Hubbard Developing into Explosive Running Back, Says a Kick Return is Coming

STILLWATER — Chuba Hubbard’s 7.5 yards per carry leads all Oklahoma State players with at least 30 touches this season.

That’s a good number, but it’s crazy to think that it’s only half of what Hubbard averaged during his three seasons of high school football. At Bev Facey Community High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, Hubbard rushed for 6,880 yards and 82 touchdowns on just 458 attempts (or just over 15 yards a carry!).

Hubbard had his best collegiate rushing game Saturday against Texas, as he had a season-high nine carries for 80 yards. He is the OSU’s second-leading rusher behind Justice Hill, as Hubbard has 264 yards on 35 carries.

As a redshirt freshman, Hubbard is listed 17 pounds heavier than he was a season ago. With his new body and his increasing levels of experience, Hubbard is blooming into the next threat out of OSU’s backfield.

“He is maturing and getting some quality experience and reps and showing signs that he is ready to be productive at this level against top-quality teams,” Gundy said. “We are pleased he is coming along. We feel good about where (J.D. King) is also, but there was a role for (Hubbard) in this game based on the schemes that Texas had. They run really well from side to side and so we could match him with them at times. He certainly is improving and just the number of reps that he is getting is allowing that to take place.”

Hubbard is doing more than just running, too. With 101 receiving yards this season, Hubbard leads OSU’s running backs. He is also only four yards behind Cowboy Back Jelani Woods.

Hubbard is also the Cowboys’ leading returner. He has 360 kick return yards this season. Hubbard returned the opening kickoff 30 yards against Texas, and another 15 yards was tacked on to that when Cameron Dicker hit Hubbard late. On his way back to the sideline, Hubbard played hype man to the sold out crowd.

“We were talking about it,” Hubbard said. “We said we had to hit something big to get us going, to get the fire started.

“I knew it was at least 30, and I knew he was going to hit me, too. I knew I was going to get 15 yards there. I was going to flop, but I don’t wanna do too much.”

The Cowboys haven’t returned a kick for a touchdown since 2014 when Tyreek Hill brought back a game-winner against Kansas. Hubbard said it’s only a matter of time before that changes.

“I’m waiting,” Hubbard said. “It’s gonna come. I know it is. I feel it. … I’ll be in bed right before I sleep just picturing it over and over in my head.”

On Tuesday, Hubbard said he wasn’t sure if his role will increase after his big Texas game, but he said that isn’t his focus.

“Honestly, I don’t know,” Hubbard said. “I just try to do my part whenever they need me to go in. I’ll be ready. Whether that’s pass blocking, running the ball or catching.”

If you’re interested, here is Hubbard running past a lot of Canadians that I found while researching this post. It is mesmerizing.