Three Questions For Oklahoma State Heading Into Spring Football Practice
College basketball is heading down the home stretch, college baseball has started, but let’s not forget (I know many of you aren’t) that spring practice is already getting underway across the country. We will handle spring previews for every Big 12 football team and roll them out based on when their respective spring practices begin. Next up are the Oklahoma State Cowboys who will start up spring practice on Sunday March 21st. Here are my three questions for Oklahoma State heading into spring ball.
Now don’t freak out because obviously certain positions have questions, but this will look a little different than the other previews. Oklahoma State returns a ton of starters back on defense, so I am not too concerned with that side of the ball. It will be the offense I focus in on during the spring.
1. QB Spencer Sanders
A normal spring schedule before COVID-19 would have likely helped Spencer Sanders last season but this year he will get all the practice he needs. Much like Max Duggan at TCU, we all know that Spencer can run the football and extend plays. However, the decision making, and accuracy needs a little work. Believe it or not, Spencer had the same completion percentage in 2019 as he did in 2020 sitting at 62.8%. His touchdown to interception ratio went up but the decision making must get better. Too many times, Spencer made ill-advised throws that cost his team greatly. I know the supporting cast around him at times wasn’t consistent, but neither was the caching staff on offense. Hopefully, the staff can put Spencer in the best position to succeed and he is able to learn from some of those costly mistakes he made last season.
2. The Wide Receivers
Over the past few seasons, Tylan Wallace was the go-to man. When the Cowboys needed a play, Tylan Wallace was the man to make it happen. However, with him gone who can replace him? Also, the Cowboys lose their second leading receiver last season with Dillon Stoner. That leaves guys like Brennan Presley, Braydon Johnson and Rashod Owens opportunities to step up. While Braydon Johnson has plenty of experience it is hard to ignore the upside of sophomore Brennan Presley who had a breakout game in the Cheez-It Bowl against Miami. He could be the next big-time receiver at Oklahoma State.
3. The Offensive Line
Oklahoma State had a crazy season up front in 2020. The Cowboys were down a couple projected starters up front before the season even began. And it will also hurt that All-Big 12 tackle Teven Jenkins is of to the NFL. However, the Pokes will get all conference guard Josh Sills back for another year as well right guard Cole Birmingham and right tackle Hunter Anthony who went down with injuries last season. The Cowboys were also able to add JUCO tackle Caleb Etienne and center Danny Godlevske from Miami (Ohio). Both guys should be able to compete for a starting role right away. This may not be the exact lineup but if this group can stay somewhat healthy, they should be better up front from a year ago.
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