Oklahoma State University Athletics
An interview with former Cowboy Dantrell Savage
June 07, 2010 | Cowboy Football
June 7, 2010
Dantrell Savage, a native of Columbus, Ga., played for OSU from 2006-2007. The JUCO transfer made his Cowboy debut against Florida Atlantic and ran for 97 yards, including a 70-yard scamper for his first Big 12 touchdown. It wasn't long before Savage became a mainstay in the starting lineup, capped by running for more than 100 yards in five of the last seven games of the season.
Savage's 134 yards against Texas A&M, including a 60-yard TD run that gave OSU the lead with just over three minutes remaining, was his 2006 season high. In the Cowboys bowl game against Alabama, Savage ran for 112 yards on 19 carries and had was instrumental in the game-winning drive against the Tide, thus earning him the PetroSun Independence Bowl offensive MVP. He finished his 2006 season with an all-Big 12 honorable mention by the Associated Press.
The next season was even more impressive for the talented tailback. Savage closed out his 2007 season by rushing for more than 100 yards in his final nine games, including a whopping 212 yards against Nebraska in Lincoln. He ranked 17th nationally in rushing that year, averaging 116 yards-per-game. His impressive performance earned him first-team all-Big 12 running back and a roster spot on the Kansas City Chiefs following his collegiate career.
While with the Chiefs, Savage played a key role on special teams and saw action at running back in 13 games, amassing 98 yards in the process. He is currently a free agent.
| Recent Career | Rushing | Receiving | Fumbles | ||||||||||||||
| Year | Team | G | Rush | Yds | Y/G | Avg | TD | Rec | Yds | Y/G | Avg | Lng | YAC | 1stD | TD | Fum | FumL |
| 2008 | Kansas City | 8 | 15 | 53 | 6.6 | 3.5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 | Kansas City | 5 | 10 | 45 | 9.0 | 4.5 | 0 | 7 | 51 | 10.2 | 7.3 | 12 | 8.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Totals (Full) | |||||||||||||||||
| 13 | 25 | 98 | 7.5 | 3.9 | 0 | 9 | 51 | 3.9 | 5.7 | 12 | 7.2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| OSU stats by year: | ||||||
| Year | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Fum |
| 2006 | 126 | 820 | 6.5 | 70 | 8 | 0 |
| 2007 | 223 | 1272 | 5.7 | 30 | 9 | 0 |
We gave our Facebook fans the opportunity to ask Dantrell some questions for this interview and this is what they wanted to know:
What was your most memorable run in a Cowboy uniform?
Playing against Florida Atlantic and scoring the first touchdown of my OSU career for 70 yards.
Being that you're from Columbus, Georgia, what was it like for you score a touchdown in Sanford Stadium against the Bulldogs?
Wow!!!! It was great ... after I landed on my neck! It hurt for like a month. It was nice to finally have family at my game. Just to play in Sanford Stadium was a blessing.
Being a former player, how do OSU fans compare to others from around the country?
OSU FANS!!! WOW!!! They are on a whole other level. The fans have love, compassion, trust and respect for you no matter what. They are on your side, win, lose or draw. They are going to lift you up no matter what. That's the difference between other fans in the country. When you're on the field, you feel like you're at home in your backyard hearing OSU fans root for you.
What was your toughest adjustment to make going from high school to college?
The biggest adjustment would be adjusting to the speed of the game. The best of the best are playing each other in college. In high school there is mostly a hand full of good athletes but once you get to college your recruited to play at that level. The college coaches watch you up from your junior-year to your senior-year to see how you can adjust. Sometimes it also based on athletic skills and your stats too, but if they see some potential in a player they might take a risk and give you a scholarship.
What has been the biggest change in going from college to the NFL?
In college you're babied. You don't have bills your food and you're waited on hand and foot. In the NFL, you have to do everything on your own and you have to pay for everything on your own. Also, when it comes to learning your playbooks, in college you're patiently waited on and offered help - not rushed to know everything at once. When you get to the NFL you're expected to know everything and every detail. It's your job you have to know it. I was told once by a coach, joking, if I did not like it I could have easily chose another career.
Who has been your favorite OSU running back since you left?
First, when it comes to Cowboy running backs, you have to always mention "Sweet Feet" Barry Sanders. Since I left, it's been Kendall Hunter, aka Spud.
How much influence does a coach have on a college athlete and what type of impact does that influence have on your sports career?
Coaches have a big impact on an athlete's career. By learning from former coaches, you could be learning different secrets of the game to your advantage. That's once you meet your dream to be an NFL player, or in any sport. It's especially true if you're under the guidance of a successful coach, which will benefit you in your career. People know that if you have been taught by a great coach, then you easily know the guidelines of becoming great.
Looking back at your career at Oklahoma State, what one thing stands out as your favorite memory - both on the field and off?
On the field, being able to score touchdowns and giving God all the glory. Also, proving wrong the people who always doubted me.
Off the field, achieving the highest GPA and being honored for my hard work in the classroom on TV during a game. A special thanks to OSU's great tutors and special advisors.
What's next for you?
Focusing on getting even closer to God day-by-day and building a great family.
