The big Texas brush-off
OSU football Texans Sexton, Okung just want a little home-state respect
BY BRANDON CHATMON, Staff Writer, bchatmon@opubco.com
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Published: October 30, 2009
STILLWATER — They have been core contributors during the resurgence of Oklahoma State’s football program, they have earned numerous individual honors and their leadership has been one of the main reasons the Cowboys find themselves in a position to compete for a Big 12 South title.
OSU lineman Russell Okung, who played high school football at Fort Bend Bush in Texas and is now expected to be a high NFL Draft pick, wasn’t recruited by the Longhorns. PHOTO BY DOUG HOKE, THE OKLAHOMAN
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Yet,
Andre Sexton and
Russell Okung get no respect when they go home to
Texas.
That’s because Sexton, a senior linebacker, and Okung, a senior offensive tackle, weren’t recruited by Texas. And in Texas the general consensus is that being a Longhorn equates to being the best of the best.
"Texas is the dominant school down there,” Sexton said. "A lot of us that come from Texas... we don’t get that respect.”
Sexton, who played at
Houston Cypress Falls, ranks fourth in the
NCAA in career total tackles with 189 and was a second team All-Big 12 performer in 2008. The senior ranks third on the team in solo tackles this season with 26.
Okung, who played at Fort Bend Bush, is expected to be a high NFL Draft pick and was a first team All-Big 12 performer in 2008. His leadership along the offensive line has helped OSU average 185.6 rushing yards per game.
Yet when asked how he’s treated in his home state, Okung said. "They definitely don’t think I am up to par, being from OSU.”
Even senior cornerback
Perrish Cox notices it when he returns to his home state. The
Waco native was recruited by the Longhorns but didn’t want to commit early, like Texas requested, so he explored his other options before signing with OSU.
"They do act like that, they act like we are second-hand to Texas,” he said.
All three players said they’re happy they ended up at OSU and they know the Cowboys can take another step towards gaining more respect with a win over Texas on Saturday.
"It’s one of the biggest games of my career,” Cox said. "It’s my last year, they’re No. 3 in the nation and we haven’t beat them since I’ve been here.”
Said Sexton: "We’ve put ourselves in a great situation. Right now, we are each other’s obstacle to getting there. This is the most important game of the season for both teams.”
But even a win over Texas isn’t enough. If the Cowboys win, they must continue their winning ways until they secure a Big 12 championship.
Only then can native
Texans on the Cowboys roster expect more respect in their home state. And beyond.
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GO POKES!!!!!!!!!