100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 90 Taaj Bakari

Let’s continue our summer-long countdown with a redshirt sophomore who’s ready to step into a meaningful role.

How he got to OSU

Taaj Bakari came to OSU by way of Mansfield Legacy High School (Mansfield, Texas) as a three-star recruit. He also held an offer from TCU as well as Colorado State and North Texas.

What he’s done in Stillwater

After a redshirt year in 2015, Bakari found himself at the bottom of a deep tackle depth chart in 2016. His single appearance came in the Alamo Bowl when he recorded an assist on a tackle for loss. Bakari was one of a several Cowboys who made a number change during the off season. His No. 98 from last year is currently not designated to a player but he took over No. 90 for departed Mote Maile.

Role in 2017

With the loss of Vincent Taylor and Maile, there are reps to be had. Bakari has a chance to crack the rotation, but he’ll have to compete with the likes of redshirt freshman Cameron Murray and incoming Fua Leilua and Enoch Smith Jr. He’ll also be behind probable starters Darrion Daniels and DeQuinton Osborne.

The good news for Bakari? Mike Gundy wants to sub guys early and often to keep legs fresh during the track meet that is a Big 12 season. Expect him to be featured on special teams and to get a shot on defense in 2017 and beyond.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Has only appeared in one game as a Cowboy, so that one-tackle, 0.5-tackle for loss bowl performance will have to do. He did team up with Cole Walterscheid for a “sack” of Keondre Wudtee during the spring game.