Spring Football Preview: Running Backs to Headline Oklahoma State Cowboys' Offense
The run game played a big part in Oklahoma State's turnaround in the 2023 college football season. In their non-conference games, there was a lack of identity on both sides of the field.
The emergence of Ollie Gordon, which was somewhat expected from those who followed the Cowboys closely early on -- the signs of a star player were there, really helped Oklahoma State find an offensive identity and star player to rally around.
Because of Gordon, the run game was what willed the Cowboys to some big wins and ensured the offense wouldn't run dry. With his return, it's hard to imagine the running back room isn't a key factor in the program's 2024 season.
Running Backs on Roster
Ollie Gordon, junior
Sesi Vailahi, redshirt freshman
Hudson Devins, redshirt freshman
C.J. Wiliams, redshirt freshman
AJ Green, senior
Seth Swirczynski, redshirt sophomore
Projecting Depth Chart
If there's one thing that's certain with Oklahoma State football in 2024, it's that Gordon is going to be the starting running back. He rushed for 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns a season ago en route to a Doak Walker award win and No. 7 finish in Heisman voting.
Gordon's star power is the exact reason the Cowboys' offense will have an immediate identity. Still, the position group has depth, and Gordon will shoulder a heavy load of the offense, and when he's in need of a breather or break, there will be more impact players.
One player to point at as a potential contributor and potential backup is senior running back AJ Green. He spent three seasons with Arkansas, receiving 201 carries for 953 rushing yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry as he scored six rushing touchdowns in his Razorbacks career.
Green is a former four-star recruit out of Tulsa. He'll provide a veteran presence along with his ability to provide solid depth with his talent.
One young player who could also see some burn at the running back position is Sesi Vailahi. The redshirt freshman appeared in just two games a season ago, receiving snaps against UCF and in the Big 12 Championship against Texas.
Vailahi was a three-star recruit in the 2023 class. At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, his acceleration and speed could help him maximize the few amount of reps he could see in the upcoming season.
The playing time and snaps at the position will be dominated by Gordon, who will be one of the best players across all of college football, meaning he will be the biggest part of the Cowboys offense.
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