Breaking down the true freshmen in contention for playing time in 2016
STILLWATER — Mike Gundy’s perch atop the Sherman E. Smith Training Center provides a birds-eye view of Cowboys’ practice.
Maybe that helps to explain why Oklahoma State’s coach often refers to newcomers by jersey numbers instead of the tiny names printed on their helmets during fall camp. With the season opener less than three weeks away, Gundy identified four true freshmen with a strong chance to play this season — No. 80, No. 27, No. 1 and No. 88.
“We’re not for sure,” Gundy told The Tulsa World. “But those are the guys that we feel like have a shot.”
Here’s a closer look at each player with potential to immediately contribute in 2016.
BEST BET
No. 80, WR Dillon Stoner (5-11, 176) — Jenks
David Glidden leaves a void at slot receiver that appears most likely filled by sophomore Jalen McCleskey. However, Stoner is simply too talented to keep on the sideline as his track-star work ethic in high school seamlessly transitioned to Stillwater. Extended playing time might be difficult to come by in a deep receiving corps, but expect Stoner to be featured when McCleskey needs a rest or when OSU goes into five-wide sets.
“(Stoner) has been doing great,” quarterback Mason Rudolph said. “I think he’s come along quick. He’s had a great learning curve … He runs great, he’s fast, a track star.”
BACK OF THE FUTURE
No. 27, RB Justice Hill (5-10, 171) — Tulsa Washington
The Cowboys have no lack of bodies at running back with three seniors — Chris Carson, Rennie Childs and Barry J. Sanders — and sophomore Jeff Carr. Without an established pecking order after lackluster production last season, though, don’t be surprised if Hill emerges as a contender for carries in 2016. He averaged more than 10 yards per touch as a high school senior and appears to have the build/ skill set to one day be an every-down back for the Cowboys.
“I’ve had him for four years and he’s been the same way since day one,” said Marvin Dantzler, Hill’s high school coach, in a January interview with The Oklahoman. “He’s consistent in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field. As a head coach, that’s a guy that you’re building your program around over a fouryear period. It sets the bar.”
‘STAR’ POTENTIAL
No. 1, LB Calvin Bundage (6-2, 193) — Edmond Santa Fe
To combat pass-happy Big 12 offenses, hybrid defenders who can stop the run and drop back in coverage are in high demand. That’s exactly why Bundage could see the field early and often this season. The converted safety appears destined for a role at star linebacker and should provide quality depth behind starter Jordan Burton as well as on special teams. Bundage was among OSU’s top-rated signees in the 2016 class because of his versatility and a big-hitter mentality.
“He just has that part you can’t coach,” Kyle White, Bundage’s high school coach, told The Oklahoman in July 2015. “You’re either that physical and violent when you get (to college) or you’re not, and I think that’s what makes him so intriguing.”
WILD CARD
No. 88, WR Obi Obialo (6-3, 200) — Coppell, Texas
Don’t feel bad for not recognizing the name. Obialo arrived this summer as a walk-on, but performed like a scholarship athlete through fall camp in the absence of Marcell Ateman (foot injury). Obialo turned down scholarship offers at San Diego State and Iowa for a chance with the Cowboys. He might follow in James Washington’s footsteps at the next hidden gem at wideout in Stillwater.