Mike Gundy feels Oklahoma State's offensive line is already 'further along than last year'

STILLWATER — Using the first three weeks to install some new blocking schemes and search for the best five-man combination on the offensive line, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy feels the group has shown significant progress from the fall.

“We’re further along than we were last year, middle of the season,” Gundy said on Monday afternoon before the Cowboys began practice No. 10 of the spring at the Sherman Smith Training Center. “I don’t think there’s any question about that. Knock on wood, we’re healthy. We hadn’t been healthy in two years, spring ball or fall ball.”

With the five players who were starting at the end of last season all back, plus the addition of injured players and transfers, the group is blossoming from improved competition.

“There’s eight guys right now that could play in a game and be just fine,” Gundy said. “Could be 10 before it’s all said and done. Just don’t know yet, because they haven’t picked the system up. Haven’t seen them play without having to think. Years ago, we used to have 8-10 guys that could play in a game, but we haven’t had that in a while.”

Gundy also spoke highly of the maturity level of both true freshman early enrollees on the line, center JaKobe Sanders and tackle Jack Endean.

“The most difficult position for a guy to come in (as a freshman) is clearly offensive line,” Gundy said. “Mentally, maybe quarterback, but quarterbacks don’t get hit. Offensive linemen are in the hand-to-hand combat.

“Jack is very mature and is getting out there some with the (second team) so he’s getting thrown around. But he’s further ahead. And JaKobe the same. JaKobe has done really well for a high school player. He has to snap, has to point things out. Extremely difficult. We’re pleased with both those guys.”

More: JaKobe Sanders set to extend grandfather's legacy at Oklahoma State

Collin Clay likes move inside

Coming out of Putnam City High School a few years ago, Collin Clay was a highly recruited defensive end, which is where he played as a true freshman at Arkansas in 2019.

He transferred to OSU and by 2021 had moved to defensive tackle.

Now, with the Cowboys’ change to a 3-3-5 defense, the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Clay is moving even farther inside, joining the group of players competing for playing time at nose guard.

It’s a different style of position than a traditional defensive tackle in a four-man front, but Clay likes the adjustment.

“It seems like it’s been a change every single year,” said Clay, now a redshirt senior. “It’s been pretty fun moving to nose guard. It’s been a little different, but I’ve liked it because we get to go just fly around and play football.

“I’m more head-up on the center. It’s not too different. It’s fun just putting my hand down, not thinking about doing this, doing that, and just go play. The coaches are getting me comfortable in the scheme and everything. That’s the main thing, just staying positive and just keep on learning from it.”

Condensing from two defensive tackle spots to one nose guard, the depth chart got heavy with players like Clay, Xavier Ross and Aden Kelley returning, plus the additions of transfers Justin Kirkland from Utah Tech and Iman Oates from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M.

Kirkland is particularly intriguing because of his size. The Roy, Utah, native had a strong freshman season and is an ideal fit at nose guard because of his 6-foot-4, 346-pound frame.

“He’s huge,” Clay said. “He’s always flying around to the ball. If he doesn’t do something, which is rare, you’ll always see him by the ball.”

More: Cowboys DC Bryan Nardo went to college to be a journalist but found a love for football

Jaden Bray found silver lining in injuries

As a true sophomore last season, Jaden Bray was limited by injuries and only appeared in three games, making five catches — a notable dropoff from his freshman year.

It was a mental and emotional challenge to not be able to help. But by playing just three games, Bray got a limited amount of experience and still maintained his redshirt status.

“I just wanted to be there for my team,” Bray said. “Of course it was hard going through that, but at the same time, I had the encouragement from everybody around here lifting me up.

“I had talked to Coach (Kasey) Dunn. He was with me all the way, leading me in the right direction. I wanted to play and the coaching staff wanted me to play as well. I enjoyed every bit of last season even though I was injured.”

Bray, Blaine Green and Talyn Shettron are among the returning players competing for snaps at the outside receiver spots.

The Cowboys saw some accomplished receivers leave via the transfer portal and some experienced players come in to replace them. Bray has appreciated the drive of the new guys, De’Zhaun Stribling, Leon Johnson III and Arland Bruce IV.

“We lose people, but we found guys that wanna come in and fill those positions. I couldn’t be more happy,” Bray said. “It’s always good to have competition. I’d rather somebody be good and pushing me to be better than somebody that’s not working, just letting me stay complacent. I feel like in the receiver room, we’re really connected. There’s no bad energy in that room.”

More: OSU working with depth, talent at receiver despite departures

Orange Power Weekend to include fan event

With less than two weeks left in spring football practice, the Cowboys are set to host a fan meet-and-greet on Saturday at the Sherman Smith Training Center across the street to the north of Boone Pickens Stadium.

Fans will be allowed to watch the final 30-45 minutes and the 30-minute meet-and-greet will begin at 1:30 p.m.

The event will be the football piece of Orange Power Weekend, which also involves three softball games, three baseball games and two tennis matches on campus, as well as the 17th annual Remember the 10 Run.

Here’s the full schedule for Orange Power Weekend:

Friday

6 p.m.: Cowboy tennis vs. Texas Tech

6 p.m.: Baseball vs. West Virginia

6 p.m.: Softball vs. Iowa State

Saturday

8 a.m.: Remember the 10 Run

1:30-2 p.m.: Football Meet and Greet

2 p.m.: Softball vs. Iowa State

6 p.m.: Baseball vs. West Virginia

Sunday

Noon: Softball vs. Iowa State

Noon: Baseball vs. West Virginia

1 p.m.: Cowboy tennis vs. Baylor

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football OL already 'further along than last year'