Could OSU Use Dillon Stoner in a Wildcat Package?

The swiss-army knife that is Dillon Stoner is finally on campus, and is already turning heads in training camp. The former Jenks star did everything for the Trojans and helped lead them to four straight state titles. As a senior, he was the star of the powerhouse Trojans, doing everything from punt and kick return, playing receiver, corner, safety, and even holding the kick on the extra point after he scored his own touchdown.

As a coach, it’s a pretty simple formula to follow: Best players+playing time=wins. Or something like that. [I wasn’t a math major].

And Jenks did it well in a one-loss 2015 season that ended in another state title with Stoner as the feature man in nearly every facet of the game.

So will Mike Gundy take a page out of Alan Trimble’s playbook and use Stoner in the same capacities?

That may be too early in his career to ask. But we do know that Gundy is preparing to use him this season.

“Stoner continues to get quality reps,” Mike Gundy said after Thursday’s practice. “We’re anticipating him playing as a freshman.”

“He’s getting quality reps not only on special teams but at the wide receiver position. 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.” Gundy told the Tulsa World about Stoner.

Stoner was used not only at receiver at Jenks on offense, but also in special packages with the main goal being to get him involved in any way imaginable. Get the man the ball in the open field, and he’ll run more wild than Bear Grylls. See the first play here and you’ll see the potential threat he could become — a play that looks familiar to what OSU has used in the past with Jalen McCleskey.

OSU has shown their willingness to spice up the playbook to get their play-makers involved. Even Mason Rudolph acknowledged he could be a factor early on at B12 media days. “He has some David Glidden to him,” Rudolph said July 18 at the Big 12 Football Media Days in Dallas. “So that has me excited. … I see him playing inside this year because I think he’s ready and would really fit in our offense.”

And with Stoner’s versatility as an athlete and his combination of track speed, I’d be surprised if the concept of a special ‘Stoner Package’ isn’t rolled in at some point this season. And even for a true freshman, Mike Gundy knows he has to get his talent in the right spots. Running a small package (or at least preparing one for a special situation) for a player Gundy says is farther along than most at this point in his career just makes sense. So heck, why not give it a shot Mike?