Daily Bullets (May 7)

Big Game James

James Washington’s place on the Mount Rushmore of receivers is close to being secured (right?)

In many respects, Washington is a culmination of the past at the position. He has some of Dykes’ physicality, Woods’ ball skills, Bryant’s athleticism and Blackmon’s hands.

But Washington’s calling card has been his near unmatched prowess reeling in completions downfield.

“James has an uncanny ability,” Gundy said, “to run by you, make the catch, and not only make the catch, but then run into the red zone.”

According to ESPN Stats & Information, Washington finished with 801 yards receiving last season exclusively off passes thrown 15 or more yards downfield. Only Westbrook, a Heisman finalist, produced more. [ESPN]

I love that idea of building the prototype wide receiver using parts from All-American Cowboys. So what will Washington contribute to that conversation Hall-of-Fame level separation?

It’s a tandem of the athleticism (acceleration and top-end speed), sticky hands and ability to position perfectly.

Calmer Waters

Robert Allen acknowledged the uprising but claims Holder and the current athletic department are in the clear.

Not saying there weren’t unhappy people, unhappy powerful people after the abrupt loss of Underwood, because my sources said there were.

However, I also believe that the unhappiness has subsided since. Besides, the job (Chad) Weiberg is taking is that of retired Deputy Director of Athletics Dave Martin. Mike Holder made the hire, so is it possible that he would be tasked, knowing or unknowing, to hire his successor? I don’t think so. Holder has a lot of power in that he has accomplished a bushel.

Holder is really just the completion of funding the baseball stadium project away from virtually completing all the plans and financing of the promised athletic village when he took over as athletic director. There have been backward and side steps in the process, but the overall direction of Oklahoma State athletics has been forward. [GoPokes $]

You can never tell with Allen’s vested interest/Oklahoma State connections but it does sound like pressure may be subsiding. There’s a bigger picture with Holder’s storied tenure but a smooth transition would be best for all parties.

A gracious Holder exit on his terms, Gundy specifically negotiating with the new AD and Weiberg not being baptized by fire as he re acclimates from his time at Kansas State and Texas Tech.

The Pokes rally came up short in game two against Lamar last night….Bedlam Softball saw a Sooner sweep on account of a solo home run….Joe Paterno’s son put on the Penn State board by alumni….Fun mailbag addressing Big 12-hypothetical exit pairs….Kiffin to LSU would have made for such fun Bama-LSU games

Rickie went…hard at the Kentucky Derby. So did Tommy B and Aaron Rodgers.

with the great @RickieFowler at the #kentuckyderby pic.twitter.com/RMS6lTd8Vs

— Harry Connick Jr (@HarryConnickJR) May 6, 2017

Gosh that crossover would make basketball in Stillwater so much better.

Oklahoma State point guard Jawun Evans (@j3vans1_ ) working on his crossover to pull-up jumper pic.twitter.com/crxgwRyJHl

— STACK (@STACKMedia) May 4, 2017

It’s easy to pull for this guy to make the squad:

Meet the #Chiefs' 1️⃣2️⃣ undrafted free agents in 2017.

➡️ https://t.co/qC0OmiBCze pic.twitter.com/o5Lx6JFIwY

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 6, 2017

What You Missed on PFB

• 2017 recruit LC Greenwood says running track is a possibility
• Pokes offered a five-star power forward recently
• Big Russell Okung applauds the creativity of Lavar Ball