After ‘Humbling’ Freshman Season, Shettron Ready to Compete in Year 2

STILLWATER — When Talyn Shettron signed with the Cowboys’ 2022 recruiting class, he became the second-highest rated wide receiver signee in program history behind some guy named Dez Bryant.

And it wasn’t just that Oklahoma State landed a prospect of that caliber. The Pokes’ staff also pried him away from the rival Sooners to get him to Stillwater.

Playing in a deep receiving room as a true freshman, it might have been unrealistic to put too high of expectations on his freshman season, but he did show glimpses of what the Cowboy fans were so excited about — like his 16-yard touchdown against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. But Shettron also spent a chunk of the season injured as he was trying to get used to the college game.

“It was a humbling experience, coming in, graduating early, getting hurt,” Shettron said. “Going through all that, it was a humbling experience, but I’m just glad I’m finally healthy and able to compete.

“All the expectations I had coming in, failing to meet those expectations, dealing with all that. Wanting to be healthy, wanting to play, but physically I just couldn’t. I’m just glad that’s all over and in the past now.”

Listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Shettron certainly looks the part entering his redshirt freshman season. The receiver room looks quite a bit different a year ago, but it is still deep with talent after the additions of guys like De’Zhaun Stribling and Arland Bruce IV.

The group will also have a new starting quarterback throwing to them, but which quarterback that is, is still being decided. Among the contenders is redshirt freshman Garret Rangel. When asked who he thought would surprise some people this season, Rangel pointed to his classmate.

“Talyn’s been having a big year,” Rangel said. “He had a great spring. He looks all big and buff. He’s been having a great couple days of fall camp so far. He’s gonna be ready to roll this year.”

With all the roster turnover the Cowboys faced entering 2023, it somehow might be easy to forget that the No. 126 player in his recruiting class is just getting going on campus. Shettron not only chose the Cowboys over the Sooners, but he also could have gone to Texas, Florida State, Texas A&M, Miami, Notre Dame or elsewhere.

When asked what his goals were entering Year 2 as a Cowboy, Shettron said he wanted to contribute to a Big 12 title.

“I just learned that you gotta take advantage of every opportunity you get,” Shettron said. “When an opportunity presents itself, you gotta push yourself forward and take advantage of that opportunity. And you gotta take care of yourself outside of football.”