Thunderstorm interrupts Cowboys; Robinson limited again
Published: 8/10/2009 9:51 PM
Last Modified: 8/10/2009 9:51 PM
* * * Storm disrupts practice: A severe thunderstorm popped the Oklahoma State campus on Monday afternoon. The result was a two-hour interruption of the Cowboy football team's practice session.
OSU had just completed the stretching period of its workout when a thunderstorm rolled in from the northwest. Rain and lightning forced the team to leave the grass practice fields. Practice resumed at 7:20, this time on the artificial surface of Boone Pickens Stadium.
"We came back out and practiced for an hour and practiced very well," coach Mike Gundy said. "You have to make the best of it. Coaches probably get more upset than players because we're in such a routine."
Oklahoma State is the only Big 12 school that does not have an indoor practice facility.
Monday's practice was OSU's second in full pads. Quarterback Zac Robinson, who has a slight hamstring pull, participated in some drills but not in a brief scrimmage session. The Cowboys practice twice on Tuesday, and, Gundy said, Robinson "may sit out" again.
"He doesn't feel right," Gundy said. "He's had this before. There's no reason for us to put him in."
* * * Injuries: Cowboy redshirt freshman running back Kye Staley missed Monday's practice after having collided head-on with linebacker Tolu Moala on Sunday. Sophomore Deron Fontenot, Andre Sexton's backup at the star linebacker position, has sustained a dislocated toe and is expected to miss several practices.
* * * Surprise freshman: It was expected that first-year freshman Tracy Moore, a wide receiver from Union High School and last year's Tulsa World metro player of the year, would be redshirted this season. That may not be the case. Through six practices, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound Moore has played consistently well.
"There sure is a chance that he could play," Gundy said. "Both Union players (Moore and freshman running back Jeremy Smith), they're doing good. Boy, (Moore) sure does move well and he's got soft hands. It'll be interesting after we start hitting to see how he holds up. His ability to absorb information has been very, very good."
* * * NCAA investigates freshman: OSU officials confirmed that the NCAA is investigating the academic transcripts of Joe Mitchell, a first-year freshman safety from Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas.
If Mitchell is not cleared by Friday, it is expected that he no longer would be allowed to practice with the Cowboys. Two sources told ESPN.com that Katy Morton officials or coaches may have altered Mitchell's academic transcripts.
"I found out about that (on Monday)," Gundy said. "(Mitchell has) a personal issue that he has to take care of back at home. I don't know all of the details yet. Hopefully, he can get it worked out."
* * * The triplets: Rivals.com has ranked Oklahoma State quarterback Zac Robinson, wide receiver Dez Bryant and running back Kendall Hunter as the No. 1 trio in college football.
Florida had the No. 2 trio with defensive end Carlos Dunlap, linebacker Brandon Spikes and cornerback Joe Haden. At No. 3 was Oklahoma with QB Sam Bradford, TB DeMarco Murray and tight end Jermaine Gresham.
* * * Hit man: Because of arthroscopic shoulder surgery performed during the summer, OSU sophomore strong safety Victor Johnson wears a green jersey while practicing. The green jersey signifies that he is not to be involved in collisions, but Johnson doesn't seem to respect the green jersey. He insists on belting teammates.
"Vic is like a military guy who is breaking war rules – wearing a cross but then pulling out a gun," Gundy said. "He's using it to his advantage."
* * * Fight song: When asked about first-year freshman safety Daytawion Lowe, Gundy replied, "He made two big plays (on Sunday), and I sang 'Hail to the Titans' (the Midwest City Carl Albert fight song). He got a big kick out of that. He made several plays. This is a good freshman class."
-- Bill Haisten
Written by
Bill Haisten
Sports Writer
