Stillwater, Okla. ? Oklahoma State took another step in its preparation for the upcoming season, breaking out football pads Tuesday for the first time in training camp.
The Cowboys practiced for about three hours in their only session of the day. OSU will be back on the field for morning practices Wednesday and Thursday before the team’s first two-a-day practice on Friday. A scrimmage is planned for Saturday night.
“Guys are starting to figure it out,” quarterback Brandon Weeden said. “They’re starting to get a feel for what we’re trying to do. All the (starters), we’re on the same page.
“We’re not satisfied but we’re going in the right direction. I’m very, very pleased with where we’re at five days in.”
The Cowboys have been practicing in the mornings to beat the midday heat that has exceeded 100 degrees regularly in recent days.
“I liked the temperature,” coach Mike Gundy said. “It was hot, so we were able to really exert our players.”
Adding the pads only made players hotter, but Weeden said hearing the pads pop “gives it more of a football-type feel.”
“We’d rather have 75 and breezy but it’s going to be like this on Sept. 4,” Weeden said. “On the turf, it’s going to be hot, and we’ve got to get prepared like it’s a game. It’s good for us. As much as we don’t like it when we’re out there, we know that we’re preparing for a game.”
Oklahoma State opens its season Sept. 4 at home against Washington State.
Gundy listed a handful of freshmen who have been impressive so far in camp: running back Joseph Randle, receiver Chris Dinkins, defensive backs Lavocheya Cooper and Justin Gilbert, offensive lineman Gerron Anthony and linebacker Shaun Lewis.
Gundy has said he expects eight to 10 true freshmen to play this season.
