Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Campbell dubbed a 2022 Preseason All-American Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter Oklahoma State Cowboy pitcher Justin Campbell picks up some preseason recognition. The third-year player is on the 2022 preseason All-America first team selected by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper. Campbell is one of six pitchers on the list. Three other Big 12 players join Campbell, Texas’ pitcher Pete Hansen and first baseman Ivan Melendez and Texas Tech second baseman Jace Jung. Although he makes the list as a pitcher, Campbell also batted as designated hitter last season. He appeared in 30 games as a designated hitter and batted .269 with a home run, five doubles and 10 RBIs. Known primarily for his pitching, Campbell pitched in 14 games last season, 13 as a starter, and had a record of 7-2, a 2.57 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 84 innings of work. OSU’s highlight of the season on the mound came at the hands of Campbell. The tall lanky pitcher from Simi Valley, California struck out 11 Kansas Jayhawk batters using only 99 pitches and did not allow a hit. Campbell spent time this summer playing with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, and is just the twelfth player from OSU to earn a spot on the team. File photo
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Dezmon Jackson latest Cowboy to enter transfer portal Dean Ruhl Sports Editor On Tuesday, Oklahoma State running back Dezmon Jackson entered the NCAA transfer portal, according to Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports. Jackson becomes the third Cowboy to enter the portal since the start of December. Jackson, a redshirt senior, rushed for 686 yards and six touchdowns in three seasons with the Cowboys, highlighted by a 235-yard game against Texas Tech in 2020. He played in six games this season, missing seven with an undisclosed injury. He finished fourth in rushing yards for the Cowboys in 2021. Jackson’s status for the bowl game is currently unknown, but coach Mike Gundy expects running back Jaylen Warren, who missed the Big 12 Championship with an undisclosed injury, to be available. Jackson joins his teammates, offensive lineman Hunter Anthony and defensive tackle Jayden Jernigan, in the portal. He has one year of eligibility remaining. By entering his name into the transfer portal, Jackson intends to explore other options, but if he wishes to return, the Cowboys can bring him back, but are under no obligation to do so. What does it mean for the running back depth? With Warren and running back LD Brown completing their eligibility following the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, Jackson’s departure would make it three veteran backs leaving the Cowboys after this season. Running backs Dominic Richardson, Zach Middleton and Jaden Nixon currently are slated to return next season, added to OSU signing two running backs in the latest recruiting cycle, Ollie Gordon and CJ Brown. This gives the Cowboys five scholarship running backs ahead of the 2022 season, and likely pencils Richardson as the starter. sports.ed@ocolly.com
Abby Cage