How does Oklahoma State receiver depth chart change without Arland Bruce IV?
STILLWATER — In his first public statement since news broke that Oklahoma State receiver Arland Bruce IV was named in an investigation into gambling within the Iowa football program last year, Cowboy coach Mike Gundy said Saturday he has no clear idea what the timeline for Bruce’s case looks like.
Bruce, who transferred from Iowa in January, is alleged to have placed 19 bets on 12 Iowa football games, 11 of which he played in, during the 2022 season, a charge that could threaten his NCAA eligibility. He was one of four Hawkeye players named in allegations announced by the Johnson County attorney’s office on Thursday.
Gundy said Bruce remains on scholarship and has access to some of the non-football benefits provided to scholarship players, including meals. But Bruce is no longer participating in team activities.
“He’s got some things he has to work out way outside of football,” Gundy said. “I have to make a decision on what I think is right. It’s not good for him to be involved in team activities now. But we have to support him a little bit as he goes through this. My guess is the guys that are involved in this have a pretty on-going process.”
A 5-foot-10, 200-pound junior, Bruce was expected to be in the playing rotation at slot receiver behind starter Brennan Presley this season.
More: For Oklahoma State football linemen, 'trusting' Jason Brooks 'is the easiest part'
“He was practicing really well and was going to be a factor in our team, I’ll put it that way,” Gundy said of Bruce. “So now we have to bounce some guys around a little bit.”
Gundy mentioned Blaine Green and Rashod Owens as players who have experience at the inside receiver position and could help fill the void.
Green began his career as an outside receiver in his freshman season of 2021, but suffered a hamstring injury that allowed others to pass him on the depth chart. When he got healthy, he moved inside, and by the end of the season, he was also spending time at tight end.
Last year, Green was set to make the full transition to tight end, but suffered a wrist injury in August that knocked him out for the season.
Now, having slimmed back down to about 220 pounds, the 6-foot-2 Green is ready to be a receiver again.
“I’m a pretty flexible guy,” he said. “I know the whole offense. Wherever I can help this team, whether it’s inside, outside — even tight end — wherever I need to be, I can fit in anywhere. Wherever I can help the team win this season and be able to get to that big game.”
More: Why Oklahoma State's Mike Gundy pointed to Nick Martin as an emerging leader at linebacker
A redshirt sophomore from Allen, Texas, Green had 21 catches for 314 yards (third-most on the team in both categories) and a touchdown in 2021.
The Cowboys’ leading receiver a year ago, Presley remains the primary slot receiver, and with the added use of the tight end in the offense this season, opponents will see fewer four-receiver formations from the Cowboys. But Green is excited about the outlook in his current role.
“Getting the ball is fun,” Green said with a smile. “Being able to be at a true wide receiver position is a little more freeing than having to make certain blocks inside the box.”
Owens also has experience both inside and outside, so he could help at both positions. Former walk-on Cale Cabbiness, who was put on scholarship last spring, best fits as a slot, and a couple of true freshmen, Jalen Pope and Camron Heard, are getting a look on the inside.
Like Green, Owens has played inside receiver, outside receiver and tight end, so he feels he has a well-rounded understanding of the offense.
“Whatever play call is made, I know how everything is about to flow,” he said. “I know what’s going on inside the box and outside. I know which way the line is gonna block and all that. Transitioning back outside, I’m teaching the other receivers the stuff I learned.”
More: How Garret Rangel is showing mental, physical maturity in Oklahoma State football QB race
Oklahoma State receiver depth chart
Name, Class, Ht., Wt., Hometown (Previous school)
The starters
Outside receiver
Jaden Bray, RSo., 6-2, 200, Norman
De’Zhaun Stribling, Jr., 6-3, 205, Kapolei, Hawaii (Washington State)
Inside receiver
Brennan Presley, Sr., 5-8, 175, Tulsa (Bixby)
Blaine Green, RSo., 6-1, 220, Allen, Texas
The reserves
Outside receiver
Talyn Shettron, RFr., 6-2, 195, Edmond (Santa Fe)
Rashod Owens, RJr., 6-2, 219, San Antonio (Roosevelt)
Leon Johnson III, Sr., 6-5, 207, Bothwell, Washington (George Fox)
Mason Gilkey, RFr., 6-3, 175, Pawhuska
Tykie Andrews, Fr., 6-1, 185, Enid
Inside receiver
Cale Cabbiness, RJr., 6-2, 200, Norman (North)
Jalen Pope, Fr., 6-0, 185, Aledo, Texas
Camron Heard, Fr., 6-0, 160, Houston (Furr)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football WR depth chart changes without Arland Bruce IV
