JimBob
01-13-2009, 09:25 PM
OSU's Okung undecided about NFL
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 1/13/2009 7:29 PM
Last Modified: 1/13/2009 7:37 PM
Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung still has not announced whether he will remain with the Cowboys or graduate to pro football.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Okung is a junior and eligible to enter the NFL draft.
Thursday is the deadline for underclassmen to declare their draft eligibility. As of Tuesday night, an OSU spokesman said the Cowboy coaches were unaware of Okung's intention.
The Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon was Okung's 33rd consecutive start at left tackle. Before the bowl, when asked about his NFL possibility, Okung replied, "I just want to put that aside. It's not even in my thought process."
OSU quarterback Zac Robinson said he frequently encourages Okung to play one more season in Stillwater. Okung is the only Cowboy underclassman who apparently is considering a jump to the draft.
"Every day, I shoot him a text or something," Robinson said. "It's a business decision for Russell. He's an unbelievable player, and he's going to make the best decision for him.
"Whether that's to return or not, we'll support his decision. I'm hoping it's next year."
Okung already has NFL-caliber strength. The Fort Bend, Texas, native can do 33 bench-press repetitions of a 225-pound bar. During the last year's NFL Combine, only eight players managed more than 33 reps.
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 1/13/2009 7:29 PM
Last Modified: 1/13/2009 7:37 PM
Oklahoma State offensive tackle Russell Okung still has not announced whether he will remain with the Cowboys or graduate to pro football.
The 6-foot-6, 305-pound Okung is a junior and eligible to enter the NFL draft.
Thursday is the deadline for underclassmen to declare their draft eligibility. As of Tuesday night, an OSU spokesman said the Cowboy coaches were unaware of Okung's intention.
The Holiday Bowl loss to Oregon was Okung's 33rd consecutive start at left tackle. Before the bowl, when asked about his NFL possibility, Okung replied, "I just want to put that aside. It's not even in my thought process."
OSU quarterback Zac Robinson said he frequently encourages Okung to play one more season in Stillwater. Okung is the only Cowboy underclassman who apparently is considering a jump to the draft.
"Every day, I shoot him a text or something," Robinson said. "It's a business decision for Russell. He's an unbelievable player, and he's going to make the best decision for him.
"Whether that's to return or not, we'll support his decision. I'm hoping it's next year."
Okung already has NFL-caliber strength. The Fort Bend, Texas, native can do 33 bench-press repetitions of a 225-pound bar. During the last year's NFL Combine, only eight players managed more than 33 reps.