William Mason's Patience, Work With Patrick Cobbs Paying Off for Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. — William Mason didn't arrive at Oklahoma State with a guaranteed role in the Cowboys' backfield. The former Division II running back from Central Oklahoma had to earn his opportunities, initially making his biggest impact on special teams.

Now, after scoring his first Oklahoma State touchdown in Saturday's 57-24 victory over Colorado, Mason is beginning to see that patience and hard work pay off. And according to both Mason and head coach Eric Morris, his development has been about much more than carrying the football.

Mason entered the season behind several running backs on Oklahoma State's depth chart, but his approach to contributing never changed. Instead of becoming frustrated with limited offensive opportunities, Mason established himself as one of the Cowboys' most dependable special teams players.

Morris has praised Mason's intensity, physicality and willingness to embrace whatever responsibilities the coaching staff gives him. That approach eventually earned him a larger opportunity. After reviewing film from Oklahoma State's loss to Houston, Morris and running backs coach Patrick Cobbs discussed giving Mason additional offensive snaps.

The decision paid off against Colorado. Mason rushed for 27 yards on six carries, including a three-yard touchdown in the third quarter that extended Oklahoma State's lead to 37-24.

It was his first rushing touchdown as a Cowboy and his most significant offensive contribution since arriving in Stillwater. For Morris, the performance reflected the work Mason had already been putting in.

"He never complained about anything," Morris said. "Whatever his role was, he dominated it."

Morris added that players who approach their responsibilities with that mentality earn his respect.

While Mason's effort has helped him earn more opportunities, he credits Cobbs with taking his development to another level. During Tuesday's media availability, Mason discussed the impact his running backs coach has made through individual instruction and additional preparation.

"I don't think I'd be able to develop this much without Coach Cobbs," Mason said.

Mason explained that the two regularly hold individual meetings focused on identifying small adjustments that can improve his performance.

"We have little side meetings," Mason said. "Shows me small things that elevate my game."

Those details have become increasingly important as Mason adjusts to the speed, physicality and responsibilities of Big 12 football.

The transition from Division II to a Power Four program presents challenges beyond simply running the football. Understanding pass protection, recognizing defensive looks and consistently executing assignments can determine whether a running back earns more playing time.

Morris noted that Mason has continued improving in pass protection, another factor contributing to his increased involvement. For Mason, the additional work with Cobbs has helped him become a more complete player.

Mason's journey to Oklahoma State has been far from conventional. An Oklahoma product who attended Coweta High School, he spent three seasons at Central Oklahoma before transferring to the Cowboys.

Rather than immediately stepping into a prominent offensive role, he began establishing his value through special teams. His emergence also illustrates the different ways players can contribute to a program undergoing significant roster turnover.

Oklahoma State welcomed 91 newcomers during the offseason, giving Morris and his staff the challenge of identifying which players could help the team in different situations. Mason's development has provided an example of how those opportunities can be earned over time.

Through seven games, he has rushed for 73 yards on 11 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt. While those numbers represent a relatively small sample size, his performance against Colorado has put him in position to compete for additional touches.

With Oklahoma State preparing for Saturday's road matchup against Iowa State, Mason has emerged as another option in a backfield led by Caleb Hawkins. Hawkins rushed for 120 yards against Colorado, while Mason's contribution gave the Cowboys an additional physical presence.

Mason is now listed alongside Ayo Adeyi as an option behind Hawkins on Oklahoma State's updated depth chart. Morris has emphasized that Mason's increased opportunities do not necessarily mean he has permanently moved ahead of other running backs.

Instead, the coaching staff believes his performance has earned him more chances to contribute. That distinction fits the approach Mason has taken throughout his time in Stillwater. He didn't demand a larger role. He earned one by embracing the responsibilities already in front of him.

Now, with the No. 24 Cowboys sitting at 5-2 and one victory away from bowl eligibility, Mason has an opportunity to continue building on his breakthrough performance.

For a player who began the season making his biggest impact on special teams, the chance to contribute offensively represents another step in a journey built on patience, preparation and trust.

And with Cobbs continuing to guide his development, Mason could become an increasingly valuable piece of Oklahoma State's backfield down the stretch.