Oklahoma State’s Second String Running Back Spot ‘Completely Open’

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STILLWATER — Caleb Hawkins’ backup was one of the more intriguing position battles of the offseason, but that intrigue took a new meaning this past weekend in Tulsa.

No one took ahold of Oklahoma State’s RB2 slot in the Cowboys’ 24-10 loss to the Golden Hurricane. So much so, that — despite Tre Page III being listed on the depth chart — OSU coach Eric Morris said the spot is up for grabs.

“Yeah, completely open,” Morris said Tuesday. “Completely open. So, may the best man win.”

Page and Ayo Adeyi were the only backs outside of Hawkins to play offensive snaps against Tulsa.

A James Madison transfer who was at North Texas under Morris in 2023, Adeyi carried six times and gained 24 yards. A Tarleton State transfer, Page carried seven times and gained 19 yards.

Both Adeyi and Page failed to convert a 4th-and-1, with Page fumbling on his try, which led him to not get any more carries from midway through the second quarter.

Morris was asked if Adeyi will continue to get carries against Oregon.

“It depends how he practices this week,” Morris said bluntly.

The Cowboy running backs forced two missed tackles Saturday, per PFF, both via Hawkins. They ran for five first downs — four from Hawkins and one from Adeyi. They were targeted 11 times in the passing game and made seven catches — six from Hawkins and the other from Adeyi. Needless to say, Hawkins needs some help.

UCO transfer William Mason got in for three offensive snaps on Saturday, but didn’t touch the ball. Mason also played five special teams snaps, where he picked up a personal foul penalty while blocking on a kick return.

North Texas transfer Dennis Moody III also played three special teams snaps, two on kick coverage and one on punt coverage.

The other running backs on the roster are freshmen KD Jones and Javen Hall.

If the OSU fanbase had a vote in the matter, Jones would get some run. In the new five-for-five eligibility model, there isn’t redshirting, so OSU wouldn’t need to protect him from that.

Jones is, though, slighter of frame than most of the running back room while he develops his body as a college football player. Still, he’s Jenks’ all-time leader in rushing yards (4,742), all-purpose yards (5,798) and rushing touchdowns (67).

Who steps up as Hawkins’ backup doesn’t seem as important as long as someone steps up to give the Cowboys’ hard-nosed rusher an occasional breather.