Oklahoma State Gets Commitments from Twin Brothers

The walk-on program at Oklahoma State has been one of high importance under head coach Mike Gundy’s tenure, producing guys like Brandon Weeden, Blake Jarwin, and Cal transfer Chad Whitener, to name a few.

“We’ve had a long tradition here at Oklahoma State of a great walk-on program,” Gundy said earlier in the year.

The walk-on program has also gained some recognition and headlines in recent weeks, nabbing a commitment from quarterback Nyc Burns as a preferred walk-on, and now adding twin brothers Zach and Cade Smith – both linebackers – to that special group. They both announced their decision days apart from one another.

#Committed #Blessed pic.twitter.com/laOWxTiGvn

— Zach Smith (@Zachgsmith) December 16, 2015

Can't thank God enough!? #Blessed #ForMyPops pic.twitter.com/djUNZQy4u7

— Cade Smith (@5cade) December 17, 2015

It’s only right that Zach made his announcement first: Zach was born 3 whole minutes before Cade.

Zach, a 6-4 linebacker, turned down offers from Army, Air Force, and other smaller Div. I schools for a chance to play at the highest level. “My dad played at Texas Tech and I have always been a big fan of the Big 12 growing up. It’s always been a dream of mine, so getting the opportunity from the amazing coaching staff at OSU was one I just couldn’t pass up,” he said.

Cade Smith shared the same sentiment. “I chose it [OSU] because I had always grown up as a big fan of the Big 12, my dad played ball at Tech. I wasn’t recruited by Tech, so I wanted to have an opportunity to play at the highest level possible,” Cade said. “When I was contacted by the staff it was one of the best feelings ever, soon after the letters starting coming in. I took an unofficial visit to Stillwater and fell in love.”

He wasn’t lying about the letters. The Cowboys showed a lot of love.

50+ OKST letters? feeling the love!?? #GoPokes pic.twitter.com/ewc3K4OsAK

— Cade Smith (@5cade) November 29, 2015

Both brothers held multiple scholarship offers, but have elected to join the program as preferred walk-ons next season. Their passion for the school and their excitement for an opportunity to play for OSU noticeably set the two apart. “This program is special,” Zach said. “And with all the new guys coming in with Cade and I in this 2016 class, the program will continue to win and be great and only get better.”

After their visit to Stillwater, they both came to love the town and ultimately felt OSU was the best place to take their talents to continue their football career and education. Said Cade: “There was just something about Stillwater that no other place in the nation could compare to. I felt it was the best fit for myself and my brother. I’m very happy with my decision and don’t have any second thoughts. Go Pokes!”