JimBob
01-02-2008, 07:59 AM
OSU Notebook: Moving on
By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
1/2/2008
It is still unknown whether Oklahoma State backup quarterback Bobby Reid and tight end Brandon Pettigrew will return for their senior seasons at OSU.
Two of their teammates have already decided to leave the program. Junior reserve tight end Justin Waller and junior wide receiver Seth Newton will graduate in May and won't play in 2008.
Both players said nagging injuries played a role in their decisions.
"I've got to get some (surgi cal) work done on my shoulder. I'm not one of those guys who was put together real well," said Waller, who had a 23-yard reception against Indiana in the Insight Bowl.
Newton had two catches for 24 yards in the bowl win. Prior to this season, Newton only had one career reception. This year, he had 10 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. In the 49-45 win over Texas Tech, he threw a trick-play TD pass to Jeremy Broadway.
"My legs are just shot. I just can't do it any more," Newton said. "It's one of those things where your mind says you can do it, but the body says you can't."
After playing the Hoosiers, Reid, who graduated in December, indicated that he has not made a final decision about his football future. Reid's options -- he could transfer to a lower level of college football and be eligible immediately, or he could pursue a career in pro football.
Pettigrew has been noncommittal about his future. The All-Big 12 tight end is considering early entry in the NFL Draft, set for late April. He has until Jan. 15 to make his decision.
Protection plan: Entering the Insight Bowl, Indiana was among national leaders in sacks with 42. Hoosiers soph omore defensive end Greg Middleton was the national individual leader with 16.
But against OSU, Indiana did not record a sack.
"That's all I was hearing, how (Middleton) led the NCAA in sacks," said OSU sophomore left tackle Russell Okung, who primarily blocked Middleton. "That was motivation for me."
Front line: In 2008, Okung will be one of four returning offensive line starters. Okung has started in 21 straight games and will be reunited with guard Stephen Denning, center Andrew Lewis and right tackle Brady Bond.
Center David Washington will come back for his senior season. Before breaking his leg in September, Washington had made 27 straight starts over three years.
"The young guys on the line really hung in there this year and I expect they will only get better next year," said guard David Koenig, the only departing offensive-line senior. "They all have experience and the way (offensive line coach Joe) Wickline works them, they should continue to get better."
By MATT DOYLE World Sports Writer
1/2/2008
It is still unknown whether Oklahoma State backup quarterback Bobby Reid and tight end Brandon Pettigrew will return for their senior seasons at OSU.
Two of their teammates have already decided to leave the program. Junior reserve tight end Justin Waller and junior wide receiver Seth Newton will graduate in May and won't play in 2008.
Both players said nagging injuries played a role in their decisions.
"I've got to get some (surgi cal) work done on my shoulder. I'm not one of those guys who was put together real well," said Waller, who had a 23-yard reception against Indiana in the Insight Bowl.
Newton had two catches for 24 yards in the bowl win. Prior to this season, Newton only had one career reception. This year, he had 10 catches for 195 yards and two touchdowns. In the 49-45 win over Texas Tech, he threw a trick-play TD pass to Jeremy Broadway.
"My legs are just shot. I just can't do it any more," Newton said. "It's one of those things where your mind says you can do it, but the body says you can't."
After playing the Hoosiers, Reid, who graduated in December, indicated that he has not made a final decision about his football future. Reid's options -- he could transfer to a lower level of college football and be eligible immediately, or he could pursue a career in pro football.
Pettigrew has been noncommittal about his future. The All-Big 12 tight end is considering early entry in the NFL Draft, set for late April. He has until Jan. 15 to make his decision.
Protection plan: Entering the Insight Bowl, Indiana was among national leaders in sacks with 42. Hoosiers soph omore defensive end Greg Middleton was the national individual leader with 16.
But against OSU, Indiana did not record a sack.
"That's all I was hearing, how (Middleton) led the NCAA in sacks," said OSU sophomore left tackle Russell Okung, who primarily blocked Middleton. "That was motivation for me."
Front line: In 2008, Okung will be one of four returning offensive line starters. Okung has started in 21 straight games and will be reunited with guard Stephen Denning, center Andrew Lewis and right tackle Brady Bond.
Center David Washington will come back for his senior season. Before breaking his leg in September, Washington had made 27 straight starts over three years.
"The young guys on the line really hung in there this year and I expect they will only get better next year," said guard David Koenig, the only departing offensive-line senior. "They all have experience and the way (offensive line coach Joe) Wickline works them, they should continue to get better."