Gundy: ‘I hope like crazy’ Darrion Daniels returns to OSU next year
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy doesn’t know what defensive tackle Darrion Daniels’ decision regarding his next year of football will be.
But Gundy knows what he wants to happen.
Daniels suffered a hand injury that resulted in season-ending surgery last week. Since he’s a fourthyear senior and has only played in four games this year, Daniels is eligible to redshirt this season and return to OSU for one more season, should he not want to test the NFL waters yet.
“Or he could go somewhere else and play,” Gundy said, referencing the possibility that Daniels could leave OSU as a graduate transfer for his final college season. “That’s what you’re facing as a coach in trying to balance your numbers ... I hope like crazy that he’s here next year.
“Anytime a player is injured, it’s hard to take, but it’s even more difficult to manage numbers when we’re not sure at any particular time who could be there when you start the season next fall.”
Daniels was in his second year as a starter on the Cowboys' defensive line. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Enoch Smith Jr.
Quotable
Kansas coach David Beaty was clearly impressed with OSU running back Justice Hill, based on this comment Monday during the Big 12 coaches’ teleconference:
“If I’m an NFL GM, I’m putting that dude at the top of my draft order. He’s a really, really good football player. He’s a durable back. The yards after first contact is something we haven’t seen.
There were three or four different times, he stopped in the hole and made a complete 360. Our guys were in position, but he’s just very elusive. He does a lot of interesting things that a lot of people’s bodies don’t allow them to do.
“It would seem to me Coach Gundy made a commitment to feeding one of the best players in the country.”
OSU-Kansas State kick time set
Coming off a win in Kansas after a morning kickoff, Oklahoma State learned it’ll be making a similar trip to the Sunflower state in two weeks.
Oklahoma State’s Oct. 13 game at Kansas State will kick off at 11 a.m. as well. Following the trip to Kansas State, OSU will have an off week before hosting Texas Oct. 27.
Fraudulent callers access Gundy teleconference
Gundy’s regular Monday morning appearance on the Big 12 coaches’ teleconference was infiltrated by fraudulent callers posing as media members from nonexistent news organizations.
Three callers each asked a question centering on Gundy’s recent flap with the media over player access potentially being eliminated if certain questions were asked of his players last Tuesday.
Gundy either asked for clarification of the questions, or offered a brief answer.
Brailford, Sinor earn recognition
Oklahoma State defensive end Jordan Brailford was named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week following a three-sack game in the Cowboys’ 48-28 win at Kansas on Saturday.
Along with his three sacks, Brailford had eight total tackles, five of them for loss, and a pass breakup. Only two players in OSU history have ever had more than three sacks in a game.
Brailford now has a team-best seven sacks on the season, and the Cowboys lead the nation with 24 total sacks through five games. No other team has more than 19.
OSU punter Zach Sinor was named to the Ray Guy Award’s Ray’s 8 list this week for his work at Kansas, averaging 46.2 yards on four punts. Three of them were downed inside the 16-yard line.
One of the punters selected to the Ray’s 8 list will be named the Ray Guy Punter of the Week. Fans are encouraged to tweet @ RayGuyAward to let them know why their punter should win the weekly award.