Oklahoma State Cowboys Hold First Practice

OSU players participated in the first practice of the new season Friday.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:53 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma State Cowboys Hold First Practice

Originally Published: Aug 6, 2010 6:45 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma State Cowboys took the field for the first time during the 2010 Friday, unveiling a team with a new system and new faces at many key positions.

“We’ve got a long way to go, but the effort’s there,” said head coach Mike Gundy. “I’m pleased with the way the guys are working.”

Depth and experience at skill positions on both offense and defense continues to be a question, especially with the emphasis the Cowboys’ new offense places on receivers.

“If you’re a freshman playing corner, safety or wideout, you’re going to have a chance to play,” said Gundy. “We’d like to have two more (receivers) for this system. Guys that can learn and reach out and make a catch are going to play.”

One of the players that the coaching staff may look to for experience is sophomore Tracy Moore, who reported to camp with 15 fewer pounds on his 6-foot-2-inch frame.

“Tracy [Moore] went through his freshman year and felt like he was 15-pounds heavy,” said Gundy. “Tracy came in with 10 pounds of baby fat, he was young, and he trimmed up and looks much better.”

A player that the coaches won’t need to worry about is running back Kendall Hunter. According to Gundy the 2008 All-American is “at 100 percent” after having his 2009 season hampered by a lingering ankle injury.

With his speed set and ability to make plays in the open field, the senior running back should be featured heavily in the new-look OSU offense.

“Kendall [Hunter] will do very well in this system,” said Gundy. “We’ll allow him to touch the ball similarly to what we did in the old system. When you’re talented and have the ability to make a player miss like he does you obviously have a chance to have success.”

The Cowboys will be back on the field Saturday and Sunday morning before participating in Fan and Media Day Sunday afternoon.