Spring Preview: Linebacker Depth Allows OSU Versatility in Scheming

One of the (if not the) biggest storylines coming out of the start of Oklahoma State’s spring camp was the revelation of some pretty significant roster shuffling on defense. The only cornerback with any starting experience is now a safety and an up-and-coming thumper at safety has been moved over to linebacker.

That linebacker corps loses a couple of playmakers in Jordan Burton and Devante Averette. But there remains plenty of depth and a couple of new faces that should play a key role.

For the offense, spring camp (and the spring game in particular) is a lot about sitting your veterans and letting the young guys show what they can do. Glenn Spencer’s crew doesn’t have that luxury. The Cowboys are going to continue to use the 3-3-5 defense they used down the stretch in 2016 and working to implement an entire second scheme is an undertaking, even with an entire offseason to prepare.

That versatility in scheming is made possible because of the depth in the linebacker corps. The depth at the “star,” “Mike” and “Will” linebacker spots should shake out something like this.

2017 Projection

Key: SLB= “Star” Linebacker, MLB= “Mike” (strongside inside) Linebacker, WLB= “Will” (weakside inside) Linebacker

Kenneth Edison-McGruder moves over from safety where he earned a reputation for laying the wood on folks. He will serve the role of departed “star” linebacker of Jordan Burton.

“As y’all know, I like to put my head in,” said Edison-McGruder recently. “So that’s not a big problem at all. I love the physicality.”

Calvin Bundage should see a lot of reps at the star, as well. The former Edmond-Santa Fe star played early and often as a true freshman and showed that he’s also not afraid of contact. Senior Kirk Tucker has gotten most of his burn on special teams but should also have a role at the “star” position.

Chad Whitener is the active leading tackler at OSU. The former walk-on transfer from Cal has become one of the leaders of the defense and was missed when he limited due to injury last season.

Behind Whitener is last year’s NCJAA Defensive Player of the Year. If you haven’t already, get to know the name Patrick Macon because you should be hearing it a lot. At Arizona Western College, Macon was a one-man tackling machine. His 27.5 tackles for loss led the nation. That’s more than any Div. I player has had since 2014.

After seeing significant time as a true freshman (including a big-time Bedlam performance), Justin Phillips redshirted in 2015. Since then, his role has continued on an upward trajectory. Gyasi Akem is a senior who has seen time both on defense and special teams but will be needed to contribute with a crucial two-deep linebacker rotation. Sophomore Kevin Henry also figures to factor in at the “Will” spot.

Cowboy fans will get acquainted with several young guys during the spring game.

Amen Ogbongbemiga comes off a redshirt year and will be looking to crack the rotation. Not only is he the second cousin of Emmanuel Ogbah, he was the No. 1 ranked middle linebacker from Canada two years ago.

Devin Harper also redshirted in 2016 and was a jack of all trades in high school, lining up at defensive end, running back and even wide receiver. He even had 345-yard, four-touchdown performance at running back his senior year. Some guys can just make plays and he hopes to show that he’s one of those guys starting this spring.

Brendan Vaughn was an early commit in the 2016 class and the only incoming high school signee. When OSU offered, he was flying under most schools’ radars. But after his OSU pledge and an impressive third-place showing at a Nike skills camp, Vaughn’s star began to rise. Now he will get to show off his 4.51-40 speed against Div. I competition for the first time.