Oklahoma State Players Explain How WR Gavin Freeman Lives up to ‘Freaky’ Nickname

STILLWATER — It took Gavin Freeman less than a week to make an impression on his new teammates during the summer of 2024.

“If you just standing up, he will hurdle you,” running back Rodney Fields said. “That is why we call him Freak. He got the name like, two days since he got here.”

Freeman finished last year with six catches on six targets and 45 yards. A lot, if not most, of his playing time came running alongside OSU’s second-string receivers.

But he made the most of limited opportunities. OSU quarterbacks targeted Freeman on 13.3% of his routes, which compares favorably with former No. 3 receiver Rashod Owens, who saw targets on 16.1% of routes last season.

Despite a strong start to the season, Freeman sat out the final eight games to preserve his redshirt. That was the initial plan he and Oklahoma State coaches agreed on, considering he transferred from Oklahoma following the end of spring practice.

“I just knew that it would probably be better for me to redshirt,” Freeman said. “But yeah, it was a tough decision (to stick with the plan). Probably one of the hardest I’ve had to make.”

Last fall camp, Freeman was playing catch-up with the playbook. Now he’s competing for a starting spot at what is arguably Oklahoma State’s deepest position.

“It’s just having the right mindset to know that I’m gonna play and I’m gonna do the best of my ability,” Freeman said of the biggest change this fall camp.

He’s certainly got the respect of his teammates.

“I’m excited to for him to be able to showcase,” defensive tackle Iman Oates said. “He just a stud of an athlete. You probably going to see a few crazy hurdles this year too.”

Fellow receiver Da’Wain Lofton said the 5-foot-8 Freeman hurdles people in practice, “like it is breakfast.”

Despite all the comments from his teammates, Freeman doesn’t feel like it happens that often in practice.

“It is just kind of a natural thing,” Freeman said. “I guess it happens.”

Of course, some coaches have told him to “chill” on the hurdles to avoid getting hurt. As cool as it is to watch, even his teammates get nervous sometimes.

“Heart drops, I am jumping up and down,” Lofton said. “I am like (inhaling deeply). Once he lands it, all the excitement comes out for sure.”

Freeman said he hasn’t attempted to hurdle someone in a game since high school, but added that he would do it this season if he saw the right opportunity. Whether he goes for it in a game or not, the other Cowboys certainly expect big things from Freeman this season.

“I call him G-Freaky,” Lofton said. “Just because, shoot in practice, he making freaky plays all day.”

PFB+ Sale: PFB+ subscriptions are 25% off when using this link