Five Post-Spring Storylines for Oklahoma State Football in 2018

Oklahoma State’s Spring Cotillion Game is in the books, and I have no idea what we learned. The frustrating thing about spring football is that it always feels like we should be learning things to convey to you, the reader, but so much of it is just false Phillip Redwine-Bryant-shaped flags being raised all over the place that it’s impossible to know what’s real and what will fall by the wayside.

So instead of trying to discuss what our specific takeaways are from this spring, I wanted to instead focus on what the primary storylines are going into the summer and (unless something terrible happens in the next three months) into the fall as well. The first one is obvious, and we’re going to cover it with much gusto in the days ahead, but let’s start there and move right down the list.

1. QB1 Battle

Bill Haisten did a great job laying out the QB battle from a 30,000-foot perspective last weekend for the Tulsa World and framing how exactly this is all going to go down. The spring was a snoozer, and the stage is now set for one of the youngsters to swipe the reins from Taylor Cornelius.

My feelings on the situation are well-documented and clear: I think Sanders is the guy. Will it happen? I have no idea, but the fact that it’s in play between a super-hyped frosh and journeyman (former walk-on) vet means it’s an auto No. 1 for me.

2. Glut of Running Backs

It sort of feels like we’re underrating how deep OSU is at running back. In the same way it was hard to overstate how good they were at wideout last year, the same is true of tailback this year. The implications of this are multifaceted, but the primary two are that it will alleviate stress on QB1 and give Mike Yurcich some options when it comes to offensive creativity.

“Well we got four running backs right now, and we are going to use them,” said Mike Gundy after the spring game. “We would like to be able to limit Justice Hill’s carries in a game to 15 or so. I think we’re going to be able to do that. I feel good about where we’re at from a depth standpoint.”

???

Fifteen carries a game for Justice? I’ll believe that when I see it, but the point is clear. Even if OSU doesn’t have the juice it once did at QB (and really, who’s to say it doesn’t??) the offense should figure to be no less explosive because it’s more dynamic in a different area.

3. (More?) Aggressive Defense

I got excited when I read the final sentence in Thomas Fleming’s post about watching the OSU defense at the spring game.

Press coverage is sure to give up the occasional deep ball, but the Cowboy fan base can learn to both appreciate and support an aggressive mindset from their defensive coordinator. [PFB]

I’ve never really been a huge “can’t buh-leeeve how far them corners are playing off the boys in red” guy, but I’m intrigued to see how an aggressive defense pairs with an aggressive offense. I suspect that there will be pretty big learning curve (both from players and fans), but that in the bigger picture, OSU’s high-octane offense will benefit from a defense more intent on applying pressure (if in fact that is what this defense is more intent on doing).

4. Top-Tier Tyron

Tyron Johnson has the highest ceiling of any of Oklahoma State’s wide receivers. This should be obvious. He does not however have the highest floor. That belongs to Dillon Stoner after a 576-yard, 6-TD redshirt freshman year.

But I’m not interested in floors for the sake of this post. Floors are what the OSU offense runs on (the Jalen McCleskeys and Dillon Stoners and David Gliddens of the world), but ceilings are what makes it great.

I’ll always go back to Bedlam last year. With the chips down in the second half, James Washington on the shelf and so many legacies and titles and all manner of history on the line, Mason Rudolph turned to Tyron. Many many times. Talent and pedigree win out when games become street fights, and Tyron has more raw ability than anyone else on OSU’s roster.

Two questions: Can he harness it properly? Will Mike Yurcich let him do Tyron Stuff all year? I think I know the answer to the first question. I’m a little shaky on the second.

5. Who are the future stars?

I’m intrigued by the array of young potential stars on OSU’s roster. Who’s going to break out? Who’s going to own fall camp like Justice Hill did in 2016 and Calvin Bundage did in 2017 and become a household name this year?

Will it be Malcolm Rodriguez, Thabo Mwaniki or Za’Carrius Green at safety? What about Brock Martin or Michael Scott at DE? Maybe JayVeon Cardwell or Tyrell Alexander at corner? Tylan Wallace, CJ Moore or LC Greenwood at wideout?

It’s going to come from somewhere, maybe even somewhere we don’t expect. And it’s going to be more exciting than Mike Gundy getting surprised by a rattler under a bush.

Now … we just have to wait three more months.