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Miles Coleman’s Journey From Camp Find to Emerging Oklahoma State Weapon
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- Miles Coleman’s Journey From Camp Find to Emerging Oklahoma State Weapon
(USA Today via Reuters Connect)
Miles Coleman wasn't always guaranteed a spot in Eric Morris' offense. In fact, Morris initially wasn't sure he had room for him.
Years later, Coleman has followed Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State , become an important part of the Cowboys' receiver rotation and finally found the end zone in orange and black.
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Coleman scored his first Oklahoma State touchdown during Saturday's 59-0 win over Murray State , taking a jet sweep into the end zone as the Cowboys scored on their opening possession.
"It was awesome," Coleman said. "Fans were electric. It was good to get that first touchdown in. Fun play I had."
For Morris, Coleman's emergence is the continuation of a story that began at a recruiting camp years earlier.
A Scholarship Opening Changed Everything
Morris remembers Coleman arriving at camp while his North Texas staff was evaluating potential additions at slot receiver.
There was just one problem. North Texas already had Chris Barnes committed for the spot.
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"We didn't know if we had a spot to take him at the time," Morris said.
Then the situation changed. Barnes decommitted and ultimately went to Washington State , creating an opening. Coleman proceeded to make the decision easy.
"Miles was at camp and had a phenomenal camp," Morris said. "It was a no-brainer to take Miles with us."
Coleman arrived at North Texas alongside Wyatt Young , and the two quickly made an impression.
"Miles and Wyatt came in at the same time and both made an impression as true freshmen and just got better and better," Morris said.
Eventually, both followed their coach to Stillwater. Ironically, so did Barnes.
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Now all three are part of an Oklahoma State receiver room Morris believes is becoming increasingly deep entering Big 12 play.
'He's a Dog'
Morris sees the same mentality in Coleman today that initially attracted his staff to him.
"Tough and gritty," Morris said. "Don't want to say a true underdog story or overachiever, just always has a chip on his shoulder."
Defensive tackle Enai White has another way of describing him.
"He's a speedster and playmaker," White said. "It's so crazy because he's so small, but he's a dog though. That's what I love about him."
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Coleman's versatility has given Oklahoma State multiple ways to get the football into his hands.
Along with his role in the passing game, he has become a dangerous option on designed touches and special teams. Against Murray State, Coleman also provided a spark as a punt returner, including a 55-yard return.
Learning From Bowick
Coleman is also taking notes from one of the veterans alongside him. Justin Bowick has emerged as one of Oklahoma State's hottest offensive players, producing 259 receiving yards over the Cowboys' past two games.
Coleman believes Bowick's consistency away from Saturdays has been just as valuable to watch as his production during games.
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"Crazy speed and consistent in everything," Coleman said. "Works hard in practice and has great hands. Learning from him as a veteran guy has helped me a lot. Follow his routine to stay consistent."
Morris has seen Coleman's own development continue as well. What started with a standout camp performance and an unexpectedly available scholarship became meaningful playing time at North Texas.
Now it's becoming a role at Oklahoma State. Coleman has his first Cowboys touchdown.
As OSU enters Big 12 play Saturday at West Virginia , the former camp find appears positioned for plenty more opportunities.
