JimBob
09-24-2008, 07:15 AM
Up close: Keith Toston
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
9/24/2008
Last Modified: 9/24/2008 3:24 AM
STILLWATER — Keith Toston's resilience has been thoroughly tested.
During last year's 41-23 loss to Troy, he lost two fumbles. He essentially was benched, getting only seven carries over the next seven games.
And then against Baylor in November, he sustained a major knee injury and underwent reconstructive surgery.
He missed all of spring practice, returned for August camp and again was injured. After yet another setback and minor knee surgery, there were doubts as to whether Toston would be a factor in the Cowboy backfield this season.
Those doubts have been erased.
Toston has been tremendously effective as a backup running back, ranking fourth in the Big 12 at 84.7 rushing yards per game.
He has averaged 10.6 yards per carry while scoring three touchdowns.
"I'm impressed by what Keith has done," Cowboy center Andrew Lewis said. "Most people would give up. It's amazing that he got hurt in August and he's already scoring touchdowns for us."
Within the Cowboy locker room, running backs coach Curtis Luper says, Toston is a "very popular" player.
"Next year, Keith will be the only guy I've ever coached for four years. I'm excited about that," Luper said. "Keith is a great guy. I hope my sons grow up to be like him."
Said OSU coach Mike Gundy: "Keith is a ladies' man. He's always got something going on. Keeps good company. He's very well-liked because he's got a good personality."
When you signed with OSU in February 2006, you were designated an "athlete." You were viewed by some recruiters as a safety and by others as a running back. Why did you choose OSU?
OSU was going to give me a chance at running back. If I had wanted to be a safety, I would have maybe gone to LSU. But OSU gave me an opportunity, and I took it and ran with it.
You were benched because of fumbles and twice had knee surgery. Did you ever consider quitting?
It never crossed my mind. This is what I know. I've been playing since I was 6. The fumbles were my fault. That could be corrected, and I did correct it.
Your solid freshman season in 2006 (631 yards, six TDs) was followed by a very difficult 2007 season. What do you expect this year?
I've already experienced the worst season you can have — fumbles, getting benched, getting hurt. I expect this to be a great season.
As a backup, you are on pace to rush for slightly more than 1,000 yards during the regular season. Have you established a statistical goal?
One of my goals is to get 1,000 yards, but I'm more about winning games.
Your teammates frequently comment on your sense of humor.
I'm probably the comedian of the team. I'm more of a stand-up comedian.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
9/24/2008
Last Modified: 9/24/2008 3:24 AM
STILLWATER — Keith Toston's resilience has been thoroughly tested.
During last year's 41-23 loss to Troy, he lost two fumbles. He essentially was benched, getting only seven carries over the next seven games.
And then against Baylor in November, he sustained a major knee injury and underwent reconstructive surgery.
He missed all of spring practice, returned for August camp and again was injured. After yet another setback and minor knee surgery, there were doubts as to whether Toston would be a factor in the Cowboy backfield this season.
Those doubts have been erased.
Toston has been tremendously effective as a backup running back, ranking fourth in the Big 12 at 84.7 rushing yards per game.
He has averaged 10.6 yards per carry while scoring three touchdowns.
"I'm impressed by what Keith has done," Cowboy center Andrew Lewis said. "Most people would give up. It's amazing that he got hurt in August and he's already scoring touchdowns for us."
Within the Cowboy locker room, running backs coach Curtis Luper says, Toston is a "very popular" player.
"Next year, Keith will be the only guy I've ever coached for four years. I'm excited about that," Luper said. "Keith is a great guy. I hope my sons grow up to be like him."
Said OSU coach Mike Gundy: "Keith is a ladies' man. He's always got something going on. Keeps good company. He's very well-liked because he's got a good personality."
When you signed with OSU in February 2006, you were designated an "athlete." You were viewed by some recruiters as a safety and by others as a running back. Why did you choose OSU?
OSU was going to give me a chance at running back. If I had wanted to be a safety, I would have maybe gone to LSU. But OSU gave me an opportunity, and I took it and ran with it.
You were benched because of fumbles and twice had knee surgery. Did you ever consider quitting?
It never crossed my mind. This is what I know. I've been playing since I was 6. The fumbles were my fault. That could be corrected, and I did correct it.
Your solid freshman season in 2006 (631 yards, six TDs) was followed by a very difficult 2007 season. What do you expect this year?
I've already experienced the worst season you can have — fumbles, getting benched, getting hurt. I expect this to be a great season.
As a backup, you are on pace to rush for slightly more than 1,000 yards during the regular season. Have you established a statistical goal?
One of my goals is to get 1,000 yards, but I'm more about winning games.
Your teammates frequently comment on your sense of humor.
I'm probably the comedian of the team. I'm more of a stand-up comedian.