Notebook: Back to work

Returning from spring break, the Cowboys have nine spring football practices left. They practice Tuesday and Wednesday before staging their first major scrimmage Friday afternoon. The 3:30 p.m. scrimmage is open to the public and media.

•Building depth: Only five true freshmen played last season. Most of this year's 19 incoming freshmen are projected to redshirt. The exceptions could be safety Markelle Martin, kicker Quinn Sharp, a couple of tight ends and possibly a wide receiver or defensive back.

"It depends on how they all show up,” said coach Mike Gundy. "We're starting to develop some depth. Two or three years from now, we'll have a legitimate two-deep. We're starting to see it at 25 or 30 percent of our positions.

"If we can stay healthy, and bring the right guys in here, which I think we are, and get to where we're two deep when we start two-a-days camp, it would really be nice.”

•Gaining experience: Sophomore Dez Bryant became OSU's No. 1 receiver late last season while Adarius Bowman was sidelined with a sprained knee. Bryant hauled in 28 receptions for 432 yards the last five games, 43 catches for 622 yards and six touchdowns for the season.

"Coach (Gunter) Brewer did a great job with him,” said wide receivers coach Trooper Taylor. "There's no substitute for experience. He feels a lot more comfortable, which should allow him to play harder and faster.

"Sometimes a freshman tries to think his way through stuff as opposed to now — he's more experienced and has been through battles. I see a big change in him, just his tempo, confidence in what he's doing, knowing his routes, those type of things.”