Desmond Roland clowns with OSU quarterback Clint Chelf at AT&T Stadium. Photo by Keith Whitmire.
Lake Highlands’ own Desmond Roland is receiving the star treatment this week as the press descends on Dallas and Oklahoma State prepares to play in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Friday, January 3rd. D-Ro, as he was known as a standout Wildcat running back before graduating in 2011, has risen to national prominence since he began starting for OSU this year. Once Desmonds’s playing time increased, his personal stats have exploded and the Cowboys have seemed unstoppable.
“Desmond has had a tremendous season for us,” said Mike Yurcich, Offensive Coordinator for OSU. “I know Dez is really focused and looking forward to this opportunity to get back in front of his hometown and to be able to put on a great performance for you. I think Dez has done a tremendous job of preparing himself all football season. He’s battled through some injuries. He’s played tough. He runs the ball very physical and he understands pass protections and blitz pickups and has tremendous pride in being a well-rounded tailback.”
As for Desmond, he says he expects the game to be emotional.
Photo by Keith Whitmire.
“I can’t get myself too jacked-up for this game. I have been thinking about this the whole time to just keep calm and don’t put too much pressure on myself because I don’t want to do too much out there on the field and cost us the game. I just have to make sure I keep my emotions under control. We have great seniors on this team and if somebody gets a little out of control then somebody is going to make sure they get back in control.”
Desmond told LH sports guru Keith Whitmire he’s excited to finally play in AT&T Stadium – that it will be like playing high school football on Friday night. He said he’ll have 12 to 15 family members at the game, but, sadly, couldn’t get tickets for all the Lake Highlands friends and family who’ve supported him over the years. He’s expecting lots of friends and former coaches to be there, and says he appreciates how many LH peeps have been cheering him on in living rooms and sports bars all season.
Desmond and the rest of the Oklahoma State Cowboys take on the Mizzou Tigers Friday night at Dallas Cowboy Stadium. Kickoff is at 7:10 local time, and Fox coverage begins at 6:30.
