Keith Toston's impressive comeback
Published: 9/9/2008 6:09 PM
Last Modified: 9/9/2008 6:09 PM
STILLWATER – Keith Toston still is No. 3 on Oklahoma State's depth chart at running back, but anyone who saw him carry the football against Houston would agree that he is much too effective to be this team's third-team back.
Toston's toughness has been tested over the previous 12 months. In September 2007, he was benched because of persistent fumbling. In November, he sustained a torn knee ligament against Baylor. He battled back in time to be ready for this year's preseason camp – and he was injured again. A relatively minor knee injury was surgically corrected.
Entering the opener against Washington State, I expected Beau Johnson to be OSU's second-best back behind Kendall Hunter. But Toston ran well against the Cougars (five attempts for 28 yards) and even better against Houston (eight carries, 78 yards and two touchdowns). On his 28-yard TD dash, he looked faster than ever before.
Hunter is the backfield star, but the 6-1, 210-pound Toston is an important presence. Within the locker room, he is among the more popular Cowboys. On the field, he will help Oklahoma State win games.
After being benched and seriously injured, Toston had arrived at a crossroads in his football life. He could quit or he could get healthy and become a better player. He accomplished the latter.
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
