'His head’s spinning': Can late arrival Austin Jarrard make impact at tight end for OSU football?

STILLWATER — Austin Jarrard will get his chance.

The junior-college transfer by way of American River Community College in California will have every opportunity to be involved as a tight end at Oklahoma State this fall. 

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Jarrard was a late arrival over the summer, but has meshed well with the program in preseason camp. 

“Austin Jarrard is a guy that’s important to see what he can do early into camp,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “He’s more mature. Could impact us at that position, at the Cowboy back, just on his maturity and experience. 

“I’m really gonna watch and see where he’s at about a week from now, once he gets out there and figures it out, gets used to our tempo, the different things that are important in our offense, and then see where he’s at.”

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The Cowboys are turning the page at tight end, where former starter Jelani Woods transferred to Virginia. Logan Carter returned for a sixth season and is a reliable veteran, both as a blocker and occasional pass-catcher. 

The tight end position wasn’t frequently used as a receiving option last season. Woods and Carter caught eight passes apiece last year, combining for 213 yards. They each had a touchdown.

Beyond Carter, experience is thin with players such as Braden Cassity and Quinton Stewart. 

“That’s one of the areas that we’re focusing on as we speak,” Gundy said. “We’re trying to see who’s gonna develop into that No. 2.”

Jarrard is a gifted player with the opportunity to make an impact. 

“Austin just got in here a couple weeks ago, so his head’s spinning,” Gundy said. “How long will that take place until he can solidify himself comfortably where he can compete and not think and play fast? That is something that we’re talking about now, and we’re shaping our game plan to make sure those guys are comfortable.”

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OSU tight end depth chart

Player, Class, Ht., Wt., Hometown (Previous school)

Starter

Logan Carter, RSr., 6-3, 245, Henrietta, Texas (Henrietta HS)

Reserves

Austin Jarrard, RSo., 6-3, 245, El Dorado Hills, California (American River CC)

Braden Cassity, RJr., 6-2, 240, Austin, Texas (Westlake HS)

Quinton Stewart, RFr., 6-2, 240, Salina, Kansas (Salina Central)