arfer0384
02-12-2008, 12:08 AM
Been awhile, guys; here's my breakdown of this year's offensive newcomers. I'll have the defensive version done soon.
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Breaking Down the Newcomers: Offense
By Greg Stine
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys welcomed the program’s third full class under head coach Mike Gundy. Twenty-seven newcomers will join the team in 2008, 14 of which are projected to contribute to the offense during their time in Stillwater. Here’s a look at the offense’s new names:
Positional Breakdown
Running Back
The Cowboys bolstered their backfield by signing a trio of running backs. Guthrie’s Kye Staley (6’0”, 215) was regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the state of Oklahoma. As a quarterback, Staley won the state’s Offensive Player of the Year award last season. His size and playmaking ability will be assets to the Cowboy offense in the future. Also joining the team from the high school ranks is Marlin, TX native Travis Miller (5’11”, 185). Upon his arrival in Stillwater, Miller is expected to be one of the team’s fastest players. According to Gundy, Miller’s shifty running style compares favorably to that of Dantrell Savage. While Miller has the speed, Beau Johnson (5’11”, 210) brings power to the table. Joining the Cowboys from Butler County Community College, Johnson was named the MVP of last year’s JUCO national championship game after running for over 200 yards and scoring 4 times. Johnson is currently on campus, and will participate in spring practice.
Wide Receiver
Three wide receivers signed with the Cowboys on Wednesday. While they will contribute to the team in different ways, it is evident what the coaching staff wanted out of this group: speed. Isaiah Anderson(6’0”, 175) is regarded as the fastest of the three. Anderson runs track for his high school in Wichita Falls, TX, and is expected to run a 10.5 or 10.6 in the 100-meter dash this year, according to Gundy. Another Texas speedster headed to Stillwater is Mesquite’s Adrian Richards (6’4”, 190). Richards’ rare combination of size and speed should make him a big-play threat for the Cowboy offense over the next few years. Local product Justin Blackmon (6’2”, 190) was one of the state’s top receivers last year, and gained a lot of attention late in the recruiting process. Like Richards, the Ardmore native brings both size and speed to the receiving corps.
Tight End
With the departures of Justin Waller and Paschal Smith, tight end was a priority for the Cowboy coaches this year. The signings reflect this: three tight ends will join the team in the fall. Justin Horton (6’4”, 220) of Henderson, TX, brings outstanding quickness to the position, and was heavily involved in his team’s passing game last season. Like Brandon Pettigrew, he has the ability to line up as a wide receiver and be effective. Tuttle’s Cooper Bassett (6’5”, 235) has drawn comparisons to former Cowboy Billy Bajema. A lifelong Cowboy fan, Bassett was named a SuperPrep All-American last season. Jamal Mosley (6’4”, 230) of Memphis, TN, decided to join the Cowboys on Signing Day. Mosley chose the Cowboys over several other BCS conference suitors, including local schools Tennessee and Ole Miss.
Offensive Line
Four offensive linemen will join the Cowboys next season. DeJuan Davis (6’4”, 295) of Fort Worth was named to the Texas 4A all-state first team in 2007. Similar in size to Davis is Patrick Hoog (6’4”, 295) of Castroville, TX. Hoog is considered to be one of the Cowboys’ strongest signees. Lane Taylor (6’2”, 300) of Arlington, TX, is another all-state member (Texas 5A); he most likely projects to the guard position. Snow College transfer Andrew Mitchell (6’5”, 300) arrived in Stillwater in December, and will participate in spring practice. Mitchell was a first-team All-American in the JUCO ranks last season.
Kicker
While kickers belong to special teams, Quinn Sharp (6’1”, 185) of Mansfield, TX, will undoubtedly have an impact on the Cowboy offense. The longtime Oklahoma State commitment is widely regarded as the nation’s top kicker.
Immediate Impact
Due to depth provided by recent recruiting success, the Cowboys will be able to redshirt the majority of their offensive newcomers. However, a handful of signees will make significant contributions to the Cowboys in 2008. The following list ranks players by their potential impact next season:
1. Beau Johnson
With the departure of Dantrell Savage and Julius Crosslin, the Cowboys were left with two running backs on scholarship at the end of the year: Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston. With Toston recovering from an ACL injury, Johnson will certainly receive plenty of work next season. With his powerful running style, Johnson will provide a nice complement to Hunter’s finesse and shiftiness.
2. Quinn Sharp
Sharp is expected to immediately bring consistency to the Cowboy kicking game. Upon arriving to Stillwater, he will compete with returning starter Dan Bailey for field goal and extra point responsibilities, and will also try to work his way onto the kickoff team.
3. Andrew Mitchell
While Russell Okung and Brady Bond return as the Cowboys’ starting tackles, Mitchell will contend for playing time. Mitchell is one of the team’s most physically mature newcomers, and should benefit from participating in spring drills. If Mitchell doesn’t end up with a starting spot, he will provide quality depth at the tackle position.
4. Cooper Bassett/Jamal Mosley
With Pettigrew and Wilson Youman being the Cowboys’ only returning tight ends on scholarship, one of the freshman tight ends should see some action in 2008. Horton would benefit from a year in the weight room, and will most likely redshirt. Bassett and Mosley should battle for the third tight end position this fall.
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Breaking Down the Newcomers: Offense
By Greg Stine
On Wednesday, the Oklahoma State Cowboys welcomed the program’s third full class under head coach Mike Gundy. Twenty-seven newcomers will join the team in 2008, 14 of which are projected to contribute to the offense during their time in Stillwater. Here’s a look at the offense’s new names:
Positional Breakdown
Running Back
The Cowboys bolstered their backfield by signing a trio of running backs. Guthrie’s Kye Staley (6’0”, 215) was regarded as one of the top overall prospects in the state of Oklahoma. As a quarterback, Staley won the state’s Offensive Player of the Year award last season. His size and playmaking ability will be assets to the Cowboy offense in the future. Also joining the team from the high school ranks is Marlin, TX native Travis Miller (5’11”, 185). Upon his arrival in Stillwater, Miller is expected to be one of the team’s fastest players. According to Gundy, Miller’s shifty running style compares favorably to that of Dantrell Savage. While Miller has the speed, Beau Johnson (5’11”, 210) brings power to the table. Joining the Cowboys from Butler County Community College, Johnson was named the MVP of last year’s JUCO national championship game after running for over 200 yards and scoring 4 times. Johnson is currently on campus, and will participate in spring practice.
Wide Receiver
Three wide receivers signed with the Cowboys on Wednesday. While they will contribute to the team in different ways, it is evident what the coaching staff wanted out of this group: speed. Isaiah Anderson(6’0”, 175) is regarded as the fastest of the three. Anderson runs track for his high school in Wichita Falls, TX, and is expected to run a 10.5 or 10.6 in the 100-meter dash this year, according to Gundy. Another Texas speedster headed to Stillwater is Mesquite’s Adrian Richards (6’4”, 190). Richards’ rare combination of size and speed should make him a big-play threat for the Cowboy offense over the next few years. Local product Justin Blackmon (6’2”, 190) was one of the state’s top receivers last year, and gained a lot of attention late in the recruiting process. Like Richards, the Ardmore native brings both size and speed to the receiving corps.
Tight End
With the departures of Justin Waller and Paschal Smith, tight end was a priority for the Cowboy coaches this year. The signings reflect this: three tight ends will join the team in the fall. Justin Horton (6’4”, 220) of Henderson, TX, brings outstanding quickness to the position, and was heavily involved in his team’s passing game last season. Like Brandon Pettigrew, he has the ability to line up as a wide receiver and be effective. Tuttle’s Cooper Bassett (6’5”, 235) has drawn comparisons to former Cowboy Billy Bajema. A lifelong Cowboy fan, Bassett was named a SuperPrep All-American last season. Jamal Mosley (6’4”, 230) of Memphis, TN, decided to join the Cowboys on Signing Day. Mosley chose the Cowboys over several other BCS conference suitors, including local schools Tennessee and Ole Miss.
Offensive Line
Four offensive linemen will join the Cowboys next season. DeJuan Davis (6’4”, 295) of Fort Worth was named to the Texas 4A all-state first team in 2007. Similar in size to Davis is Patrick Hoog (6’4”, 295) of Castroville, TX. Hoog is considered to be one of the Cowboys’ strongest signees. Lane Taylor (6’2”, 300) of Arlington, TX, is another all-state member (Texas 5A); he most likely projects to the guard position. Snow College transfer Andrew Mitchell (6’5”, 300) arrived in Stillwater in December, and will participate in spring practice. Mitchell was a first-team All-American in the JUCO ranks last season.
Kicker
While kickers belong to special teams, Quinn Sharp (6’1”, 185) of Mansfield, TX, will undoubtedly have an impact on the Cowboy offense. The longtime Oklahoma State commitment is widely regarded as the nation’s top kicker.
Immediate Impact
Due to depth provided by recent recruiting success, the Cowboys will be able to redshirt the majority of their offensive newcomers. However, a handful of signees will make significant contributions to the Cowboys in 2008. The following list ranks players by their potential impact next season:
1. Beau Johnson
With the departure of Dantrell Savage and Julius Crosslin, the Cowboys were left with two running backs on scholarship at the end of the year: Kendall Hunter and Keith Toston. With Toston recovering from an ACL injury, Johnson will certainly receive plenty of work next season. With his powerful running style, Johnson will provide a nice complement to Hunter’s finesse and shiftiness.
2. Quinn Sharp
Sharp is expected to immediately bring consistency to the Cowboy kicking game. Upon arriving to Stillwater, he will compete with returning starter Dan Bailey for field goal and extra point responsibilities, and will also try to work his way onto the kickoff team.
3. Andrew Mitchell
While Russell Okung and Brady Bond return as the Cowboys’ starting tackles, Mitchell will contend for playing time. Mitchell is one of the team’s most physically mature newcomers, and should benefit from participating in spring drills. If Mitchell doesn’t end up with a starting spot, he will provide quality depth at the tackle position.
4. Cooper Bassett/Jamal Mosley
With Pettigrew and Wilson Youman being the Cowboys’ only returning tight ends on scholarship, one of the freshman tight ends should see some action in 2008. Horton would benefit from a year in the weight room, and will most likely redshirt. Bassett and Mosley should battle for the third tight end position this fall.