Freshman Wideout Stoner Turning Heads Early In Camp

The Cowboy football team began their fall camp this week, and early returns have been largely positive. Coach Gundy likes what he sees from his veteran-laden team that returns 39 lettermen.

One of the few downers so far came when Marcell Ateman suffered a broken foot, sidelining him likely until October. Several wideouts will have a chance to step up in his absence including Chris Lacy, Jhajuan Seales and freshman Dillon Stoner. Stoner’s inclusion may come as a surprise for many, but has made an immediate impact in practice so far and has caught the eye of the head ball coach.

“He is certainly a good candidate to play early,” OSU coach Mike Gundy told the Tulsa World. “He was an exceptional player in the summer. We’ve had just a couple of guys in my 12 years here that have been as far along as he has in the summer. I don’t think it’s any secret (that) if he stays healthy, I would expect him to prepare mentally that he could play for us as a freshman.”

OSU’s best receiver, James Washington, agreed with his head coach.

“I would say Dillon Stoner [is going to step up],” said Washington. “He has put in countless time in the spring and summer. When he was here, every time we ran with Coach Glass, he ran his heart out. I think it will pay off. Him and all the younger guys put in a bunch of time and effort in it.”

So who is this kid and where did he come from? Dillon Stoner is from nearby Jenks High School in the Tulsa area and played everywhere for the Jenks Trojans. He dominated as a wideout, returned punts and even played defensive back. Stoner’s Jenks team won the Oklahoma 6A state title every year of his high school career, and he won the Tulsa World state player of the year as a senior. Stoner caught 36 balls for 724 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Ranked as a 3-star by Rivals, Stoner held offers from OSU, Arkansas, Kansas, Southern Miss, Texas Tech, Washington State, and more. However, it was the local Cowboys that won out for his services, and Gundy has to love the versatility and advanced nature for a freshman. Stoner has taken reps in the slot and on the outside, can play special teams, and has even taken reps as a placeholder.

Stoner could begin the season in the slot with veterans James Washington and Jhajuan Seales on the outside. He will likely battle for the slot position in the Cowboy offense with speedsters Chris Lacy and Jalen McCleskey. Oh, and QB1 has noticed. “He’s fast, but he’s a good player,” Mason Rudolph told the Tulsa World. “He’s quiet, but he’s driven and motivated to play early.”

David Glidden was a trusted target for Rudolph the last few years out of the slot, and replacing him will be a challenge. But the Cowboys seem to have a strong replacement waiting in the wings — watch out for No. 80 all over the field for the Cowboys this fall.