Oklahoma State University Athletics
Spring Preview: Defensive Line
March 06, 2020 | Cowboy Football
Despite losing every starter from the previous season, the Cowboy defensive line of 2019 had just one fewer tackle than the 2018 unit. The inexperienced 2019 group combined to record 30 quarterback hurries and 12 passes broken up, both of which represent the highest marks recorded for an OSU defensive line since coach Joe Bob Clements arrived in 2013. Nearly everyone from the 2019 group is back in 2020.
One of the most promising and dynamic young players on the roster is defensive end Trace Ford, whose nine quarterback hurries in 2019 ranked as the second-highest single-season mark in school history. If he builds on that, he will be well on his way to establishing himself as one of the most disruptive players in the Big 12.
While Ford has shown great promise, the true strength of the defensive line is its depth. Defensive tackle Cameron Murray, Ford, defensive end Brock Martin, defensive tackle Israel Antwine, defensive end Tyler Lacy and defensive tackle Samuela Tuihalamaka all recorded at least 20 tackles a year ago. Another up-and-comer to monitor is defensive tackle Jayden Jernigan, who saw his playing time increase as 2019 went on.
Junior Brendon Evers returns after making three starts and playing in 10 games a year ago.
Senior defensive end Amadou Fofana and junior defensive tackle Sione Asi provide added depth, and junior college transfer defensive end Tyren Irby will get a look as well. Defensive ends Isreal Isuman-Hundley and Kody Walterscheid come out of redshirt, as does defensive tackle Xavier Ross.
