Spring Football Preview: Returning Wide Receiver Corps to Shine in Cowboys' Offense

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are going to be a veteran team with plenty of returning talent. This is a big reason why the Cowboys should be able to make plenty of noise in the new-look Big 12.

One of the position groups benefitting most from having plenty of returning talent is the wide receiver position. Unfortunately, the team was unable to retain Leon Johnson III, who burned his redshirt midway through the season when the team was battling injury.

Still, the position will continue to be a crucial one for Oklahoma State's offense as they look to establish the ceiling on a season that holds plenty of potential.

Wide Receivers on Roster

Brennan Presley, senior

Rashod Owens, redshirt senior

Kyler Pearson, redshirt senior

De'Zhaun Stribling, redshirt junior

Cale Cabbiness, redshirt senior

Talyn Shettron, redshirt sophomore

Jaxon Deason, redshirt sophomore

Mason Gilkey, redshirt sophomore

Marcus Dockins Jr., redshirt sophomore

Tykie Andrews, redshirt freshman

Cason Cabbiness, redshirt freshman

Camron Heard, redshirt freshman

Tre Griffiths, freshman

Jalen Pope, redshirt freshman

Braden Baize, redshirt freshman

Baxter Robertson, redshirt freshman

Ty Walls, redshirt freshman

Projecting Depth Chart

One of the most reliable receivers the Cowboys have seen over the past few years is starting slot wide receiver Brennan Presley. He's totaled 2,548 receiving yards in his four years, adding 991 receiving yards on 101 receptions a season ago. He's going to be a top option within the offense, and he's been a key feature in the system for the last three seasons.

Rashod Owens and De'Zhaun Stribling will both accompany Presley as the starting receivers. Both made big plays last season, though Stribling's season was cut short with a season-ending injury. 

Owens has been in Stillwater his entire college football career, and his last season was the one that saw an outbreak in production. The Texas Bowl MVP is going to equip quarterback Alan Bowman with another reliable wide receiver capable of making big play after big play when the offense is running stale.

As mentioned, Stribling missed last season after appearing in just four games. He posted 198 receiving yards on 14 catches, showing promise for the season after transferring in from Washington State.

Owens and Stribling provide size on the outside while Presley is quick and will constantly find gaps out of the slot.

Talyn Shettron is likely to be the most featured backup receiver. He was slightly featured in the non-conference games a season ago and saw his best game against West Virginia, the only conference game he recorded a state. He caught three passes for 36 yards against the Mountaineers. The local talent will be able to continue developing as he provides an impact off the bench.

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