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  • Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Todd Monken instructs quarterback J.W. Walsh on proper throwing technique during practice Wednesday at Boone Pickens Stadium. Walsh is one of three quarterbacks fighting for the starting job this fall.

    J.W. Walsh 2_SNOW.jpg
April 4, 2012

Cowboy QB challenge

Walsh: 'It's time to get ready to go'

By Nick Snow Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — In the 2011 season, J.W. Walsh pulled on the pads and laced up his cleats knowing that he was only going to see limited time in practice as the No. 3 guy behind Brandon Weeden and Clint Chelf.

Now he’s hoping to become the starter for the Cowboys in the fall.

“The mood is completely different,” Walsh said. “You want to come out here and give it your best every day. When you start tying up your cleats and putting on your pads, you’re like, ‘All right, it’s time to get ready to go.’”

He may be in contention as Weeden’s replacement, but he’s also become somewhat of a mentor. Through most practices, Walsh helps true freshman Wes Lunt — a guy Walsh is competing against — develop his skills. Lunt graduated from high school early so he could take part in the Cowboys’ spring drills.

“He comes up to me all the time asking questions,” Walsh said. “You just have to be patient and learn as much as you can. I redshirted last year, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m sure when (Lunt) looks back on it, he’ll be glad he came out of high school early, too.”

Coaching may be in his blood — his father coached him in high school — but Walsh isn’t ready to give up on taking the reigns for Oklahoma State.

“I don’t really want to compare myself to those other guys,” Walsh said. “I have a lot I can bring to the table. I just have to go out and compete every day. There’s not one key thing I’m working on, I’m just trying to go out there and perform. It’s a little nerve-wracking when you don’t know where you stand, but if you let the nerves get to you, you’re going to mess up even more.”

Chelf may be the favorite to start after getting some playing time the previous two seasons, but Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy won’t rule out the possibility of Walsh or Lunt getting the nod.

“I’m seeing each player develop some,” Gundy said. “We’re running some drills at the end of practice to put guys in game situations. Each quarterback gets a chance. I’m seeing them make plays.”

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