Three Freshmen That Should Have an Impact on OSU’s 2017 Offense

We’re just over three months away from the most wonderful time of the year. Nope, not that one. The real one. College football will be here before we know it. So let’s take a look at some of the newcomers who will strive to make their mark in Stillwater this fall. It’s hard to say exactly how (or how much) a freshman will play but we feel pretty confident in the ability of these rookies to make an impact.

Chuba Hubbard

One of the biggest questions remaining for Mike Gundy and his staff is how they will fill out the running back depth chart. The first spot belongs to Justice Hill. After him it may resemble 2016’s opening depth chart — more “or’s” than a row boat. But unlike last season, the list will be full of freshmen instead of seniors. Between the two incoming freshmen and the two coming off of redshirt years, Chuba Hubbard looks to have the best shot to at immediate playing time.

Hubbard describes himself as “versatile” and a “playmaker.”

“You know everyone talks about my speed,” Hubbard told PFB “but in my senior season, I worked more on key things to prepare for Oklahoma State, like switching the ball, running harder, hands, etc.”

According to Hubbard, he plans on coming in at 205 pounds and feels he could be a three-down back if needed. That would be great for the Cowboys who will be looking for a change-of-pace back to replace the size of Chris Carson.

Of course, pace is the operative word when describing Hubbard. You’ve heard people throw around the term “world-class speed.” It actually applies to this three-time national track champion in Canada. Hubbard will also be running track at Oklahoma State like another elite speedster the Cowboys lured as a two-sport athlete, Tyreek Hill.

Dillon Stoner

Okay, he’s not exactly a newcomer. But the chances of Dillon Stoner seeing the field are pretty high and I think he’s got to be on the list of freshmen difference makers.

Last fall, Stoner made a big enough impression on the coaching staff to forego his redshirt and see early reps — even within a stacked receiving corps. Unfortunately, he suffered a lower leg injury which limited him to just four games.

Although there has been no official word yet, we can assume Dillon Stoner has been granted a medical hardship waiver. The team’s spring media guide lists Stoner as a redshirt freshman.

In those four games he had five catches for a total of 27 yards. Not exactly eye-popping, but get him some real reps and I think Cowboy fans will like what they see. The buzz from the practice field is that he’s has beyond-his-years receiving skills. His athleticism speaks for itself. In high school, Stoner played wide receiver, defensive back, punter and returned kicks for a team that won four state titles.

Mike Gundy even trusted the young receiver enough to let him attempt passes in two of his four games — including an overshadow TD toss to James Washington against Central Michigan. That’s got to count for something.

Tylan Wallace

Oklahoma State’s highest ranked receiver prospect since Dez Bryant finally gets to suit up in orange. Even with the plethora of talent in the room, don’t be surprised to see Wallace on the field in 2017. Mike Gundy has shown that he’s not afraid to pull the trigger if he thinks a freshman is ready to play, even with a stacked depth chart ahead of him. See: Dillon Stoner.

And if his signing day press conference was any indication, it appears Gundy envisions big things from the jewel of his 2017 class.

“And then you have Tylan, who is a fast Josh Stewart,” said Gundy. “Josh Stewart was tremendous in a phone booth, but when he opened it up he was 4.65, 4.7. I think that Tylan has the same quick twitch as him, but he’s going to run under 4.5. That’s what you get with him.”

Wallace’s production speaks for itself. His career receiving yard total lands inside the top 15 wide receivers in Texas high school football history. He’s an ESPN 300 prospect and 247Sports’ No. 16 wide receiver in the class. He’s got 4.5 speed and is a smooth route-runner with great ball skills.

Wallace should turn out to be a stud and could be a game changer. I expect Mike and  Mike will find a way to get the ball in his hands. Here’s how Thomas Fleming thinks it might work.