The Oklahoma State football team practiced in shoulder pads for the first time on Sunday morning to wrap up its first weekend of fall training camp.

A good sign for the Cowboys at the moment is the confidence of the offensive line. Last season, multiple players were forced to move positions on a weekly basis to try and fill holes created by injuries and other factors, but the experience gained for the younger players is valuable heading into the new season.

"They weren't expecting to play last year and were kind of forced into it," junior lineman Hunter Woodard said. "Going into this fall camp rather than them being a little skittish with getting to play, our two-deep is hungry. The twos are coming after the ones and they want that starting job."

The stability of the offensive line and newfound confidence brings encouragement to offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn who wants to get back to running the football the way the Cowboys did in 2019 when Chuba Hubbard surpassed 2,000 yards on the ground.

"We want to be efficient running the football and we want to crease a couple here and there," Dunn said. "Our explosive runs were higher two years ago than last year, so that's something we have to address. The tailback room is deep, so we will be fresh, and the offensive line room is deep, so if we have an injury we're not shuffling guys around. I like where we're at with the tailbacks and how they've come together with the offensive line. We've simplified the run game and it has been better for them and I look forward to it. "

Heading into this season, the Cowboys have more than enough weapons in the running back room to match the output Hubbard had, but will be able to spread the wealth over four quality options.

Oklahoma State was the only Power Five team and one of three FBS team last season to have four running backs post 100-yard rushing games, and three of those four return. Senior LD Brown did it twice, while Dezmon Jackson and Dominic Richardson each took advantage of opportunities late in the season with breakout games of their own. Along with Utah State transfer, Jaylen Warren, the position group is stocked with talent and a hungry attitude.

"We got a lot of dogs in there and a lot of guys who have the mentality of wanting to compete and do whatever it takes to win," Brown said. "As far as skillset, we all come with something different. I have the speed, but those guys run with power and speed as well. We're deep and that's a good thing to have."

Having four capable backs to rotate in and out of the game will be a key to the Cowboys' rushing attack throughout the season. Head coach Mike Gundy has said they would like to give the backs 15 to 20 touches rather than 25 to 30 in a game, in order to keep them fresh.

"It's a long season and a tough game when we're in the trenches taking hits from lineman, so to be able to stay fresh and roll guys in will pay dividends in the end," Brown said. "It will make a big difference when everyone else is tired and we can rotate like nothing."

Oklahoma State will continue fall training camp for a few more weeks in preparation for the 2021 season and its season opener on Sept. 4 in Boone Pickens Stadium against Missouri State at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can purchase 2021 Cowboy football season tickets by visiting okstate.com/tickets or by calling or texting 877-ALL-4-OSU.