Their backgrounds and paths to Stillwater are completely different. One was a highly sought-after running back, while the other walked on to play wide receiver despite earning most valuable player honors in his juco league.

Still, the spring arrivals of tailback Beau Johnson and wide receiver Bo Bowling should impact the Oklahoma State offense this fall.

Both Johnson and Bowling provided glimpses in Saturday's Orange-White Game at Boone Pickens Stadium. Playing for the White team that lost 9-7, Johnson had 60 yards rushing on 10 carries. He scored his team's lone touchdown on a 16-yard reception from reserve quarterback Alex Cate.

Bowling may not have been as spectacular playing for the Orange team. But as he demonstrated all spring, the former QB from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M was quite effective playing an inside slot receiver position.

Despite playing with a slightly separated shoulder, Bowling had three receptions for 27 yards. Two of the receptions went for first downs.

"You see when they have the ball in their hands, they can do something with it," co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer said.

Johnson was a priority recruit out of Butler County (Kan.) Community College to provide OSU with a constant power-running threat. Still, there always is a learning curve with juco transfers, according to OSU coach Mike Gundy. The learning curve was minimal with Johnson.

Gundy expects Johnson to earn a quality number of snaps behind projected starter Kendall Hunter this fall.

"I've been impressed with his ability to understand our offense and play with poise. He's got a very good temperament for the game," he said. "He sees defenses. I saw a side of him today that I was really pleased to see. He stepped up (with 20,000 fans in the seats) and made some plays."

Bowling made plays as NEO's QB last year to become the Southwest Junior College Football Conference MVP. But at 5-foot-9, he was deemed too small to get a Division I scholarship offer. OSU offered him the chance to walk-on this spring.

Bowling worked his way into the two-deep rotation in OSU's three-receiver packages. His knack for making catches across the middle of the field and take some hits opened the eyes of OSU coaches. His ability to make yardage after making those catches and absorbing the initial hit stood out as well.

"He does have a lot of ball skills, and adds a tremendous amount of quickness and speed," Brewer said. "Now, this summer will be important for him to learn how to play the position and learn how to run the routes. But you see when he has the ball, he can do some things."

Matt Doyle 581-8316
matt.doyle@tulsaworld.com