Oklahoma State University Athletics
Experienced Cowboy Defense Excited for What's to Come
August 19, 2020 | Cowboy Football
8/19 Defense Media Session
STILLWATER - Most people think of the explosive offenses when they think of the Big 12 conference. Even Oklahoma State defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, acknowledged the lack of interest during Wednesday's media session.
"I'm on defense in the Big 12 so I don't get much time with the ESPN cameras," Knowles said.
But with 10 starters returning from a squad that only gave up 23 points per game over the last six games of the 2019 season, the Oklahoma State defense has a chance to be the best Cowboy fans have witnessed in years.
"I thought we had a great finish to last year to help the team win some games," Knowles said. "We have a shot to have everybody healthy, so I see veteran players who know what to do and have a lot of speed. I see more depth than ever and a chance to be a well-rounded unit."
With the triple threat of Spencer Sanders, Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace receiving the majority of the media attention about the Cowboys, the defense is motivated to prove it deserves to be talked about and is showing it so far in fall camp.
"As a unit this fall camp we have been locked in with a different type of swagger and mindset going in," defensive tackle Cam Murray said. "A lot of time the offense does get more credit when it comes to those type of things, but I feel our defense this year is going to be really good. As a unit, I think camp is showing how good we can be in the future."
The reason behind the excitement on the defensive side of the ball is because of the experienced players returning. Linebackers Malcom Rodriguez and Amen Ogbongbemiga each had 100-tackle seasons last year and will play behind a defensive line who has nearly every one returning from the position last year, including Murray and breakout candidate, Trace Ford. Another reason of optimism is the return of pass rusher Calvin Bundage to the front seven. The redshirt senior sat out last season due to injury, but is healthy and bringing an explosive playmaker back to the linebacker core.
"Him getting back and seeing him move around in fall camp is a great sight to see," Murray said. "You can tell he is in shape now and moving around fluidly. It makes our defense better with him on the field. Calvin brings a different type of mentality to the defense and it makes a big difference for us."
The one departure from last season's starting defense is cornerback A.J. Green. However, the secondary, led by first-team All-Big 12 selection Kolby Harvell-Peel, is stockpiled with young talent that gained a lot of experience in 2019. Four of the top six leading tacklers last season are returning defensive backs including Harvell-Peel and cornerback Rodarius Williams. The position battle to start opposite of Williams is still ongoing between former nickelback, Jarrick Bernard-Converse and graduate transfer from Missouri, Christian Holmes, but Jim Knowles believes both players are ready for the role.
"Both of those guys are quality players, quality individuals and football guys who are going to be fine," Knowles said. "A.J. is a significant loss, but to be able to replace him with a guy who has two years' worth of starts and bring in a transfer who is everything you could ever want as a kid in terms of his ability, focus and want to be a part of the team, I feel great about the position."
STILLWATER - Most people think of the explosive offenses when they think of the Big 12 conference. Even Oklahoma State defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, acknowledged the lack of interest during Wednesday's media session.
"I'm on defense in the Big 12 so I don't get much time with the ESPN cameras," Knowles said.
But with 10 starters returning from a squad that only gave up 23 points per game over the last six games of the 2019 season, the Oklahoma State defense has a chance to be the best Cowboy fans have witnessed in years.
"I thought we had a great finish to last year to help the team win some games," Knowles said. "We have a shot to have everybody healthy, so I see veteran players who know what to do and have a lot of speed. I see more depth than ever and a chance to be a well-rounded unit."
With the triple threat of Spencer Sanders, Chuba Hubbard and Tylan Wallace receiving the majority of the media attention about the Cowboys, the defense is motivated to prove it deserves to be talked about and is showing it so far in fall camp.
"As a unit this fall camp we have been locked in with a different type of swagger and mindset going in," defensive tackle Cam Murray said. "A lot of time the offense does get more credit when it comes to those type of things, but I feel our defense this year is going to be really good. As a unit, I think camp is showing how good we can be in the future."
The reason behind the excitement on the defensive side of the ball is because of the experienced players returning. Linebackers Malcom Rodriguez and Amen Ogbongbemiga each had 100-tackle seasons last year and will play behind a defensive line who has nearly every one returning from the position last year, including Murray and breakout candidate, Trace Ford. Another reason of optimism is the return of pass rusher Calvin Bundage to the front seven. The redshirt senior sat out last season due to injury, but is healthy and bringing an explosive playmaker back to the linebacker core.
"Him getting back and seeing him move around in fall camp is a great sight to see," Murray said. "You can tell he is in shape now and moving around fluidly. It makes our defense better with him on the field. Calvin brings a different type of mentality to the defense and it makes a big difference for us."
The one departure from last season's starting defense is cornerback A.J. Green. However, the secondary, led by first-team All-Big 12 selection Kolby Harvell-Peel, is stockpiled with young talent that gained a lot of experience in 2019. Four of the top six leading tacklers last season are returning defensive backs including Harvell-Peel and cornerback Rodarius Williams. The position battle to start opposite of Williams is still ongoing between former nickelback, Jarrick Bernard-Converse and graduate transfer from Missouri, Christian Holmes, but Jim Knowles believes both players are ready for the role.
"Both of those guys are quality players, quality individuals and football guys who are going to be fine," Knowles said. "A.J. is a significant loss, but to be able to replace him with a guy who has two years' worth of starts and bring in a transfer who is everything you could ever want as a kid in terms of his ability, focus and want to be a part of the team, I feel great about the position."
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