Oklahoma State football kicker Logan Ward has had many roles. Why he has one focus in 2024.

STILLWATER — When Logan Ward arrived at Oklahoma State as a walk-on, it was unclear where his best opportunity to earn playing time would be.

At Deer Creek High School, Ward had been effective as a punter, placekicker and on kickoffs, so which spot would fit him best as a Cowboy?

The answer: all of the above.

Ward redshirted in 2021, then got his first on-field action a year later, when punter Tom Hutton tore his ACL and was lost for the season. Ward averaged 45.0 yards on 37 punts.

Last season as a redshirt sophomore, Ward’s strong leg turned out to be valuable as a kickoff specialist, where he had 40 touchbacks in 85 attempts and developed his accuracy in target kicking.

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He also served as placekicker Alex Hale’s backup, and got a few opportunities on extra points late in the season — and that laid the foundation for his next full-time role.

This spring, Ward has taken over as the Cowboys’ No. 1 placekicker.

“There’s still competition in there,” Ward said of the placekicker group, which also includes Thomas Murray and Kason Shrum. “I’ve always wanted to have the spot and dominate at what I do.

“Obviously there’s more of a leadership role, which has been great. We’re a really tight unit, so that really helps.”

Ward has slightly outperformed the others this spring, and after getting a full season of work as Hale’s backup last year, Ward has earned coach Mike Gundy’s confidence based on his stats in spring, provided by special teams analyst Joseph Foteh.

“Logan’s the guy right now,” Gundy said. “Joe keeps statistics and puts them on my desk every other day of where we’re at. Logan’s floating in the 82-87 (percent made) range right now, which is good.”

Here’s a look at where Oklahoma State’s specialists stand as the end of spring practice nears:

Season rewind

The Cowboys were solid across the board on special teams last year, despite using a variety of players to fill the roles.

For instance, they used two longsnappers, with Zeke Zaragoza handling field goal snaps and Shea Freibaum on punts. Punters Hudson Kaak and Wes Pahl split time, with Kaak filling the role of target punting specialist and Pahl providing booming kicks.

Yet the Cowboys showed few weaknesses in any facet, while also getting good returns and coverage from those units.

Roster management

Who’s out: Placekicker Alex Hale, longsnapper Zeke Zaragoza

Who’s in: None

The take

Ward taking over as placekicker is essentially the only major change in personnel for the specialists, though Freibaum will add field goal snapping to his list of duties as well.

Kaak and Pahl will continue to play their roles in the punting game.

Star receiver Brennan Presley remains the first option as a return man, because of the danger he provides there, though Gundy revealed an interesting wrinkle this week.

He said walk-on Kyler Pearson, a former Tulsa Union receiver who signed with Kansas out of high school, will get work at punt returner. That’s an area where the 5-foot-6, 140-pound Pearson could prove valuable in giving Presley a break and also protecting him from the hard contact punt returners often endure.

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Depth chart

Placekicker

• Logan Ward, RJr., 5-11, 215

• Thomas Murray, RSo., 5-9, 180

• Kason Shrum, RSr., 5-11, 165

Punter

• Hudson Kaak, So., 6-2, 215

• Wes Pahl, RSr., 6-5, 205

Longsnapper

• Shea Freibaum, So., 6-1, 190

• Osker Ehrlich, RSo., 6-3, 205

Kickoff return

• Brennan Presley, Sr.*, 5-8, 160

• Cale Cabbiness, RSr., 6-2, 200

Punt return

• Brennan Presley, Sr.*, 5-8, 160

• Kyler Pearson, RSr., 5-6, 140

*Super-senior

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State football kicker Logan Ward ready for another new role