Notable Receivers Make Switch to Cowboy Back

On the updated spring football roster yesterday, there were several notable changes and omissions of interest. Perhaps none more interesting than two new faces to the “Cowboy back” position noted by Scout’s Robert Allen.

Keenen Brown – 6-3, 242-lbs.

Brown was expected to make a big impact last season at the receiver position if it weren’t for injuries. He signed with OSU as a four-star receiver part of the 2014 class, coming to Stillwater as a 6-foot-3, 205-pound standout listed on the 247sports.com website. As of Tuesday, however, the okstate.com roster lists Brown as a whopping 242-pounds. Brown is an intriguing player with his unique size and pass catching ability. He could be a matchup nightmare, and a huge target for QB1 in the red zone. One area that will be interesting to follow is his run blocking. The Cowboy back is expected to help in run blocking and “chip” blocks – catching dominating pass rushers off guard in their pursuit. If Brown can make an impact in the run game, I don’t think there’s any question he’ll be one of the main figures at the position next season. Especially given his unique talents in the passing game, Brown could even be used as a hybrid receiver, lining up in the slot in Gronkowski-like fashion.

Cole Neph – 6-4, 230-lbs.

Neph is a receiver from Owasso, OK, who turned down a scholarship at UTSA to walk on at Oklahoma State. Neph has spent two years as a receiver, but has bulked up from 205 to 230 during his time and is taking reps at the cowboy back position. Listed at 230-pounds on the online roster, Neph is another intriguing player who has soft hands and could make a very nice tight end down the road for the Cowboys.

The Cowboys did not sign a player in the 2016 recruiting class to take a scholarship at the Cowboy back, so the addition of these two guys full time could be a huge move down the road. With young talent like Brown and Neph filling in, it’s clear Gundy is still all-in on his newly created position and is dedicating big-time resources to see his new idea flourish.