BEVO BEAT
Top opponents for Texas in 2017, No. 27: Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman
Posted August 6th, 2017
The countdown to kickoff is on. Over the 100 days before Texas takes on Maryland, we’re counting down the 100 best players the Longhorns will face in 2017. This series is all about impressing your friends at pregame tailgates and watch parties, so grab a notepad and buckle up.
Who is he?
Marcell Ateman should be in an NFL training camp somewhere. Instead, the fifth-year senior out of Wylie East is preparing for his senior year: part two. A broken foot suffered during a summer workout in 2016 kept Ateman out of what should have been his final season in Stillwater. The result is that the Cowboys have one more weapon to add to one of the most talented offenses in college football.
As a junior, Ateman established himself as the Cowboys’ big-play receiver, finishing with 45 catches for 766 yards and five touchdowns. He had 11 grabs of at least 20 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown against TCU. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Ateman made a crucial fourth-down catch to set up Oklahoma State’s game-winning field goal against Kansas State.
What should the Longhorns watch for?
Length. Ateman’s size is his greatest advantage, and he uses it well. James Washington has him beat for athleticism, but Ateman’s 6-4 frame might make him an even more difficult matchup inside the red zone. He’s great at placing his body between the defender and the ball and giving quarterback Mason Rudolph a large window to throw into.
Previous encounters
Ateman had four catches for 69 yards against the Longhorns in 2015.
Catch up on the series
No. 28: Kyle Hicks
The post Top opponents for Texas in 2017, No. 27: Oklahoma State WR Marcell Ateman appeared first on HookEm.
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