There’s something to be said for having some serious speed. And there’s something exciting about a burner like that returning kicks.

Oklahoma State freshman Perrish Cox brings an added dimension to the Cowboys’ game – both returning punts and kicks. He ranks ninth nationally averaging 17.2 yards per punt return, and he isn’t much worse with kickoffs. He has five for a 41.6-yard average this season.

Obviously, Kansas University kicker Scott Webb might have more pressure to boot some touchbacks today, when Kansas and Oklahoma State meet at 1 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

“They have some people who can return the ball, there’s no question about it,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “They do a good job with their schemes. They have the speed to break big plays.

“Our special teams have to be up to snuff. That again will be something we work very diligently on this week.”

Cox, a cornerback out of Waco, Texas, was one of the top recruits in America just a year ago and shot straight into the hearts of OSU fans with his first college play – a 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Missouri State, where he broke one tackle, juked past another and outsprinted his blockers for the score.

Boom – another dimension was added to Oklahoma State’s attack. And, coming off a 1-7 Big 12 Conference season last year, any home-run hitter was a welcome addition.

“He’s a big part of it,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said, “but our other guys have blocked well. Joe DeForest, our special teams coordinator, does an excellent job in preparation and practice and study and all the detail work that no coach wants to do because it takes hours during the week.”

Special teams hooks up with the offense to give Oklahoma State a prolific attack toward the opponents’ end zone. The Cowboys (3-2 overall, 0-1 Big 12 play) are eighth nationally in scoring offense, 14th in rushing offense and, of course, are first in the Big 12 in both punt- and kickoff-return average.

KU traditionally has been solid in special teams thanks to KU’s added emphasis and use of the best personnel. It may be needed today.

“Oklahoma State is a good football team,” Mangino said. “It’s a game that we’ll need to be sharp for on Saturday.”