Tulsa World: OSU position analysis

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OSU position analysis

OSU corner Terrance Anderson tackles Baylor's Thomas White last season. Stephen Holman/Tulsa World file

By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 8/23/2009 3:19 AM
Last Modified: 8/23/2009 6:20 AM

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (One returning starter)

Z. Robinson, B. Weeden, A. Cate

The scoop: Last season, Zac Robinson became the first OSU quarterback since 2004 (Donovan Woods) to start in every game. The Cowboys need continued durability from Robinson, who last season became OSU's career total-offense record-holder. Robinson has been a brilliant practitioner of the Larry Fedora-Mike Gundy spread attack. Behind Robinson are inexperienced Brandon Weeden and Alex Cate, who have attempted a combined total of eight game passes.

Running backs (One returning starter)

K. Hunter, K. Toston, B. Johnson

The scoop: Big 12 rushing champion Kendall Hunter returns as the lead figure in OSU's deepest position group. Hunter's carry average is 6.5 yards per carry. Among OSU's elite backs, only Barry Sanders (6.8) had a better average. Keith Toston is an outstanding backup who could start for most other Big 12 teams. Beau Johnson, Travis Miller and perhaps even Jeremy Smith, a first-year freshman from Union, are viable options.

Receivers (One returning starter)

WR: D. Bryant, H. Anyiam
WR: J. Blackmon, T. Moore
WR: D. Conner, J. Cooper
TE: J. Mosley, W. Youman, J. Horton

The scoop: By season's end, Dez Bryant could rank No. 2 on OSU's career receiving yards list (behind Rashaun Woods) and No. 3 in receptions (behind Woods and Hart Lee Dykes). Bryant is the Cowboys' only proven pass-catcher.

From a group that includes Justin Blackmon, Josh Cooper, Hubert Anyiam, DeMarcus Conner, Isaiah Anderson and possibly freshman Tracy Moore, someone must emerge as a solid No. 2 wideout. Jamal Mosley appears to be the most complete tight end.

Offensive line (Three returning starters)

LT: R. Okung, M. Bowie
LG: J. Rush, N. Martinez
C: A. Lewis, G. Garner
RG: N. Franklin, A. Morgan
RT: B. Bond, A. Mitchell

The scoop: Left tackle Russell Okung, center Andrew Lewis and right tackle Brady Bond have a combined total of 91 career starts. All three are seniors, as is Noah Franklin at right guard. Sophomore Jonathan Rush is the likely starter at left guard. Because of its line play, OSU for three consecutive seasons has led the Big 12 in rushing.

DEFENSE

Defensive line (Two returning starters)

E: U. Chinasa, R. Jones
T: C. Donaldson, D. Burton
T: S. Jarka, S. Miller
E: J. Blatnick, J. Price

The scoop: The team's most glaring problem has been its inability to pressure opposing QBs. From its ends and tackles, OSU got only 10 sacks last season. New defensive coordinator Bill Young attempts to get better results from ends Ugo Chinasa, Jermiah Price, Jamie Blatnick and Richetti Jones, and a tackle rotation that includes Swanson Miller, Chris Donaldson, Shane Jarka and Derek Burton.

Linebackers (Three returning starters)

Weakside: P. Lavine, J. Gent
Middle: O. Lemon, D. Booker
Star: A. Sexton, J. Thomas

The scoop: Anyone who saw the second half of the Holiday Bowl, when Oregon mashed Oklahoma State, would recognize that the Cowboys need tougher play from their linebackers. Star LB Andre Sexton and weakside starter Patrick Lavine are the veterans of a combined 72 starts. Orie Lemon started in all 13 games last season. Donald Booker, Lemon's backup, may be the most athletic of the Cowboy linebackers.

Defensive backs (One returning starter)

CB: P. Cox, M. Gray
CB: T. Anderson, B. Brown
FS: L. Antoine, J. Thomas
SS: V. Johnson, M. Martin

The scoop: Cowboy coaches expect a big season — and possibly an All-Big 12 season — from Cox, a three-year starter. At the other corner, Terrance Anderson is a new starter but got significant playing time in 2007 and last season. Free safety Lucien Antoine may be the biggest hitter in the program. Sophomore strong safety Victor Johnson was a heavily recruited prospect who has the potential to become a star performer.

SPECIAL TEAMS

PK: D. Bailey, Q. Sharp
Punter: Q. Sharp
DS: M. Yerry
H: T. Sokolosky
Punt returns: D. Bryant, J. Cooper
Kickoff returns: P. Cox, V. Johnson

The scoop: Dan Bailey led the Big 12 in field goal percentage last season. On punts, Quinn Sharp has been more consistent than he was during the spring. Marc Yerry is a reliable snapper both on punts and placement kicks. OSU has two of the elite return specialists in college football — Dez Bryant on punts, Perrish Cox on kickoffs. By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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trahernsfriend, (8/24/2009 4:54:14 PM)

Burton as 2nd team? (buzzer sound) Wrong. This lockout is really killing you guys isnt it

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