STILLWATER – A year ago, the focus of Oklahoma State’s problems was schematic.
The position group that for years was called Cowboy Back was divided into tight ends and fullbacks.
But the change wasn’t just in the name. Tight ends were returning to a more traditional role at the end of the offensive line, with fewer snaps lined up in the slot. The defenders also returned to more traditional looks coming out of defense.
This year, the group faces changes once again – but this time they are personnel changes.
With that, here’s a look at the tight end and fullback positions as the Cowboys work through spring practice:
More: Why is Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy selling his $8 million home? Here’s what he said
Season throwback
The two main players in tight end and fullback Josiah Johnson and Braden Cassityrespectively, graduated after combining to play 971 snaps last season (698 for Johnson, 273 for Cassity).
Next on the list was tight end Quinton Stewart with 81 and defender Jake Schultz with 73.
Johnson developed into a valuable receiver in his only season at OSU, catching 22 balls for 166 yards and a touchdown. Cassity added four more holds.
Both were reliable blockers, although the position group could become even more impactful in that domain.
List management
Who’s out: Braden Cassity, Josiah Johnson, Ian Edenfield
Who is in: Tyler Foster, RSr.*, Josh Ford, Fr.
The plug
From a receiving standpoint, Schultz and Stewart are the only players in the group who have caught passes in their OSU careers. So that’s where Ohio transfer Tyler Foster has a chance to make a significant impact.
He’s a pure tight end with a big 6-foot-2, 245-pound frame, and he’s proven himself on the field with 396 yards on 33 receptions over the past two seasons.
Stillwater High product Josh Ford is a wild card because the physicality of playing tight end is often too much to ask of a true freshman, but that’s the superior quality that stood out in the 6-foot-6, 240-pound rookie in your first spring.
Can he feel comfortable enough on offense to be on the field in the fall? It certainly seems possible. Stewart is a veteran who understands the offense, so he brings some reliability as a blocker, although he hasn’t had many opportunities to showcase his receiving skills.
And Tabry Shettron, now a redshirt sophomore, continues to develop, having added at least 30 pounds of muscle since arriving in the 2022 signing class.
Schultz appears most likely to play cornerback, but Bryce Drummond impressed coaches as a walk-on in his first season with the Cowboys after transferring from North Texas — where he began his career as a defensive back, then switched to linebacker. Maybe the defender is his best option.
Luke McEndoo, son of head coach Jason McEndoo, has battled injuries in his career but could provide some quarterback depth when healthy.
More: A Baylor Jeep. A football scholarship from Oklahoma State. How Josh Ford Switched Allegiances.
Narrow End Depth Chart
The initiator
Tyler Foster, RSr.*, 6-6, 245
The reservations
Quinton Stewart, RSr., 6-3, 250
Tabry Shettron, RSo., 6-4, 240
Josh Ford, Fr., 6-6, 240
Quarterback depth chart
The initiator
Jake Schultz, RSr.*, 6-3, 250
The reservations
Bryce Drummond, RJr., 6-3, 230
Luke McEndoo, RJr., 6-1, 265
*Super-senior
This article originally appeared in the Oklahoman: Why Oklahoma State football’s tight end position will be different
