Hubbard feeling good, ready to lead running backs
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State running back Chuba Hubbard had hoped to return to his first love over the winter.
A three-time Canadian champion in the 100-meter dash, Hubbard looked forward to getting back on the track following the Cowboys' Liberty Bowl victory in late December.
But it wasn't meant to be. The beating and banging Hubbard took in handling the football 169 times between rushes, receptions and kick returns left the sophomoreto-be in need of some surgical work on his knee.
Nothing major, just a little clean-up. And the 6-foot1, 207-pound Hubbard was ready to go when OSU opened spring practice on Monday.
“It's been a good offseason. I'm just trying to recover,” Hubbard said. “I got a little work on my knee, so I am just trying to get back to 100 percent. I feel good, and I'm just working on the stuff I need to improve.”
After spending the first nine games backing up Justice
Hill last season, Hubbard comes into spring knowing he's the running back in the spotlight atop a strong depth chart that includes LD Brown, Jahmyl Jeter, junior-college transfer Dezmon Jackson, walk-on Mbari Snoddy and eventually, incoming freshman Deondrick Glass.
Hubbard was second on the team in all-purpose yards with 1,479 last season — an average of 113.8 yards per game — behind only receiver Tylan Wallace's 1,519-yard total.
In watching Hill handle everything he was dealt as the leader of the running back group, Hubbard learned how to prepare himself for the same role.
“I think he just taught me to stay poised,” Hubbard said. “He was always cool through everything. No matter what happened he was like, `Yeah, I'm good.' I just learned to be mature through the ups and downs, so he definitely taught me a lot.”
Out in front of Hubbard and the running backs will be an offensive line led by new assistant Charlie Dickey.
Former offensive line coach Josh Henson was known for his intensity, and Dickey is similar, but with a different style.
“He seems like he is very aggressive,” left guard Marcus Keyes said. “I like the way he gets us going. He's really fired up to be here, and trying to keep us in shape and everything. He really wants to get serious in practice and help us reach our full potential.”