STILLWATER — On an Oklahoma State team with 91 newcomers, running back William Mason proves there is a path for everyone to contribute.
Mason, who transferred from Division II Central Oklahoma this offseason with little fanfare, wasn’t listed on OSU’s two deep depth chart to begin the season. In Saturday's win vs Colorado, the Coweta graduate was the first running back to score.
Mason rushed in for a 3-yard touchdown midway through the third quarter that lifted OSU’s lead to 37-24. He now has 11 carries for 73 yards this season.
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OSU coach Eric Morris said Mason has been OSU’s best special teams player this season. After the Houston game, Morris talked with running backs coach Patrick Cobbs and concluded Mason had earned the right to play offense.
“His intensity, the way he tackles, the way he blocks, the energy he brings on special teams,” Morris said. “Coach Cobbs and I talked after last game and he watched the film and on kickoff against Houston, he dominated the whole thing.”
Mason proves that on Morris’ team, doing the dirty work well leads to the chance to score touchdowns.
“So, I think just another great life lesson,” Morris said. “Never has complained about anything. He took whatever his role was, and he dominated it. Kids like that resonate with me when they play that way, and it’s just something that I want to give them more and more when they play that hard for their teammates. He did a great job for us tonight.”
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OSU football stock report
Stock rising
The environment in Boone Pickens Stadium: Homecoming led to a top-notch environment in Stillwater. The stadium was sold out and OSU fans arrived early and stayed late. Cowboy legend Thurman Thomas grabbed the microphone pregame and brought energy. Cowboy fans barked at Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams when he appeared on the big screen. The wave went around the stands at the start of the fourth quarter and it circled a few laps around the stadium.
A fast start: The Cowboys spent all week trying to get the offense started fast. OSU scored an opening touchdown in 59 seconds. That’s quick.
Backup quarterback Brodie Vehrs: The freshman entered the game with six minutes remaining. He completed two passes for 24 yards and led an eight-play touchdown drive.
Stock down
Wyatt Young’s ball security: It was suspect Saturday, but he got away with it. Colorado defensive penalties erased two fumbles.
OSU’s first half defense: It picked up where it left off in a bad game at Houston. Colorado scored on four of its first five meaningful drives. In the second half, Colorado gained 120 total yards and didn’t score.
Oklahoma State football transfer portal report
QB Hauss Hejny, Colorado State: Hejny returned to action after missing a month with injury and led CSU to a 56-49 win against San Diego State. Hejny threw for 333 yards, ran for 85 yards and scored five touchdowns.
WR Gavin Freeman, Baylor: He was Baylor’s top receiver in a loss against Kansas. Freeman grabbed nine catches for 123 yards.
Big 12 Conference weekly award winners
Kicker Sam Keltner was named the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week. He went 5 for 5 field goals and made six extra points.
Cornerback LaDainian Fields was also selected as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week. He intercepted two passes and tied for the team lead with eight tackles.
OSU vs Iowa State
KICKOFF: 6 p.m. Saturday at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa (FS1)
Ben Hutchens covers OSU athletics for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Ben? He can be reached at bhutchens@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @ben_hutchens_. Sign up for OSU Sports Minute newsletter to access more coverage of the Cowboys and Cowgirls. Support Ben's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football stock report: How RB William Mason earned carries after transfer