Cowboy Back Could be a Strength for Oklahoma State Again in 2018

Justice Hill projects to have a similar impact for Oklahoma State in 2018 that Saquon Barkley had for Penn State in 2017. With QB a question mark going into the summer and the top two pass-catchers from last season now in the NFL, he’ll need all the help he can get to lead the Cowboys’ ground attack.

That help will likely center around how well Josh Henson can craft a new-look offensive line in 2018 replacing key playmakers. But it will also be largely dependent upon the level of production OSU can squeeze out of its Cowboy Back position — Gundy’s uniquely-named tight end that blocks out of the backfield, catches passes, and lines up at the line of scrimmage at times.

Where that production may come from is yet to be determined, but it’s a priority no less. With Blake Jarwin and Zac Veatch two seasons ago, OSU’s offense thrived as it utilized Jarwin in the passing game, and Veatch’s versatility in the run game to block on the outside, springing running backs into the second level of the defense. Replicating that success will be key.

In 2017, pass-catching was at a premium, but that doesn’t appear to be the same case in 2018 with junior college tight end Jake Ross and redshirt freshman Baron Odom both primed to make an impact. Let’s look at the candidates vying for playing time.

Sione Finefeuiaki

As a first-year player for OSU last season out of junior college, Finefeuiaki was a fine bit player who made a tangible impact in the blocking game. He was rarely used as a pass-catcher, thanks in large part to OSU’s numerous weapons on the outside, but he has the capability of doing so — though it’s not his biggest strength.

“Sione (Finefeuiaki) has more movement and enthusiasm I would say because he knows what direction he’s going now,” Gundy said of him on April 11.

I suspect he will be a key player in the blocking game again in 2018. He could be the 2018 version of Zac Veatch.

Jake Ross

NEO tight end transfer Jake Ross, a 6-6, 240-pound athlete, is a player I envision as a Blake Jarwin-like player. He’s more athletic than Jarwin and a smidge taller — I’m told he was a talented basketball player back in his day — and I think he’s got soft enough hands that OSU will trust him in the passing game. He’s the X-factor going into 2018, but I like his upside as a true catch-first option at Cowboy Back.

Jelani Woods

The rare QB-turned-Cowboy Back, Jelani Woods, is the most intriguing of the bunch. Mostly because he’s 6-foot-7, 251-pounds and looks like he could play offensive tackle. Nonetheless, Mike Gundy says despite the new position, he’ll have a role carved out for No. 89.

“Jelani (Woods) is doing well,” Gundy said of him during spring ball. “There will be a role for Jelani and certain things we can do. He’s doing really well at this point.”

Baron Odom

Redshirt freshman Baron Odom tore his ACL during OSU’s bowl practice, so he’s still recovering. I spoke with his father several months ago who told me that his son is targeting a July return, which means he’s likely going to be ready for the 2018 season barring any setbacks.

Odom redshirted in 2017, but in the meantime, bulked up to around 240 pounds — up 30 pounds from when he originally signed with OSU. Like Ross, I see Odom as an athletic option at Cowboy Back who has the ability to catch passes, and, now, the body to set the edge on the outside as a blocker.

Britton Abbott

OSU’s most experienced Cowboy Back is Britton Abbott. He’s a redshirt senior who has been around the block, which is a valuable trait for a position group that is highly inexperienced.

OSU is likely to use him in the same function next season as a block-first edge-setter. He might be the favorite to start Game 1, if only because he’s been there and done it for so long.