Oklahoma State Starts Spring Practice

Originally Published: Mar 9, 2010 6:17 PM CDT

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- Oklahoma State kicked off its spring practices Tuesday, after postponing their first scheduled practice Monday due to rain.

The Cowboys experienced a lot of turnover on both sides of the ball; they have 15 new starters slated going into spring practice.

It’s easy to call OSU a young team, with only seven seniors projected as starters going in to spring, and five sophomores listed as starters on their spring practice depth chart.

All eyes will be on the quarterback position, as Brandon Weeden replaces three-year starter Zac Robinson.

Weeden was called upon in 2009 after Robinson was knocked out of the Texas Tech game and was unable to return for the matchup with Colorado.

The 27-year-old junior went 15-of-24 for 248 yards and threw four touchdowns in his three appearances in 2009, including a 10-of-15, 168-yard and two touchdown performance against the Buffaloes.

Defensive line may be the strong point for the Cowboys in 2010, with three of the four starters in 2009 returning for the 2010 season. Behind the front four are new starters at six of the seven positions. The only starting experience comes from free safety Markelle Martin.

After a 2009 campaign where they only surrendered 11 sacks, the rebuilt Oklahoma State offensive line has big shoes to fill. Four new starters are listed on the offensive line, with left guard Jonathan Rush being the only returning starter from last season.

Oklahoma State plays its first game of 2010 Sept. 4 against Washington State in Stillwater.