One subplot during Oklahoma State's spring practice was how quickly three new assistant coaches could acclimate themselves to the system and players they inherited.
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The most high profile addition was co-offensive coordinator Trooper Taylor. Taylor is the receivers coach and had an impact on several young receivers who will be asked to play key roles.
Glenn Spencer, the new defensive line coach, received much praise for his work with a unit that showed tremendous progress. Jason Jones is the cornerbacks coach, head of another unit that made good strides.
"I'm very impressed with these guys,” said coach Mike Gundy. "You do as much of a background check as you can. But sometimes when you get them in here it doesn't always work. They may be a good coach. They may have the right recruiting resources, but they don't jell well as a staff.
"These are good guys, quality coaches. Jason has been tremendous. Glenn has been a head coach before. He's helped me at times with some decisions that have to be made. And obviously everybody is aware of Trooper. The players have a good feel for the staff and the direction we're going.”
•Juco invasion: Bringing in seven junior college players this spring helped upgrade the talent and overall depth. But joining a Division I-A program can be an adjustment for juco transfers which sometimes disrupts team chemistry.
"You worry about that, bringing in that many guys at semester,” Gundy said. "The newcomers who came in during January really jelled well with the team. They get along well.”
•Time share: Gundy confessed he entered spring practice thinking sophomore Kendall Hunter would get the bulk of snaps at tailback while Beau Johnson learned OSU's complex no-huddle, spread offense.
Gundy was pleasantly surprised Johnson picked up the system so quickly that Hunter and Johnson essentially will enter two-a-days as co-starters.
"I was very impressed with Beau,” Gundy said. "If you had asked me (in January) I would have said Kendall would get 55 or 60 plays a game and Beau 10 or 12. It's more (carries for Johnson) because he handled everything. And (Keith) Toston will be back in there.”
•Miller time:Swanson Miller, a much needed defensive tackle with size and speed, was one of OSU's top junior college additions. Miller ended the spring on the second team but will play a lot of snaps and could end up starting,
"I think Swanson Miller has gotten in better shape and is playing better,” Gundy said. "He still needs the summer. He probably needs to lose 10 or 15 pounds. But I like his aggressiveness and how he runs to the football.”
•Good spring: Asked to name veteran defensive players who had a good spring, Gundy praised cornerback Jacob Lacey and then rattled off several more names.
"Andre Sexton moving down to whatever they call that position has done well,” Gundy said. "Jeray Chatham had a good spring. He's become more physical. He's turned the corner mentally. He's tougher than he was. He understands what it takes to play at this level.
"Ugo (Chinasa) is doing a nice job on the edge using his hands. Derek Burtonis more physical. Obviously Lucien (Antoine) had a good spring. Lucien showed up early and will bring some intensity to our defense.”
•Richetti shines: Gundy said after the spring game he was encouraged by redshirt defensive end Richetti Jones' progress. Jones displayed good speed and quickness and should develop into a quality pass rusher despite suffering a dislocated hip 18 months ago.
"He actually competed better in a number of practices than I thought he would have,” Gundy said. "He only complained about his hip one time. It may hurt. I don't know. But I only heard about it one time. He's healthy. It's just a matter of fighting through that pain.”
•Team leaders: With only 11 scholarship seniors on the roster, Gundy was asked who emerged as leaders.
"Zac Robinson. (Brandon) Pettigrew. Russell (Okung). Sexton. Lacey. Pat Lavine. Jeray,” Gundy said. "Those guys have stepped up and have been good leaders in all areas. Not just out (on the field). They play hard and don't show up on lists. That's very important to us.”
•Backup QB job: Gundy hoped to name the backup quarterback by the end of spring, but there wasn't a clear-cut winner.
Sophomore Alex Cate owned an edge much of the spring because of his experience in the system. But redshirt freshman Brandon Weeden's rocket arm was impressive in the final scrimmage and the spring game.
"In fall camp Zac gets some (reps), another gets some (reps) and the other guy gets just a little,” Gundy said. "That means the (third) guy will have to pick up a lot of ground quicker. I would think within the first week we'll try to make a decision.
"(Cate and Weeden) aren't far enough along to split reps anymore. They need work. I would think within the first six or eight practices, which is basically a week, we'll have to make a decision, and let that guy start getting snaps with the 2's (second-team offense).”
By Mike Baldwin
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Richard is just PO'd because Gundy downplays the press and uses terms like "you know" or "those guys know" or whatever. Do you want him to tip his hat and elaborate on every secret detail of his football team? Is it really important to know the hybrid linebacker's NICKNAME? A head coach is not a know it all, he is an organizer, a final decision maker, and a delegator. I am afraid that Richard is one of those micromanagers that everyone just LOVES to work for. Dick.
Richard, or should I just call you Dick? It is obvious you have issues embedded deep within your psyche. Is it hidden homosexual tendencies, or insecurity about the size of your manhood? One never knows... well, except only you, and your psycologist. Which, I recommend you go spend some time with soon. Take care, and best of luck with that.
Richard is using hate rhetoric. A person can use this on just about all issues in life. He just picked OSU football this time, which does make richard rather obtuse.
It's really hard to pick good Coordinators and Assistant Coaches. Baylor seems like a good source but one never knows.
It's extremely difficult to know which QB to play. Donovan or Bobby... Bobby or Al... Zac or Bobby... Brandon or Alex... one never knows. It's like trying to pick a RB. Best to split snaps because... well... one never knows.
It's hard to memorize all the positions on one's own team or "whatever THEY call that position". One never knows. It's like trying to pick up Fedora's offense quickly. The HC couldn't do it but he can tell players that do.
It's almost impossible to tell whether you have "the world's greatest offense" or just one of the worst defenses in the country. One never knows.
"Doing it the right way" by not going the JUCO route or desperately embracing it. One never knows.
It's virtually impossible to inherit 17 starters from a Houston Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Alamo Bowl team and expect to win more than 4. Whoever recruited all those "thugs" should be retained and promoted... but then again... one never knows.
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Oklahoma State's Jamie Blatnick, right, sacks quarterback Alex Cate during the Orange/White spring game on April 12. by MATT STRASEN, THE OKLAHOMAN
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It's extremely difficult to know which QB to play. Donovan or Bobby... Bobby or Al... Zac or Bobby... Brandon or Alex... one never knows. It's like trying to pick a RB. Best to split snaps because... well... one never knows.
It's hard to memorize all the positions on one's own team or "whatever THEY call that position". One never knows. It's like trying to pick up Fedora's offense quickly. The HC couldn't do it but he can tell players that do.
It's almost impossible to tell whether you have "the world's greatest offense" or just one of the worst defenses in the country. One never knows.
"Doing it the right way" by not going the JUCO route or desperately embracing it. One never knows.
It's virtually impossible to inherit 17 starters from a Houston Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Alamo Bowl team and expect to win more than 4. Whoever recruited all those "thugs" should be retained and promoted... but then again... one never knows.
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