Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: OSU Athletics
Position Preview: Linebackers
July 31, 2017 | Cowboy Football
The Cowboy football team is in its opening week of camp for the 2017 season. Okstate.com will break down each position group before the season begins to provide fans with a detailed look at each group and what to expect going into the year. First up is the linebackers, coached by defensive coordinator Glenn Spencer.
In each of the past two seasons, middle linebacker Chad Whitener has earned All-Big 12 honors. In 2015, the San Antonio Express News named him to their first team and in 2016, the coaches gave him a second-team spot. Whitener's 170 career tackles are the second-most among active Cowboys and his 16.0 tackles for loss are the most. He has started 20 games for OSU. He'll be joined at the Mike linebacker spot by junior Patrick Macon, who was the NJCAA national defensive player of the year playing for Arizona Western last season.
At the Will backer, junior Justin Phillips has the look of a player ready to step into a leadership role after he logged 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception a year ago. Sophomore Kevin Henry should also factor in, as can senior Gyasi Akem, who is a candidate to see game action at the Mike and the Will spots.
Junior Kenneth Edison-McGruder, who established himself as a fiercely aggressive hitter playing safety the past two years, moved to the Star linebacker position during the spring. His attacking nature and skill set make him a good fit in this role, which he played a version of at times last season. Senior Kirk Tucker and sophomore Calvin Bundage are also in the mix at the Star position.
In each of the past two seasons, middle linebacker Chad Whitener has earned All-Big 12 honors. In 2015, the San Antonio Express News named him to their first team and in 2016, the coaches gave him a second-team spot. Whitener's 170 career tackles are the second-most among active Cowboys and his 16.0 tackles for loss are the most. He has started 20 games for OSU. He'll be joined at the Mike linebacker spot by junior Patrick Macon, who was the NJCAA national defensive player of the year playing for Arizona Western last season.
At the Will backer, junior Justin Phillips has the look of a player ready to step into a leadership role after he logged 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception a year ago. Sophomore Kevin Henry should also factor in, as can senior Gyasi Akem, who is a candidate to see game action at the Mike and the Will spots.
Junior Kenneth Edison-McGruder, who established himself as a fiercely aggressive hitter playing safety the past two years, moved to the Star linebacker position during the spring. His attacking nature and skill set make him a good fit in this role, which he played a version of at times last season. Senior Kirk Tucker and sophomore Calvin Bundage are also in the mix at the Star position.
Players Mentioned
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy Football
LB
/ Cowboy FootballTuesday, July 07
Tuesday, July 07
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
