OSU football: Justin Gilbert takes aim at records

Justin Gilbert already has tied OSU’s career record for touchdowns off kickoff returns. His 100-yard return against Texas last Saturday was Gilbert’s fourth of his career, matching Perrish Cox’s OSU record. Next stop: C.J. Spiller’s NCAA record of seven.

Just halfway through his sophomore season, Gilbert has become something special on kick returns. He’s not half bad at cornerback, either, but as a kickoff returner, Gilbert has become a rare weapon.

Mike Gundy said Monday that he predicted Gilbert’s heroics. Gundy said he remembers telling people, “I felt like by the time he finished here, you could forget about Perrish Cox. So far, he (Gilbert) is making that statement true. He’s developed mentally. Really come a long way. Physically, he’s as pretty as it gets.”

Gundy said Gilbert struggled making the freshman adjustment, even though he was playing and returned two kickoffs for touchdowns. “He went through some growing pains,” Gundy said. “Went through a period, everyone was against him. Had to get up early, go to class. He’s turned the corner. He’s been a very good practice player.”