OSU football
will both play in the opener. Both will play left tackle.
Their battle is still ongoing. “We’re working both guys,” Gundy said. “We feel good about them. At some point, somebody will take that role. We all know that some young men play differently in games than others, so I think both of them deserve the chance to get out there and compete.”
Miterko, a 6-foot-6, 295-pound redshirt sophomore, won the position in the spring. But that was before the arrival of Etienne, a 6-foot-7, 350-pound junior college transfer. Etienne has pushed for the starting spot.
The battle could continue for a few games, too. But once it’s decided, Gundy said to expect the player who comes up short to become a swing tackle, moving to either side as needed.
That’s equally as important as who wins the battle.
Gundy expects to have a swing guard — perhaps Cole Birmingham or Josh Sills — and three centers. It’s depth for a line that lacked that last season.
Excitement builds around Sanders
Gundy is excited about quarterback Spencer Sanders. Offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn is excited. Pretty much everybody around the program is thrilled with the offseason development of the Cowboys’ third-year starter.
“I feel comfortable with where Spencer’s at,” Gundy said. “(Quarterbacks coach) Tim Rattay’s helped him tremendously. I think Tim’s an excellent coach. I think he has a good relationship with all the quarterbacks, which is important in my opinion.”
Rattay is the first quarterbacks coach to guide Sanders for more than one season. That’s a big boost in development.
But some of that comfort starts with the stability on the offensive line.
Last season, Sanders had little time to throw the ball as protection suffered from the plethora of injuries.
“There’s a big effect in the situation we were in last year,” Gundy said.
“About five years before that, we had a really difficult time with the offensive line and it was hard on our quarterback.
“So, that’s why I’m excited about Spencer, in my opinion, playing better this year. I think he’ll be more comfortable. His biological clock won’t be ticking so fast.”
Cowboys’ strength is in secondary
Looking for the deepest and mostexperienced position on the roster? It’s without a doubt the secondary.
All five starters are seniors.
The Cowboys’ trio of safeties — Tanner McCalister, Tre Sterling and Kolby Harvell-Peel — have combined for 56 career starts.
Harvell-Peel has a knack for being around the football. Sterling might be the most underrated player on the team and perhaps in the conference.
“We definitely make the plays we’re supposed to,” Sterling said. “We make all the right reads and stuff.”
And OSU has talented backups. Former Carl Albert star Jason Taylor II scored twice last season. Thomas Harper has improved. Sean Michael Flanagan is reliable.
Cornerback could take a step back with the departure of Rodarius Williams, though.
Jerrick Bernard-Converse was a mainstay last season. He’ll slide into Williams’ role defending the opponent’s top receiver.
And Missouri transfer Christian Holmes will handle the other corner. He really improved ahead of his second season at OSU.
A huge opportunity
Devin Harper has waited his turn and it’s finally here.
The sixth-year super senior linebacker has made three starts in his career. He’s been hampered by injuries. He’s been buried on the depth chart. Not anymore.
There might not be a better story on the field this fall than Harper’s chance.
“Devin has that experience and he’s fast and he likes to play football,” Gundy said. “He’s another player I’m excited about watching. I’m glad he stayed in our program and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Harper is just one of OSU’s two new starters on defense. But he’s played in 45 games. The experience is there.
He’s also not the only player looking to take advantage of a new chance.
Brock Martin could emerge as a breakout star at defensive end in what could be his final season. Defensive tackle Jayden Jernigan is back after missing last season.
And at running back, one of four different players could emerge. Super senior LD Brown, however, is the leading candidate. He’s been a reliable locker room presence and solid backup the past few seasons. Now, he’s the leader and primed for a breakout.
Step on up
Wide receiver Brennan Presley will be just about everywhere.
He’s set to start in the slot position. He’s going to return kickoffs and punts. If he could play defense, he might do that.
But he needs a break sometime. There will be no bigger jump in responsibility for the Cowboys this season than Presley’s role. The sophomore from Bixby is electric when he gets the ball. It’s why perhaps the most buzz from OSU fans is around Presley.
Just don’t forget about Tay Martin either.
The former Washington State star has emerged as the Cowboys’ primary receiving threat in his second season.
He returned with dreams of reaching the NFL. And he’s ready to step up and lead the way.