man in the backfield alongside Weeden. The sophomore has had a superb spring and will get the opportunity to solidify his spot in the offense in the spring game.
Defensively, Nigel Nicholas will lead the way for the Orange. He has had one of the best springs for a defensive tackle in recent memory.
On the White team, Blackmon and Josh Cooper headline the roster. That duo accounted for 179 catches in 2010. Good luck, Orange secondary.
Running back Jeremy Smith will be the primary back for the White squad and should get plenty of opportunities to prove he’s much more than just a short yardage runner. He’s also had a terrific spring.
On defense, cornerback Justin Gilbert will draw a lot of eyes after his terrific improvement since the bowl game. Safety Daytawion Lowe and linebacker Joe Mitchell are other White team players who could take a step towards securing a spot in OSU’s defense this fall with a strong spring game.
Kicker and All-American punter Quinn Sharp gives the White squad a clear advantage in the kicking game.
Keep an eye on redshirt freshman receiver Kevin Johnson on the Orange team. If he can gain Weeden’s trust and develop it more this Saturday, he could earn some time on the field this fall. For the White team, watch defensive tackle Chris Littlehead. His development could be one of the keys to OSU’s defense.
Notable: Quarterback J.W. Walsh is on the White team along with Nathan Sorenson, Chris Dinkins, Kye Staley, Caleb Lavey… Offensive tackle Michael Bowie is on the Orange team joined by Tyler Johnson, Shaun Lewis, LeRon Furr and Devin Hedgepeth.
Click here for the full spring game rosters: SpringGameRosters
Martin leads a deep crop of safeties
Martin should be one of OSU's top playmakers in 2011.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
With Oklahoma State spring football past the halfway point, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the Cowboys roster. During the final days of spring football I complete my position-by-position look at the Pokes.
Safety
Headliner: Senior Markelle Martin. A leader who will set the tone for the Cowboy defense in 2011, Martin brings a physical mindset and versatility to the table. The former cornerback likely has a NFL future and could be a All-Big 12 performer this season.
Next in line: Sophomore Daytawion Lowe. Lowe is getting valuable reps this spring with Martin sidelined by a shoulder injury. The former Carl Albert standout is returning from a shoulder injury of his own and could become a key member of OSU’s defense this season. He was slated to be the Pokes’ nickelback before suffering the shoulder injury last summer.
Could surprise: Sophomore Zack Craig. A solid special teams performer as a freshman, Craig has the physical talent to make an impact in the secondary. As he gets more comfortable at the safety position and within the Pokes’ defense he could earn some playing time.
Spring goals: The main goal at the safety spot is to get sophomores Lowe, Craig, Lavocheya Cooper and Deion Imade some extensive work at safety. All three players have potential but were thrown into the fire last season, this spring is their first opportunity to really get comfortable in the defense.
Summary: Returning two starters in Martin and Johnny Thomas, the Cowboys must feel good about their safeties. Both players made game-changing plays in 2010 and should be better this season. Add Lowe, who could push to start, into the mix and safety becomes one of the deepest positions on the roster. Sophomores Craig, Cooper and Imade played roles on special teams last year and will provide additional depth.
Overall grade: A. Much like the “Star” linebacker spot, if this group does deserve an A, who does?
Replacing McGee is key
Surprise, surprise.. Brodrick Brown is around the football
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
With Oklahoma State spring football past the halfway point, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the Cowboys roster. During the final days of spring football I complete my position-by-position look at the Pokes.
Cornerback
Headliner: Junior Brodrick Brown. The YouTube sensation was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2010. He displayed consistency, toughness and always seemed to be around the football. This season, he’s looking to become the type of cornerback teams try to avoid.
Next in line: Sophomore Justin Gilbert. He has the complete package. The only thing that can keep Gilbert from developing into an elite cornerback is himself. Likely the fastest player on the team, Gilbert showed he has playmaking ability with his kick returns for touchdowns against Oklahoma and Baylor.
Could surprise: Redshirt freshman Larry Stephens. Maybe the most natural cornerback on the roster, Stephens is undersized and needs to bulk up and get more physical. If he does that, he could become a contributor.
Spring goals: OSU is looking to find a starter opposite Brown with Gilbert and Devin Hedgepeth battling it out. Regardless, the Cowboys look like it will have three solid cornerbacks heading into fall camp. That’s not enough. Stephens and junior Andrae May need to step up and earn a contributing role as fourth and fifth cornerbacks. In the era of spread offenses, you can’t have enough corners and if neither guy steps up, then freshman signees Miketavious Jones and Jonovan Griffin will be given the chance to step in.
Summary: In reality the Pokes could be feeling better about this position this spring then they did at this time last year or even at times during the 2010 season. Brown and Andrew McGee were solid starters but inexperience hampered Gilbert and Hedgepeth during their true freshman season. Gilbert and Hedgepeth are sophomores now and both should be very solid.
Overall grade: B-. OSU has talent at the position but they don’t have as much experience as you would like when your schedule features several high-scoring spread attacks.
Weeden talks Jimmie Austin, The Masters
Brandon Weeden picked Rickie Fowler to win the Masters
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
It’s not unusual to see Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden on enemy territory at Oklahoma’s Jimmie Austin golf course. And he doesn’t hesitate to wear school colors.
“I wear orange,” said Weeden, who often joins friends on OU’s home golf course. “I wear an OSU golf hat. They know who I am and I’ve played with most of the guys so they are pretty cool. They’re all older, more mature guys. The pro there is one of my good friends.”
An avid golfer and walk on member of the OSU golf squad, Weeden made former OSU standout Rickie Fowler his Masters pick.
“I’m going to take Rickie,” Weeden said last Friday. “If you think about it, it’s usually a guy who hasn’t won a tournament. I got the chance to play with Rickie two Fridays ago and the guy is unbelievable, he a little bitty guy and just pounds the golf ball. It’s stupid.”
Fowler was in the hunt at -2 after the first round at Augusta on Thursday.
A star at the “Star”
Shaun Lewis has star written all over him
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
With Oklahoma State spring football past the halfway point, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the Cowboys roster. During the final days of spring football I complete my position-by-position look at the Pokes.
Star Linebacker
Headliner: Sophomore Shaun Lewis. What more can you say about Lewis? The Big 12′s co-defensive freshman of the year, Lewis was superb in 2010. He brings a combination of quickness, hard hitting and versatility to the position. And he’s one of the most focused and determined players on the squad.
Next in line: Sophomore Joe Mitchell. Last year’s star of the spring, Mitchell seemed poised to make an impact before Lewis forced his way into the starting lineup with his playmaking ability. Mitchell remains one of the most talented defenders on the squad and could find his way into the lineup somewhere as he gets more comfortable in the Cowboy defensive system.
Could surprise: Freshman Lyndell Johnson. The February signee has the physical talent to be a impact player this season but faces a deep group of players in front of him. His size and versatility cannot be overlooked though.
Spring goals: With Lewis secure in the starting role, the coaching staff may want to find ways to get James Thomas and Joe Mitchell on the field. Thomas is one of those players who gets overlooked but is consistently in the right place at the right time. This is one spot where OSU has the option to tinker and move some guys around if they think it will help the defense as a whole or even design some defensive packages to put multiple “Star” linebackers on the field together.
Summary: With three very solid “Star” linebackers already on campus and Johnson on the way, Cowboy fans should be very excited about the possibilities with a group this deep. Lewis will be a star, Thomas is solid, Mitchell is talented and Johnson could have the best combination of size and athletic ability in the group.
Overall grade: A. If this group doesn’t get an A, who does?
Plenty of talent, plenty of inexperience
LeRon Furr could be a key contributor for OSU
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
With Oklahoma State spring football beginning past the halfway point, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the Cowboys roster. During the final days of spring football I complete my position-by-position look at the Pokes.
Linebacker
Headliner: TBD. Replacing Orie Lemon and Justin Gent, OSU has talent at the position but it is largely inexperienced talent. Until they prove it on the field, nobody deserves to be called a headliner quite yet.
Next in line: Sophomore Caleb Lavey. An elite recruit in last year’s class, Lavey will be counted on to step in for Orie Lemon at the middle linebacker slot. After injuring his elbow in fall camp, he fought back to see significant action in the final weeks of the season. Replacing Lemon won’t be easy but Lavey has the talent to be a core member of the Cowboy defense.
Could surprise: Freshman Kris Catlin. Originally a 2010 signee, Catlin has been impressive this spring as an early enrollee following a greyshirt semester. His hard work during on and off the field last fall is looking like it could pay off in 2011.
Spring goals: Find two solid starters to replace Gent and Lemon. Or better yet, find four solid players who can rotate at the two positions allowing for fresher defenders in the fourth quarter. Early on, it appears the Cowboys have the talent to accomplish that goal but limiting mental mistakes will be the key to actually setting up a four-man rotation.
Summary: Lavey should be solid at middle linebacker with Tyler Johnson looking like a solid backup in the middle. Outside, LeRon Furr, who has talent but loses his focus at times, is battling Catlin and Chris Dinkins. If Dinkins makes a smooth transition to linebacker he could be the most talented of the bunch and a potential difference maker.
Overall grade: C. Talent-wise, OSU fans should be excited about this group. But talent does you no good if it’s always in the wrong place, so the mental makeup of this group is the key and they should improve as they become more experienced.
*Note: Star linebacker will be addressed in a separate blog.*
Blatnick, Jones will be key to OSU’s D
Richetti Jones could be a key to OSU's defense this season.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
With Oklahoma State spring football past the halfway point, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the Cowboys roster. During the final days of spring football I will complete my position-by-position look at the Pokes.
Defensive End
Headliner: Senior Jamie Blatnick. His off-the-field incident last summer has overshadowed his strong, consistent play for the Pokes over the past two seasons. He led the Cowboys in sacks with 5.5 and added 27 tackles.
Next in line: Senior Richetti Jones arrived on campus as one of the most heralded recruits for OSU in recent years. Jones has been solid during his first three seasons but this year is the last opportunity to take his game to another level. Jones has great talent and is looking to fulfill it in his final year in a Cowboy uniform.
Could surprise: Junior college transfer Ryan Robinson. After originally signing with OSU in 2009, Robinson was forced to go the juco route. He returned this spring and he is looking like a impact player who could be a pass rush threat from the outside.
Spring goals: With Robinson is looking like playmaker this spring, the fourth spot in the rotation wide open. Cooper Bassett, Davidell Collins and even Joe Okafor could seize the chance to fill that role. Bassett, a junior, likely has the edge.
Summary: OSU is in good shape at defensive end with two experienced players returning in Blatnick and Jones, who finished 1-2 in sacks for OSU in 2010. Blatnick has moved over to the LEO position, manned by Ugo Chinasa last season, which will allow the Pokes to start both players. They should provide much needed leadership up front.
Overall grade: B-. OSU has solid defensive ends but if Blatnick, Jones or Robinson emerges as a pass rush threat who must be accounted for on every play, the Cowboy defense could rise to another level.
Justin time?
Already a proven playmaker on returns, Justin Gilbert is looking to make plays at CB.
by Brandon Chatmon
bchatmon@opubco.com
Follow me on Twitter @BChatmon
Sophomore Justin Gilbert made a name for himself as a kick returner during his freshman season at Oklahoma State.
This spring, the Cowboys are hoping Gilbert begins making a name for himself as a cornerback. At 6-foot, 193 pounds, Gilbert has the size and the elite speed which defensive coordinators covet nationwide.
A offensive standout at Huntsville (Texas) High School, Gilbert made the transition from quarterback to cornerback last season. Gilbert saw spot duty on defense during his true freshman season.
“When he first got here he was a quarterback, he’d played on the offensive side of the ball,” cornerbacks coach Jason Jones said. “It took some time to get adjusted, learn techniques and the defense.”
This season, Gilbert is battling fellow sophomore Devin Hedgepeth to replace Andrew McGee as the starting cornerback opposite Brodrick Brown.
“Towards the end of the season, especially the bowl practices, he really started to mature,” Jones said. “He’s progressing well. I think he’ll see one of the biggest improvements (on the team).”
