Oklahoma State Star Receiver Explains Decision Behind Burning Redshirt
The current football season for the Oklahoma State Cowboys has brought plenty of surprises, including a 2-2 record through four games with losses to South Alabama and Iowa State. Then Ollie Gordon had a breakout midseason and everything changed.
Still, the surprises didn't end there. Division III transfer Leon Johnson III still had a mark to make on the season. When the Cowboys took on the Cincinnati Bearcats, they were shorthanded at the wide receiver position.
Obviously, Gordon's 271 yards were beneficial, but it couldn't have happened without the Cowboys' balanced offense opening things up in the run game. Johnson finished with 149 receiving yards on five catches. He had his breakout game later in the season, but it left him and the coaching staff with a tough decision.
Ultimately, Johnson planned to use his redshirt this season and return next year to make his mark. After his breakout game, though, it was known that his impact would elevate the team, and that's why his decision was made.
"[Kasey] Dunn, in the office when we were talking about it, he said if you keep playing like you are, like the way you played against Cincinnati, Big 12 Championship is confirmed," Johnson said, via 247Sports' McClain Baxley. "I was like, 'You're right.' And that was pretty much what swayed me to play and now that's real, I know I didn't burn it for nothing. It's really nice that this is happening now."
Not only does this show what kind of character Johnson is as an athlete, but also how infectious the Oklahoma State culture is. He's embraced the Cowboys to the point where he was willing to burn his redshirt season after not having done much in the first half of the season.
Now, Johnson will have the chance to make big plays on the biggest stage for the Cowboys. They're set to take on the Texas Longhorns at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday to crown a Big 12 champion.
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