It’s all mental
So far in camp, Oklahoma State’s football practices have been focused on the mental side of the game.
STILLWATER — Quarterback Mason Rudolph reports a significant change in this year’s Oklahoma State preseason.
Less physical, more mental.
Not easy, but ... breezy. “It’s been great,” Rudolph said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and I think it’s been the breeziest camp so far with these off days we’ve gotten.”
Allotted a maximum of 29 days by the NCAA, the Cowboys are utilizing only 22. And some of the days they do practice have been as light as walkthroughs, the benefit of a two-deep littered with veteran and experienced players.
“The walkthroughs have been fun, and no two-a-days, so that’s cool,” Rudolph said. “It’s been a lot of mental reps practicing out here every morning. The mental reps are great.
“What’s been different with this time is, in years past (guys would) get out here messing around and not watching their position when they’re not in. That’s different this year. Everyone is locked in, and everyone wants to use every second of preparation to maximize their reps.”
Hill could be more versatile
During a breakout true freshman season, Justice Hill answered OSU’s need for a difference maker at tailback, rushing for 1,142 yards in his debut.
This preseason, he’s working to make a bigger difference, which should show in added versatility.
Hill has already added bulk and strength, which will allow him to play more on third down, either as a blocker or as a receiver out of the backfield. Hill was a willing blocker a year ago, although his size and a nagging shoulder injury led coaches to limit his exposure in those situations, clearing the way for Chris Carson and Rennie Childs to fill that role.
He had surgery to repair the shoulder, before adding an additional 14 pounds through diet and the weight room.
“I want to be a better pass blocker,” Hill said, “and I’ve worked on that this fall and have really improved on that, so that’s really the biggest thing I wanted to focus on.
“It’s really just knowing your assignment and owning it, going full speed. Last year I was thinking a lot, and now it just comes natural, and I’m able to get where I need to be.”
Opponent watch: Pitt facing secondary issues
The Cowboys torched Pittsburgh through the air last season, throwing for a season-high 540 yards in a 45-38 win in Stillwater.
Seems the Panthers are still shoring up their secondary, particularly at safety.
Pitt graduated its two co-starters at one spot from a year ago. And after entering the preseason with high hopes for the replacements, issues have surfaced.
First, the other returning starter, Jordan Whitehead, has been suspended the first three games, which runs through OSU’s visit on Sept. 16. Incoming freshman Paris Ford, expected to fit into the rotation, hasn’t yet gained academic eligibility. And corner convert Damar Hamlin has been limited following offseason surgery that also cost him all of spring.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are scrambling to complete their secondary.