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Oklahoma State Football: 5 reasons Mason Rudolph could win the 2017 Heisman Trophy

By Collin Wieder

Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Jhajuan Seales (81) offensive lineman Brad Lundblade (71) and quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) after scoring on a 23-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys wide receiver Jhajuan Seales (81) offensive lineman Brad Lundblade (71) and quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) after scoring on a 23-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes during the 2016 Alamo Bowl at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) passes the ball against the Baylor Bears during the second half at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) passes the ball against the Baylor Bears during the second half at McLane Stadium. Baylor won 35-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

4.  Arm Strength

A point I’ve reiterated many times this offseason is Rudolph’s arm strength. He’s got a howitzer that can take advantage of his loaded receiving corp. Burner James Washington and talented leaper Marcell Ateman provide a perfect combo to Rudolph’s arm. The duo has averaged 17.7 yards per catch on 239 combined career catches.

Mike Gundy loves to unleash the deep ball. He’s certainly done that in Rudolph’s first three seasons, but he will this year more than ever. This season, the Cowboys return four starting receivers making this the deepest group Rudolph has ever worked with.

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The continuity these receivers developed over the last three seasons will make for a high-flying 2017. It doesn’t matter what route he throws he’ll hit. Opposite hash go’s, fades and posts are thrown with touch and accuracy.

The ability to stretch the field isn’t always seen in some of the catch-and-throw air raids of today. A lot of short, easy throws in those offenses avoid turnovers. The South Carolina native can make the dangerous throws with his strong arm and avoid turnovers at the same time.

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