By james art Two of Oklahoma State’s greatest players will return to Stillwater for Homecoming.
On Monday, the OSU Alumni Association announced that former Cowboys Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon will be this year’s returning grand marshals. As grand marshals, the duo will participate in homecoming events throughout the weekend, including the Cowboys’ game against Arizona State, which is set for 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 2.
“There are few things more exciting to watch at Boone Pickens Stadium than the Weeden-Blackmon connection,” said Dr. Anne Cain, president of the OSU Alumni Association. “We are thrilled to have Brandon and Justin back for America’s greatest homecoming as two of our all-time greats celebrating OSU’s greatest tradition.”
While in Stillwater, Weeden and Blackmon formed one of the most dynamic duos in OSU history. In their two seasons together, the Cowboys were among the best in the country, narrowly missing a shot at the national championship in their 2011 12-1 campaign.
Blackmon won back-to-back Biletnikoff Awards in 2010 and 2011. His 2010 season was his most impressive, finishing second in the country with 1,782 receiving yards and leading the nation with 20 receiving touchdowns. He finished his OSU career with 238 total yards and three touchdowns against No. 4 Stanford in a Fiesta Bowl victory.
Meanwhile, Weeden had back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons at quarterback for the Cowboys. His 2011 campaign included a Big 12-leading 4,727 yards and 37 touchdowns. He had 16 300-yard passing games in his final two years in Stillwater, leading one of the most explosive offenses in college football history.
After elevating OSU to a national contender, the duo entered the NFL draft, with Blackmon taken with the fifth pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars and Weeden taken by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd pick. That 2012 NFL Draft was also the last time an OSU duo was selected in the first round.
“Stillwater is a place that has always felt like home. I love the environment and the atmosphere, the people are fantastic,” Weeden said. “We’re having the greatest homecoming in the country and I’m excited to be a part of something very special.”
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