Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: Bruce Waterfield
In Focus - Linebackers
April 13, 2018 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER - Â What kind of impact will new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles have at Oklahoma State? It'll start with the impact he has with the position group he works closest with - the linebackers.
Â
Though OSU lost veteran leader Chad Whitener to graduation, Knowles inherits a pair of proven performers at outside linebacker in Justin Phillips and Calvin Bundage. The two combined for 118 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks a year ago. Kevin Henry returns from injury and Devin Harper could also factor into the rotation.
Â
One of the early decisions Knowles will have to make is what he wants to do with the middle linebacker position, because there is no obvious candidate to step in and fill the void left by Whitener's graduation. In terms of returning production at the position, redshirt sophomore Amen Ogbongbemiga is OSU's top returner there with 16 career tackles. Another name to know is that of junior college transfer Patrick Macon, who redshirted last year after being named the national junior college defensive player of the year in 2016. Macon is a big and physical linebacker well-suited to stop the power running game.
Â
That said, Big 12 offenses have changed the way defensive coordinators look at certain positions, and what that may mean for OSU under Knowles is a move to a two-linebacker system. Kenneth Edison-McGruder, who originally came to Stillwater as a safety before being moved to linebacker, is back in his more natural safety position and give Knowles the ability to employ a three-safety look.
Â
Â
Â
Â
Though OSU lost veteran leader Chad Whitener to graduation, Knowles inherits a pair of proven performers at outside linebacker in Justin Phillips and Calvin Bundage. The two combined for 118 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks a year ago. Kevin Henry returns from injury and Devin Harper could also factor into the rotation.
Â
One of the early decisions Knowles will have to make is what he wants to do with the middle linebacker position, because there is no obvious candidate to step in and fill the void left by Whitener's graduation. In terms of returning production at the position, redshirt sophomore Amen Ogbongbemiga is OSU's top returner there with 16 career tackles. Another name to know is that of junior college transfer Patrick Macon, who redshirted last year after being named the national junior college defensive player of the year in 2016. Macon is a big and physical linebacker well-suited to stop the power running game.
Â
That said, Big 12 offenses have changed the way defensive coordinators look at certain positions, and what that may mean for OSU under Knowles is a move to a two-linebacker system. Kenneth Edison-McGruder, who originally came to Stillwater as a safety before being moved to linebacker, is back in his more natural safety position and give Knowles the ability to employ a three-safety look.
Â
Â
Â
Friday, June 05
Friday, May 29
Wednesday, May 27
Monday, May 18
