Role Play: Landon Wolf Looks to Continue Where He Left Off in 2019

Even with the departure of Tyron Johnson, Oklahoma State returns a lot of talent at the wide receiver position as the team prepares for the 2019 season. However, most of these players are more suited for roles at the outside X and Z wideout spots. The Cowboys don’t boast a lot of experience at the inside receiver position, but they do return two solid producers from 2018 in Dillon Stoner and Landon Wolf.

For this post, I want to focus on Wolf, as I’m very excited about what the former walk-on can bring to the table in his second year of significant action as a slot receiver in the OSU offense.

Profile

Player: Landon Wolf
Position: WR
Number: 1
H: 5-11
W: 174

Career stats: 33 receptions | 362 receiving yards | 2 touchdowns

Inside Receiver Room: Braydon Johnson (also plays outside), Dillon Stoner, Jacob Morris, Korie Frausto, Landon Wolf, Taje Williams, Tracin Wallace and Tyrell Alexander

Background

The Tulsa native walked on to the Cowboy football team in 2016. After redshirting that season, he saw action in all 13 OSU games the following season, primarily on special teams. Even though he didn’t see much of the field during games, Cowboy associate head coach and receivers coach Kasey Dunn new he had the potential to make an impact in Stillwater at some point.

“He’s a walk-on but he can really play. He will be a player for us. Just watch! He’s athletic, smart, and really tough.” Dunn said when asked about the young wideout in the August 2017.

Wolf’s play continued to impress in last year’s spring game, where he tallied five catches for 99 yards and one touchdown, and shortly after this contest he was rewarded with a scholarship.

During the 2018 season, Wolf was asked to step into the spotlight against Kansas after Jalen McCleskey announced he would redshirt and transfer and Dillon Stoner had some injury issues. Wolf made the most of this opportunity recording 6 catches for 116 yards and his first career touchdown.

Ceiling

After the Kansas game, Wolf finished the season averaging three receptions and just under 30 receiving yards per game in the remaining seven contests. The East Central High School product showed off his skills in the screen game on multiple occasions, including the play against Iowa State shown in the following clip.

Wolf’s skills in the screen game will be key, as we know new offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson likes to involve his inside receivers in this aspect, as you can see below from his time at Princeton.

Additionally, Gleeson showed during his time as OC of the Tigers’ offense that he likes to get the slot receiver involved in the game plan in a multitude of way. Including, this pop pass to the slot as opposed to the tight end.

Stoner is obviously The Guy for the Cowboys at inside receiver, but I believe Wolf will continue to make his presence felt next season. He doesn’t have as high of a ceiling as other receivers on the roster like C.J. Moore or Langston Anderson, but he’s a solid number two option at the position.

Floor

Wolf tended to disappear at times last year. Now, this also has to do with the overall game plan and playcalling, but there were times when I didn’t even notice he was on the field. As I mentioned above, he is a good blocker, but he has to consistently compete at a high level for the entire game. Not to mention if Stoner were to experience some injury issues like he did in 2018, he can’t be timid and must continue to put up impressive performance like we saw from him at times last season.

I think Wolf’s floor is very high, and we got a nice sample size last season, and I feel comfortable with him taking a solid amount of reps as the slot receiver behind Stoner.

Expectations/Role

As I mentioned above, I expect Wolf to continue his role as the number two guy at the inside receiver position. When talking ceiling and floor, I see him getting closer towards his ceiling as a player this year. My projected stat totals for him are 44 reception, 460 yards and four touchdowns.