Oklahoma State record book watch: Joseph Randle

Over the next several days, we’ll take a look at some OSU players who have a chance to move up the career record books in 2012. Keep in mind that the athletic department is in the process of updating its records to add bowl statistics. So these could change, depending on if they’re ready for the 2012 media guide.

Let’s start with Joseph Randle.

Rushing yards

Current career total: 1,668

Current place in record book: 25th
20. 1,870 Brent Blackman (1971-73)
21. 1,861 Robert Turner (1973-76)
22. 1,858 Zac Robinson (2006-09)
23. 1,847 Jamaal Fobbs (1997-2000)
24. 1,840 Jim Dillard (1959-61)
25. 1,668 Joseph Randle (2010- )
26. 1,507 Mike Hamilton (2005-06)

If matches 2011 production (1,216 yards), would move him up to: Ninth
1. 4,595 Thurman Thomas (1984-87)
2. 4,581 Terry Miller (1974-77)
3. 4,314 David Thompson (1993-96)
4. 4,181 Kendall Hunter (2007-10)
5. 3,556 Barry Sanders (1986-88)
6. 3,529 Earnest Anderson (1979-83)
7. 3,409 Tatum Bell (2000-03)
8. 2,921 Gerald Hudson (1988-90)
9. 2,884 Joseph Randle (2010- )*
10. 2,698 Shawn Jones (1980-84)
*if matches 2011 production

OSU’s running game could be a bit more balanced this season, given Jeremy Smith’s ability and Herschel Sims’ development. But it’s safe to expect around 1,000 yards from Randle in 2012, especially since the Cowboys could rely on the running game a bit more while breaking in true freshman quarterback Wes Lunt. Randle’s role will be more important than ever this season.

Rushing touchdowns

Current career total: 26

Current place in record book: Eighth
1. 48 Barry Sanders (1986-88)
T2. 43 Terry Miller (1974-77)
T2. 43 Thurman Thomas (1984-87)
4. 37 Kendall Hunter (2007-10)
5. 34 Tatum Bell (2000-03)
T6. 27 David Thompson (1993-96)
T6. 27 Keith Toston (2006-09)
8. 26 Joseph Randle (2010- )
T9. 23 Julius Crosslin (2004-07)
T9. 23 Vernard Morency (2002-04)
T9. 23 Tony Lindsay (1997-2000)

If matches 2011 total (24), would move him up to: First

1. 50 Joseph Randle (2010- )*
2. 48 Barry Sanders (1986-88)
*if matches 2011 production

This is interesting for a couple reasons.

First, was any OSU stat more under-appreciated than Randle’s 24 touchdowns in 2011? I wrote about that during the spring. Call it the Weeden/Blackmon effect. Again, I expect Randle to have a big season in 2012, but matching 24 touchdowns will be difficult. Mostly because I don’t expect the OSU offense to be as explosive, meaning his chances to score from inside the 10 will go down.