Cowboys Quotes After First Practice

OK State opened up practice Friday.

Friday, August 3rd 2012, 5:08 pm

By: News 9


The 2012 Oklahoma State football team hit the practice field for the first time Friday. Dressed in shorts and no pads, the Cowboys practiced under mostly overcast skies and comfortable conditions on the grass fields adjacent to Gallagher-Iba Arena. After practice, coach Mike Gundy and several players spoke to the media. Some highlights:

Coach Mike Gundy

On his impressions of Oklahoma State's first practice:

"We had a good practice – not great. Ironically, it was a lot like last season's first day. Guys were moving around and in the right spot. Our tempo has got to be better. Sense of urgency in drills has to be better, but it was good to be back out there. We had a great day – great weather. It was perfect for practice. We got two hours of work in. We got to be around the players and I think we're in a great frame of mind. I think we just need to have a better a sense of urgency when we're moving around out there at practice."

On his impressions of quarterback Wes Lunt:

"I thought he looked good. I can see where he's already improved some. I had kind of set the fifth, sixth or seventh practice as the time to really start watching him. I want to give him a chance to get back out there and let him get in pads for three or four days. You obviously can't help to watch and I thought he looked good. He's definitely bigger – he's close to 220. He looks more physical than he did in April."

On seeing the freshmen play for the first time:

"It's always fun to see those guys. All of them really, but mainly the freshmen to see where we're at. We've got some really good skill players. I'll watch the linemen more tomorrow. I watched more of the skill players today and I liked those guys. I like their size, their stature and I like their ball skills. I'm really excited about their development."

Running Back Joseph Randle

On if the heat was a factor at Friday's practice:

"It was very nice outside. We couldn't have asked for a better day outside than this. We even got a little sprinkle – we liked that. It was a good day out there."

On if any of his teammates caught his eye:

"We had a few young receivers who caught my eye from across the field. In between our drills, I take a peek to see what we've got and I saw C.J. Curry over there and Blake Jackson – two new guys who are going to be great additions. I'm excited about what they're going to bring to the table."

On being back for the first day of practice:

"The first day is a good feeling for me. Football has finally started back up after a long anticipation. Just getting back out there and getting your groove on is always good."

On how he views his role on the team:

"They brought me in here to make plays and protect the ball, run the ball and lead by example. My role has changed a little bit, but everyone is supposed to be a leader and trying to do the right things. I think that's my role, too – to hold my part up."

 Defensive Lineman Nigel Nicholas

On the first day of practice:

"It felt good to finally get back out there on the grass with all of our teammates and focus on working hard. Coach Young wants the defense to go out there and work hard and focus on turnovers, so that's what we tried to do all day."

On his role on the team:

"I have to be more of a vocal leader, now being a senior. I need to lead by example and just go out there and show them that if you work hard, you're going to get the job done."

On the mindset of the defensive line:

"We try to focus on no missed assignments and being the best at things that don't require any ability. We want to be assignment-sound. Last year, we had a bunch of missed assignments and people out of their gaps and that's when teams hit us big. This year, we're trying to focus on no missed assignments."

Receiver Josh Stewart

On comparing the throwing styles of Brandon Weeden and Wes Lunt:

"They both get it there. Weeden was Weeden and Wes Lunt is Wes Lunt, so I don't really compare them."

On his approach to catching passes from freshman Wes Lunt after being used to catching passes from Brandon Weeden:

"I don't approach it any different. Wes Lunt throws it just like Weeden, so I'm not going to compare them."

On what he is focused on during fall camp:

"Play my role and be the best I can be in that role."

On the importance of summer workouts with Wes Lunt taking most of the quarterback reps:

"It was real important because we got to bond with each other and see how each other's roles were going to be before we came into camp. We're excited and we'll keep on watching film and getting better and learning from mistakes."

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