OSU football notebook: Todd Monken says patience is key on offense

“Anybody that didn't think we were going to have to grow together as a group really didn't understand,” said OSU offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “Losing Brandon, Justin, a bunch of wideouts, a bunch of O-linemen, I mean, you take a significant hit. That's just the way it is.”

Much focus has centered on the quarterback spot this spring, with a three-man race — Clint Chelf, J.W. Walsh and Wes Lunt — under way to replace Weeden. But competition is raging almost everywhere on offense.

“We've got a ways to go at every position, quarterbacks included,” Monken said. “Anybody who hasn't ever played has a ways to go, because they've never had to do it. We've never had to count on them.

“We need every meeting, every practice for this group. They just haven't played enough.”

At times, even the coaches have to remind themselves to be patient, with a veteran defense winning more than its share of snaps in practices and scrimmages.

“I said to our offensive staff the other day, ‘We don't need to be surprised at some of our struggles. You just don't lose the quality people you have, pick up and everything looks great,'” Monken said.

“The good news is I think our guys are practicing hard. They're wanting to learn.”

GUNDY OPTIMISTIC ON MAY

Backup Cowboys cornerback Andrae May broke the news on Twitter that he'd torn the ACL in his left knee.

May also reported that he'd have surgery next week.

After practice Wednesday, OSU coach Mike Gundy sounded optimistic about May's return.

“Andrae has a knee injury that we'll know more about in a few days,” Gundy said, “but he certainly won't be back in the spring. We're hoping to get him back this summer.”

TAYLOR READY TO LEAD O-LINE

Oklahoma State lost three offensive linemen that started the Cowboys' Fiesta Bowl win, including Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year Grant Garner and All-American left tackle Levy Adcock.