OSU

30 Muskogee Phoenix Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 Pigskin Preview

WEBBERS FALLS

last year was adapting and overcoming adversity when I had to.”

Holt had lots of kudos for his young quarterback who will have to shoulder the bulk of the offense this season. “He’s a talented multisport athlete who is very dedicated and a knowledgeable player who we expect to have a great year,” said the Warrior head coach. Helping Shelby out in the backfield at running back will be another sophomore, Dylan Young, who will also return as the primary lockdown man in the secondary. “I think the biggest adjustment for me last year as a freshman was making sure I didn’t let the receivers get behind me because the game is so much faster at the high-school level,” said Young.

goal in playing football is to really try to make bonds that will last a long time. The only way I make it through the mental game is Christ alone. I care a lot about what people think and that gets in your head a lot. That’s your worst enemy in football — your head.”

Ronnie Brown returns as a running back and defensive end. The secondary is seasoned as Seth Brown, Jacob Tallon and Kade Womack all return there. Kevin Brown at 305 pounds anchors the offensive line.

If the overall numbers are there, the Panthers should make some strides coming out of the chaos of 2020.

PORUM

Emerging defense leads the way for Oklahoma State

Associated Press

Oklahoma State has built its reputation under coach Mike Gundy with explosive offensive play.

The defense has caught up and that makes the Cowboys a threat to contend in the Big 12 this season. Oklahoma State returns nine starters from a unit that anchored an 8-3 finish last season.

“I’ve been very impressed with our defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, and his staff, and his willingness to adjust to our league,” Gundy said. “I feel more comfortable with our defense going on the field than I have maybe in my first 12 to 14 years as a head coach.”

The key returnee is safety Kolby Harvell-Peel, a preseason All-Big 12 selection. He enters his senior season with 167 tackles, seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups in 35 career games played.

He could have left for the NFL.

“I think at one point that, like most young men, he felt like that he wanted to try to move on and make some money playing this game,” Gundy said. “And then, at some point, he called and said that he would like to return and develop himself for another year.”

Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, the former Wagoner standout quarterback/safety, chose to return for an extra season after leading the team with 82 tackles last season. Safety Tre Sterling led the team with 12.5 tackles for loss a year ago.

On offense, Spencer Sanders is one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the Big 12. He has passed for 4,072 yards and rushed for 897 in his career. He was the MVP of the Cheez-it Bowl win over Miami.

Gundy said he likes how Sanders is developing mentally to maximize his physical gifts. He said the pandemic slowed Sanders’ growth.

“There’s never been a question with his toughness, his commitment, and his competitive nature,” Gundy said.

AP

Oklahoma State safety Kolby Harvell-Peel gets set during an intrasquad scrimmage.

Offensive line

Even without Teven Jenkins, the 39th pick in the NFL draft, Oklahoma State’s offensive line should be much better this season. Josh Sills, a preseason All-Big 12 pick, leads the way. Hunter Woodard started 10 games last season and Jake Springfield started nine.

Cole Birmingham and Hunter Anthony were starters before injuries forced them out of the season opener last season. Preston Wilson started four games a year ago.

The injuries forced the Cowboys to play young guys who weren’t physically ready to play. Gundy said the experience and the year of offseason work should help.

“All of the butt whippings they took (last season) should help them this year,” Gundy said. “We’ve had a couple of adjustments. We’re already better just by the depth chart.”

OSU SCHEDULE

S4 Missouri St., 6 p.m. S11 Tulsa, 11 a.m. S18 at Boise St., 7 p.m. S25 Kansas St., TBA O2 Baylor, RBA O16 at Texas, TBA O23 at Iowa St., TBA O30 Kansas, TBA N6 at W. Virginia, TBA N13 TCU, TBA N20 at Texas Tech, TBA N27 Oklahoma, TBA

Receiver reload

Oklahoma State has to replace Tylan Wallace, one of the school’s all-time best receivers.

“We have a number of guys that we feel like should develop as the season goes on,” Gundy said. “We don’t necessarily have what would be a marquee player that we have traditionally had at that position at Oklahoma State.”

Brennan Presley had six catches for 118 yards and three touchdowns in the bowl win over Miami. He’s set to have a breakout year. Tay Martin had six catches for 73 yards against Miami. Speedster Braydon Johnson could take a step forward this season.

By committee

Oklahoma State will use several backs to replace Chuba Hubbard, who now is in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers.

The two main returnees are LD Brown and Dezmon Jackson. Brown has rushed for 1,044 yards and eight touchdowns in his career with a 5.7-yard average per carry. Jackson ran for 235 yards in his first career start last season against Texas Tech.

Ford in the driveway

Defensive end Trace Ford could be among the nation’s best. As a sophomore last season, he had 22 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes broken up, four quarterback hurries and two fumbles forced. He draws significant attention from opponents, freeing up his teammates to make plays. He had nine quarterback hurries as a freshman.