Power Rankings: The Top Five 6’ and Under Receivers of the Mike Gundy Era

Following David Glidden’s explosion last weekend (4 receptions, 145 yards, 2 touchdowns), I began thinking about the near-necessity of the undersized receiver. Over the course of Mike Gundy’s tenure in Stillwater, we’ve seen a number of 6’ and under receivers play impact roles for the Cowboys. This begged the question — who has been the best?

While scanning the rosters, I noticed a good number of shorties that never really panned out. But while regulation-sized guys like Adarius Bowman, Dez Bryant and Justin Blackmon have dominated the headlines/statistics, Gundy’s squads have a good track record with guys barely tall enough to ride the Wildcat at Frontier City.

Here are my top five.

5. Isaiah Anderson – 5’10” (2009-2012)

Isaiah Anderson comes in at number five on my list, as I was long a fan of his during my time on campus. He was a contributor on the 2011 Fiesta Bowl squad, and shined even more a year later with the 2012 team.

Isaiah Anderson (USATSI)

His career statistics aren’t mind blowing (63 receptions, 961 yards, 8 touchdowns), but he did enough to make the list.

4. Tyreek Hill – 5’8” (2014)

This could be considered invalid for any number of reasons, most notably the fact he played several different positions. While he could probably be considered a running back first, return man second and then a receiver…his home run threat and ability to catch the football land him at number four.

Tyreek Hill (USATSI)

His time in Stillwater came to an unceremonious end, and his statistics (31 receptions, 281 yards, 1 touchdown) aren’t blowing socks off either. But with more time in this offense, with a full season of Mason Rudolph….  The numbers would have been there for the taking.

3. David Glidden – 5’8 (2012-Current)

David Glidden hits number three on this list and he’s not quite done yet. Coming off his 42 receptions, 598 yards and 2 touchdowns in 2014, he’s off to a terrific start in his final season on campus. In fact, after two games, he’s already sitting with 9 receptions, 216 yards and 2 scores.

Gildden is arguably the Cowboys’ best receiver, which is uncommon for guys his size. The chemistry he’s developed with Mason Rudolph has me drooling uncontrollably. Watch out.

2. Josh Stewart – 5’10 (2011-2013)

Still bitter about him leaving school early, I can’t even hear the name Josh Stewart and not become overcome with grief. Fact of the matter: Stewart was/is lightning in a bottle and his chemistry with J.W. Walsh was something to behold.

Josh Stewart (USATSI)

Since his exit from Stillwater, the injury bug has been devastating for Stewart. But 180 receptions, 2,204 yards and 12 touchdowns over the course of three seasons lands him firmly at number two. I miss him to this day.

1. Josh Cooper – 5’11 (2008-2011)

Overshadowed by a two-time Biletnikoff Award-winning teammate in Justin Blackmon, Josh Cooper was the definition of reliable over the course of his tenure in Stillwater. Blackmon accounted for 40 touchdowns during his three years on campus, but it was often Cooper who would come up with a timely catch when it was needed most.

Josh Cooper (USATSI)

His 161 receptions, 1,695 yards and 9 touchdowns are not as appealing as Josh Stewart’s numbers, but his role on the best team in school history, coupled with his reliability, make Josh Cooper my number one on this list.

There you have it, folks. Feel like I’m missing something? Give me your opinion in the comments section.