OSU Player to Watch, Day 15: Brandon Weeden

Oklahoma Sports brings you the 15th day of a 15-part series detailing the players to keep an eye on next season.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:32 am

By: News On 6

OSU Player to Watch, Day 15: Brandon Weeden

Originally Published: Mar 1, 2010 2:14 PM CDT

More on Oklahoma Sports...
- OU Player to Watch, Day 15: Frank Alexander
- TU Player to Watch, Day 15: Jamad Williams

Gerald Goodridge
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

QB Brandon Weeden

Background:

Brandon Weeden is easily the oldest guy on the squad. The 27-year-old redshirt-junior was the first player chosen in the MLB draft in 2002 and played in the New York Yankees’ and Los Angeles Dodgers’ minor league systems. Weeden redshirted in 2007 and played in only one game in 2008 going 1-of-3 against Missouri State. His sophomore season was his time to shine after Zac Robinson was knocked out of the Texas Tech game and backup Alex Cate was ineffective against Colorado. In his three games played he went 15-of-24 for 248 yards, threw four touchdowns and only one interception for an efficiency rating 195.97.

Why He’s on the List:

Weeden filled in admirably when Robinson went down and showed that he has a strong arm and great instincts as a quarterback. With the addition of Dana Holgorsen to the coaching staff, the man who called the Houston offense when it led the nation in offense, the former minor league pitcher could put up gaudy numbers over the next two seasons. He also inherits a stacked receiving corps and a healthy Kendall Hunter to keep defenses from fully committing to covering the pass.

Best Case Scenario:

It’s been seven years since Oklahoma State has beaten Oklahoma and legitimately competed for a Big 12 South title. With Weeden at the helm of a Holgorsen coached offense, and all the weapons at his disposal, it could be the year that OSU has enough offense to topple the Sooners. It’s unrealistic to think his best case scenario is Case Keenum like numbers, but if Weeden can put up 40 percent of what Keenum did with Holgorsen – somewhere in the 2,200-yard range – Cowboy fans should be happy.

Worst Case Scenario:

It’s hard to judge someone’s true potential as a player from little over one game, so if Weeden’s performance filling in for Robinson was an apparition OSU may be in trouble. Hot on his heels is the top quarterback recruit in the state, Johnny Deaton, who is a very similar player to Robinson. If Weeden struggles, he could get the hook in favor of the true freshman.

My Take:

Weeden’s maturity will help him lead an offense that is basically going to be completely turned over after the 2009 season. He has a strong arm and showed great ability to read defenses and find open receivers and should have no problem filling Robinson’s shoes. Luckily for him he is going to get a strong group of big, skilled receivers and Hunter who is a whiz with the ball in his hands in open space. Weeden, or whoever plays quarterback for the Cowboys, will inherit a good situation and should be set up for success.

Other OSU players to watch (click the names below to read the full stories)

- Day 1: LB Orie Lemon
- Day 2: S Markelle Martin
- Day 3: RB Jeremy Smith
- Day 4: TE Wilson Youman
- Day 5: S/KR/PR Johnny Thomas
- Day 6: QB Johnny Deaton
- Day 7: OL Lane Taylor
- Day 8: LB Shaun Lewis
- Day 9: CB Andrew McGee
- Day 10: WR Justin Blackmon
- Day 11: RB Dexter Pratt
- Day 12: LB Caleb Lavey
- Day 13: OL Nick Martinez
- Day 14: DL Jamie Blatnick