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100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 14 Taylor Cornelius

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Oklahoma State kicks off the 2017 season two weeks from today. Let’s look at a Cowboy who could go from a casual fan’s afterthought to the most important player on the roster at any time.

How he got to OSU

Quarterback Taylor Cornelius hails from Class 2A Bushland High School (Texas) near Amarillo. He wasn’t heavily recruited but that wasn’t for lack of trying — or production. His senior season, the 6-foot-6 QB threw for 3,815 yards and 46 (!) touchdowns — all while completing 65 percent of his passes. He was a star basketball player and also competed in baseball and track and field. How that alone didn’t earn him a scholarship offer from Gundy, I have no idea.

What he’s done in Stillwater

Cornelius has been in a backup role since 2014 when he and Mason Rudolph came in together. While Rudolph turned into a record-setting star and Heisman candidate, Cornelius has stood behind the scenes working on his game and his body. Coming in as the walking portrait of lanky — 6-6 and 184 pounds — Cornelius has added over forty pounds to his frame and is up to 225.

Heading into this past spring game, all the buzz surrounded redshirt freshman Keondre Wudtee and early enrollee Jelani Woods. But it was Cornelius that was able to make plays going 5 of 9 for 77 yards and a touchdown. He also ran it four times including a 21-yard play.

How much would Cornelius have played had he graduated high school one or two years earlier? It’s a good question. He was an inexperienced walk-on true freshman when Gundy and Co. decided to burn their highly-rated rookie’s redshirt at the end of 2014. But what if they stakes weren’t so high? What if there wasn’t a Mason Rudolph in front of him? What could Cornelius have done with a little more opportunity?

On an episode of our PFB podcast, Kyle Porter asked former OSU wide receiver David Glidden to name the most underrated quarterback he ever played with at Oklahoma State.

“To be honest with you, I might have to say one of the most underrated and overlooked guys is a guy that’s here right now in Taylor Cornelius,” said Glidden.

“The kid throws an outstanding ball. He’s big. He runs a lot better than people think, a lot more athletic than people think and he’s worked ever since he’s gotten here.”

Glidden raved about Cornelius’ work ethic and how he came in as a “twig” but has built his body up. He also talked about the obvious talent he brings to the table.

“Some of the plays and throws that he typically makes in practice kind of opened up eyes for a lot of people,” Glidden continued “especially guys that practice with him everyday. It’s not really a surprise now to see him put balls on the money or even get out and scramble a little bit and kind of run away from a few people.”

Oklahoma State fans hope they don’t have to see what Cornelius can do with the spotlight in 2017. But what about 2018? Could he make a strong case to compete for the QB1 role next year?

Role in 2017

The competition to be Mason Rudolph’s backup is a two-man race. Redshirt freshman Keondre Wudtee has shown some nice things in his year-plus in Stillwater and still may have the most upside but Cornelius seems to have a much better grasp of the offense. The battle hasn’t been decided as of yet but all through camp, it’s seemed like Cornelius’ to lose.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Cornelius’ reps have come in garbage time but we did get a decent sample size against Southeastern Louisiana, regardless of the level of competition.

He showed he could find the open man.

Same here.

And here.

And he’s shown that he can make plays with his legs like here.

And with this dangerous karate move to Keenen Brown.

 

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