OSU head coach Mike Gundy praises quarterbacks coach Kevin Johns

A veteran coaching assistant is already making a difference in Stillwater.

The quarterback competition between Zane Flores and Hauss Hejny was the main talking point during Oklahoma State's media day on Saturday.

Head coach Mike Gundy didn't tip his hand and said it's too early to tell if Flores or Hejny has the upper hand early in fall camp. However, the media now knows the man leading the QB room is well respected.

Looking for a new quarterbacks coach this offseason, Gundy put together a small list and it included Kevin Johns. That name should sound familiar because Johns spent last year at Oklahoma as an analyst before being promoted to quarterbacks coach for the final five games of the season.

On Saturday, Gundy praised Johns and said the Cowboys are lucky to have a coaching veteran like him teaching the OSU quarterbacks the ropes.

Gundy in short said, "There were very few guys out there at that position that I felt like were capable of coaching these guys and doing it the right way." Gundy added, "He comes from a good background. He comes in very highly regarded from people that I trust and understand...We were very fortunate that he was available.”

As for the quarterbacks in the room learning from Johns, Sports Director John Holcomb was able to catch up with Hejny and asked him about playing for coach Johns.

He said, "When the game is on the line, he wants a guy that is a warrior to have a ball in his hands. Aside from all the knowledge he has shared with me, having the warrior mentality and coming in everyday to help this team win is what we are going to do."