Compared to last year, Media Days could be quiet for Cowboys
Published: 7/26/2010 7:21 PM
Last Modified: 7/26/2010 7:21 PM
IRVING, Texas – During last year’s Big 12 Media Days event, reporters were anxious to talk with Oklahoma State representatives. Cowboy football was a hot topic.
On Tuesday, when coach Mike Gundy, quarterback Brandon Weeden, linebacker Orie Lemon and defensive end Jamie Blatnick make their Media Days appearance, it likely will be a relatively quiet session.
A year ago, four Oklahoma State players – wide receiver Dez Bryant, offensive tackle Russell Okung, running back Kendall Hunter and kickoff-return specialist Perrish Cox – were on the first team of the preseason All-Big 12 team.
A year ago, OSU was No. 9 in the Associated Press’ preseason poll. After beating Georgia in the opener, the Cowboys were No. 5. When the AP preseason poll is released next month, it is doubtful that OSU – faced with perhaps the most comprehensive rebuilding project in program history – will get a single vote.
This year, 10 schools are represented on the All-Big 12 preseason list. Iowa State is not. Oklahoma State is not.
Cowboy running back Kendall Hunter absolutely should have been on the team. When he missed a substantial portion of the 2009 season with a foot injury, Hunter apparently was forgotten by most Big 12 media members. However, no other Cowboy has the type of track record to merit an all-conference vote in July.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Five years from now, no one will remember or care who was on the 2010 All-Big 12 preseason team. Five weeks from now, no one will remember or care.
But whether a coach or a player does it, someone will make sure that everyone within the OSU program is aware that the Cowboys were blanked on the All-Big 12 ballots.
You think Oklahoma State’s players might be motivated when practice begins on Aug. 6?
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Patrick Prince
Assistant Sports Editor
