A freshman might be Oklahoma State's top newcomer and other observations from practice (2024)

STILLWATER — With two-thirds of spring practice in the books, spring’s most discussed newcomer is shaping up to be a landslide in favor of former Stillwater tight end Josh Ford.

Gundy has gone out of his way to single out Ford more than once. Then, after Tuesday’s practice, defensive lineman Collin Clay described Ford as the Cowboy’s “most physical tight end.”

“I mean he’s got the build, so it doesn’t surprise me,” Clay said of the 6-6, 240-pound freshman.

Ford and Ohio tight end Tyler Foster each led a line of tight ends through drills early in practice on Tuesday. Quinton Stewart followed Ford in line while Jake Schultz and Tabry Shettron.

When the tight ends later lined up single file to work on hitting a specific hole before turning around to make the reception, Ford took his spot at the front of the line ahead of Foster, Schultz, Stewart and Shettron, respectively.

Stewart and Schultz nearly evenly split 154 total offensive snaps for the Cowboys last season to lead all returning tight ends.

Linebacker Collin Oliver appeared to be working on pass-rushing drills to simulate beating a tackle on the edge. He led a small group consisting of redshirt freshman linebacker Poasa Utu, freshman linebacker Termerrick Johnson and sixth-year defensive end Obi Ezeigbo, who transferred from D-II Gannon University.

The running backs participated in a wide variety of drills during the media viewing period on Tuesday. Ollie Gordon led the way, followed by Arkansas transfer AJ Green and redshirt freshman Hudson Devins, respectively.

One drill saw the backs hold one hand on the ground while they maneuvered their feet over pads placed as obstacles on the ground. It appeared to be designed to help them practice using their upper body to remain upright while stumbling.

Then they worked on catching passes just above their ankles before working on ball security drills that saw pads swung at them in an attempt to dislodge the ball as they ran past.

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