100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 75 Marcus Keyes

The subject of our next edition of 100 Days of Summer was a last-minute addition to OSU’s 2015 signing class who started all 13 games a year later. Keyes’ immediate impact proved to be a catalyst for change and a step in the right direction for the Cowboy offense.

How he got to OSU

The three-star prospect played both ways in the interior at Port Allen High School (Port Allen, La.) starting at guard and defensive tackle throughout his prep career. When he got an offer to play an hour west at Louisiana-Lafayette, he took it.

Several hours further west, OSU coaches were scrambling when OL recruit Josh Jones flipped his commitment to Houston three days before National Signing Day. Then Cowboy assistant (and Gundy’s Louisiana connection) Eric Henderson made a last-minute pitch to Keyes on the eve of Signing Day and ink met paper a day later.

What he’s done in Stillwater

After a redshirt season in 2015, Keyes supplanted Jesse Robinson as the starting left guard, holding the position all 13 games. With his introduction into the mix — and with the emergence of Justice Hill — Oklahoma State’s running game was reborn. Hill’s 1,142 yards was the most of any freshman at Oklahoma State and the highest rushing total since Joe Randle was wreaking  havoc in 2012. The offensive line hasn’t yet arrived but appears to be on the right course and the addition of Keyes was a big part of that.

Role in 2017

Expect Keyes to retain his starting spot at guard. The Cowboys’ offensive line technically returns three starters in Keyes, Zach Crabtree and Brad Lundblade, but they could field five with starting experience during the season opener. Larry Williams started the first five games of 2016 at right guard before being injured and losing his spot to Michael Wilson. At left tackle, Cal grad transfer Aaron Cochran comes in with 16 starts under his belt.

If Oklahoma State is to meet its offensive potential in 2017 it will be because of continued improvement in both pass protection and run blocking, and Marcus figures to be a “Keye” factor. I couldn’t help myself.

Noteworthy Stats and highlights

Was instrumental in the return of OSU’s running game. In 2015, the Cowboys rushed for 1,649 yards and 25 touchdowns on 3.5 yards per carry. In 2016, they jumped to 2,221 yards and 32 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry.