Gundy, Rodriguez, and Presley Talk Spring Practice as Second Week Is Underway

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State put on the pads for the first time this spring as practice number four started the second week of spring football and head coach Mike Gundy seemed to like what he saw. He liked it so much he said he couldn’t wait to get in and watch video of the just over two-hour practice that featured plenty of pass protection work, work on punt and punt returns, the typical seven-on-seven, inside drill, blitz pick-up, and a team period. The running backs are impressing as Dominic Richardson and Utah State transfer Jaylen Warren were the highlight makers on offense.

“We got to play real football today and we got a lot of reps,” Gundy said. “On most springs we have between 85 and 90 players and right now we have 112 out there based on the early enrollees, the transfers, and the super seniors; so, we’re able to get a lot of reps. Even our young players and new players are getting a lot of reps. It’s an exciting time for us and I’m looking forward to watching the tape and see what they do.

“Our attitudes are good, and we have a long way to go, but we are telling them if you make a mistake, make it full speed,” added Gundy.

One of the biggest highlights for the defense featured super senior linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez showing off his coverage skills with a deep drop in covering a slot receiver and he picked off the pass and returned it back to the original line of scrimmage. Rodriguez was having fun and doesn’t act like he is bored coming back for another season.

“Emotions are very high, and I love being out there on the field with the guys,” Rodriguez said after a practice that saw him get a coveted pick. “You can’t ask for a better day to be in full pads. It was just fun being out there.”

Bruce Waterfield/OSU Athletics

Spring drills have been sharp and enthusiastic.

Rodriguez echoed something we have all thought during COVID-19.

“I’m sick of these masks and I can’t wait to get back to a full Boone Pickens Stadium,” said the already three-year starter that has played four straight seasons in his career.

The work on the return game included sophomore or second-year freshman Brennan Presley. Gundy said Presley would be involved in the return game and might even be involved in punt coverage. Presley is okay with everything he can be involved with. He said whatever the team needs and said that is a general theme as things are getting closer to normal and players are spending a lot of time at the football facility in the West End Zone.

“I’m not home a lot and none of us are because we’re up here (West End Zone) doing something, watching film or lifts or watching film on our own or catching balls, Presley explained how this spring is different from last year when spring football ended after a week. “We’re always doing something whether it is on our own or together. It is kind of a normal college experience.”

He prefers the football rather than the time off and away from the team.

Marshall Levenson

Teven Jenkins (73) is a player the NFL folks want to see close up on Thursday.

The Cowboys will be back at it on Thursday. It is a busy day around the facility as the Pro Day or Virtual Combine will be held in the morning and will feature Teven Jenkins as several NFL offensive line coaches are expected to be there. The NFL teams are limited to no more than three personnel in attendance. Cowboys assistant athletic director for athletic performance Rob Glass said he expects a lot of NFL people including some coaches and some assistant general managers. Besides Jenkins, who is on some first-round mock drafts in the media, wide receiver Tylan Wallace, cornerback Rodarius Williams, running back Chuba Hubbard, linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, center Ry Schneider, defensive tackle Cam Murray, and several others are expected. Former quarterback Taylor Cornelius will be there to throw for the passing drills.

The team will practice both Thursday afternoon and Friday too in finishing the second week of spring practice.