Barry J. Sanders Speaks, Mike Gundy Calls Him ‘Tremendous’

Barry J. Sanders has probably not had the type of final season he would have hoped for. The senior had just 82 yards on 26 rushing attempts to go along with just over 500 return yards. But he said on Monday as he was allowed to talk to the media for the first time that he doesn’t regret transferring for a second.

“It’s been fun,” said Sanders. “It’s been a lot of fun being back home closer to family and friends, and getting the chance to do something that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m glad that we’re in a great position now to go out and win a bowl game. During the season, I haven’t been able to grasp how special it is. But I know years down the line when I look back, I’ll really be able to feel how special it’s been. Senior night was one of those days I kind of felt it and really embraced it.”

It’s not easy being the son of a legend. Nobody knows that more than Sanders, and it really felt like Gundy embraced that idea from the beginning and didn’t expect too much from No. 26. Even after BPS chanted his name on a near punt return TD in Game 1.

“He’s been tremendous,” said Gundy. “He’s in a difficult position. He’s the son of arguably the greatest running back in college football history. Maybe ever. He graduates from Stanford and comes to Oklahoma State, it took a lot for him to come here, but he played a role with our team. Our players like him. He’s very mature. I think it’s been a productive move for him. He’s going to be fantastic the rest of his life and I’m glad he was part of our team.”

It really has been cool to watch Sanders for a year even if he hasn’t done much. Although OSU badly whiffed on an opportunity to go full 1988 throwback uniforms on Homecoming. Sanders understands that Chris Carson and Justice Hill were simply better options at tailback.

“The expectation for myself has always been to do whatever I’m asked to do, and to do whatever I need to do for the team to be successful. Coming in, that was kind of my mindset. Whatever the coaches’ decisions were, I’m behind them 100 percent.

“I have no regrets. I still have yet to have any true regrets in life so I plan on keeping it that way.”