Oklahoma State football: What to expect for 2021 Spring Game

1. Which offensive skill position players will step up?

It’s clear that OSU will need several younger players to step in and fill the shoes of departed wide receiver Tylan Wallace and running back Chuba Hubbard, who were each named as All-Americans during their illustrious careers in Stillwater. Both players are expected to go in the first three rounds of this spring’s NFL Draft.

Cowboy fans should feel confident in the stable of running backs, despite Hubbard’s departure. LD Brown is one of six OSU players who will take advantage of the NCAA’s eligibility extension after the 2020 season. He served as Hubbard’s backup and rushed for more than 100 yards in two different games — including a 66-yard touchdown run against West Virginia, the longest by any OSU player last year.

Dezmon Jackson, too, grabbed his share of the spotlight last year against Texas Tech by rushing 36 times for 235 yards after several running back injuries paved the way for the practice squad member. His rushing output was the most by any Big 12 player in a single game from 2020.

Lastly among running backs, there’s newcomer Jaylen Warren. The Utah State transfer rushed for 252 yards and three touchdowns in just three games for the Aggies last season, after a stellar two-year stay in the junior college ranks. Warren figures to contribute immediately as a graduate transfer this season.

For wide receivers, everyone wants to see if Brennan Presley can match his three-touchdown performance from December’s bowl game win. Look for several lesser-known names such as sophomore Langston Anderson or redshirt freshman Rashod Owens to make a splash on Saturday after one year in Stillwater.