Cowboys Get Depth and Skill from Joseph Randle

The true freshman played a big part in the Cowboys' win over Texas Tech and will continue to see carries in the future.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:59 am

By: News On 6

Cowboys Get Depth and Skill from Joseph Randle

Originally Published: Oct 18, 2010 6:22 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- When Dana Holgorsen was hired as Oklahoma State’s new offensive coordinator, observers were anticipating the pass-happy offense that he employed at Houston and Texas Tech.

However, balance has been the name of the game in Stillwater this season. OSU has 243 pass attempts through six games, while rushing the ball 225 times this season.

“You have to be somewhat balanced and take what they give you,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “I like what Coach Holgorsen and our staff have done this year. I think they have enough in the offense to run the ball or throw the ball based on the way that people try to defend us.”

In the win over Texas Tech, Oklahoma State actually came away with 13 more rushes than passes. Seventeen of their 48 attempts were by true-freshman running back Joseph Randle, providing depth and keeping All-American Kendall Hunter fresh late in the game.

“We've been looking for some other guys, no matter what position. We found [Randle] as probably our third guy,” Holgorsen said. “It doesn't matter what position, it's all about getting the ball in their hands and there's many different ways to get the ball in his hands. He's developed into a guy that we're going to rely on.”

Randle has impressed coaches in practice and what he’s seen on the field, which is a big part of why he set a career-high in carries and yardage against Texas Tech.

“He’s maturing faster, he has good hands and he’s blocked well,” Gundy said. “He showed a toughness to him last Saturday in running the football and finishing his runs. We’re glad he’s a freshman.”

Despite his noted development at midseason, the Oklahoma State coaches aren’t taking the credit for Randle’s development.

“He comes from a very disciplined, structured family and it’s helped him compete early in his career. His dad coached forever,” Gundy said. “Because he’s mentally tough, it’s allowed him to move faster than other players do. He was kind of pre-made when he got here. We just pushed him in the right direction.”