LOOKING FOR IMPROVEMENT
The Cowboys’ offensive line is missing their most experienced linemen during spring practice, but head coach Mike Gundy expects the unit to be much better than last season.
A couple of Oklahoma State’s most experienced offensive linemen are watching from the sidelines this spring, and another potential starter is out as well.
But that hasn’t dampened coach Mike Gundy’s expectations for the group.
“I would be shocked if our offensive line play is not better than it was last year,” Gundy said Wednesday, prior to the Cowboys’ fifth practice of the spring.
Left guard Marcus Keyes, a junior who has started the past two seasons, is out after having minor shoulder surgery. Sophomore Dylan
Galloway, the backup left tackle last fall, had a similar procedure.
Right guard Larry Williams continues to be held out as OSU awaits the April 18 NCAA vote on a potential rule change that would grant him an extra year of eligibility.
So the Cowboys are practicing with a first unit that routinely consists of Arlington Hambright, Deionte Noel, Johnny Wilson, Shane Richards and Teven Jenkins. Of that group, Wilson played the most last season, starting more than half the year at either center or right guard. He is the expected starter at center. Jenkins played with the first team in multiple games, and Noel served as a backup. Hambright and Richards both redshirted.
“Right now, we've got a couple guys who have a lot of reps here in real games,” Gundy said. “When our twos are out there, we have five guys who don't have any experience. So as in most cases in spring ball, the offensive line is the slowest position to come off.”
Yet Gundy feels strongly about the potential of the group once they all get on the field together.
“The potential six guys who could play the majority of the first few games have enough experience, strength and expertise to be successful, in my opinion,” Gundy said.
Hill focusing on receiving skills in spring
There’s no mystery about what type of running back Oklahoma State junior Justice Hill is.
After setting the school’s freshman rushing record, then following it up with a 1,467-yard sophomore season, Hill has emerged as one of the top backs in the Big 12 and the country.
This spring, Hill is trying to find more ways to help the offense, which begins with improving his receiving skills.
“The main thing is route running and being a receiver,” Hill said. “I want to contribute any way I can, so that's one way they say I could, is catching the ball more. That's what I'm going to do.
“It's not anything new. We always catch the ball, so being out there and being able to catch more is actually pretty fun.”
Hill was fifth on the team in receptions last year with 31 for 190 yards and a touchdown.
Richmond bringing amped-up intensity to defensive line
Former Oklahoma State defensive end Greg Richmond is only five practices into his tenure as a Cowboy assistant, but his impact is already being noticed.
Richmond is helping defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements, and is providing a unique perspective for the group.
"It's nice having two sets of eyes. Two voices to listen to and two different opinions to learn better and more efficiently,” senior defensive end Cole Walterscheid said. “It's a great addition and Coach Richmond is a great guy and a great coach.
“He brings an extra level of intensity. He played in the league for a few years, so he knows a little extra and it's very helpful. He really knows his stuff as pass rush goes.”