Practice Nuggets: Gundy Talks Oklahoma Teachers, Kenneth Edison-McGruder’s New Position and Who Hit Justice After-the-Play

The Cowboys took over Sherman E. Smith Training Center on Wednesday for their fifth spring practice, which marked the second time players and Mike Gundy were made available to the media.

NFL-bound quarterback Mason Rudolph also made an appearance.

A pair of #okstate ?? at spring football. @Rudolph2Mason @calcagnogary pic.twitter.com/742ujGZhyt

— Jason Elmquist (@jelmquistSW) April 4, 2018

Gundy said learning a new defense is the primary concern during these spring practices. He noted the team has a long way to go in terms of terminology, technique and responsibilities.

Spring practices also allow new coaches to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the roster and get a feel for where everyone fits.

Secondly, Gundy said establishing a quarterback is a priority this spring. With Dru Brown and Spencer Sanders out of town this spring, it gives Taylor Cornelius and Keondre Wudtee an opportunity to compete for the starting job. However, as of right now, it’s understood that Cornelius has the edge.

Here are a few other nuggets from today’s practice

Kenneth Edison-McGruder: The Thumper

Edison-McGruder, a converted linebacker, is set to join the secondary in 2018. Cornerback Rodarius Williams, who started every game at cornerback as a redshirt sophomore last season, said he’s looking forward to seeing what McGruder brings to the defense.

“Thumper, man,” Williams said. “That’s what he nicknamed himself because he’s trying to take a head off each day, man. We have to tell him in practice to slow it down a little bit because he’s trying to get it. We like guys who compete. He’s bringing us up with him.”

Knowles brings the intensity to practice

Last week, Gundy talked about how new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ Ivy-League approach doesn’t exactly reflect how he coaches. Williams provided further evidence of that Wednesday, citing Knowles’ energy as one of his greatest assets.

“We love him, man,” Williams said. “His energy, each practice, he brings the energy. If we’re down in practice, he comes and brings the energy. He boosts me, let us know we here. We’re here for a reason. We’re here today to compete.”

Justice Hill discusses Brock Martin’s “lowkey-after-the-play” tackle

Apparently, two-time state champion wrestler Brock Martin, who redshirted last season, grabbed hold of Hill for a rough, physical tackle in Monday’s practice.

“It was after the play, lowkey,” Hill said. “But it doesn’t matter to me. It’s football.

“They’re hungry, you know? Brock always made plays since he got here back in the fall. He wound up redshirting, but I really thought he was gonna play. I’m pretty sure he’s hungry to get back out there after his surgeries.”

Martin, who had surgery on an undisclosed injury back in October, is a former three-star recruit from Oologah High School. He’s someone to watch in the spring game.

Gundy discusses importance of Stillwater education

Gundy made headlines a couple of weeks ago when he spoke at a Stillwater board of education meeting, expressing his concern for children’s safety in school. He was asked another question concerning this matter Wednesday.

“I’m 100 percent behind our educators,” Gundy said. “I don’t pretend to know all the ins and outs of the details involved. I do a lot of reading, I try to stay involved since I am now deeply invested in the situation. Not necessarily the teacher walkout, but I’ve always felt the educators of this state are way overworked and way underpaid. Any time that we have people that are directly tied in with our children for 6-8 hours a day, we should try to facilitate them, give them the facilities and do everything we can to make sure that they can do their job the best possible. That future relies on us to all do our part. I’m 100 percent behind it and I think they should do whatever they think is necessary in order for them to get what’s necessary to be successful, so our children can benefit from that in the future.”