STILLWATER — Oklahoma State safety Dylan Smith joked about how quickly it seems like his career has flown by.
Now in his third season, Smith feels like he only just got to Stillwater.
Of course, sitting 50 feet away was tight end Quinton Stewart, who arrived at OSU in January 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and is entering his sixth season.
“It feels to me like my career has flown by,” Stewart said with a smile. “I’ve had an absolute blast these last five years, and I just wish I had more time.”
Comparatively, Smith’s career is a blip on the radar. And since January, he has felt a bit like a new guy.
The 6-foot, 190-pound junior started all 11 games he played last year and was a regular in the rotation the year before. But his past experience offered little benefit when Todd Grantham and his defense arrived.
With all new defensive coaches, several new defensive players and a new scheme, Smith knew he was on equal footing with everyone.
“I think that was one of the things coming back into spring ball, it was kind of like a clean slate for everybody,” Smith said. “Everybody had to show what they had to offer to the team. I feel like it was a good opportunity for anybody to really step up and earn a role on the team.”
The safety group has a blend of returners and transfers with noteworthy experience, so the competition there has been particularly high.
“With the defense being so multiple, it’s definitely been a lot of fun coming out here to practice every day,” Smith said. “The energy from the new guys has been great.
“Definitely very competitive. A lot of energy on the outside and on the inside. We got a lot of competitors. A lot of guys that wanna win.”
Source link : https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/college/cowboys/2025/08/09/oklahoma-state-football-roster-staff-reset-clean-slate-increased-practice-intensity-osu-cowboys/85591326007/
Author :
Publish date : 2025-08-09 19:39:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
