Oklahoma State University Athletics
Key Contributors on Cowboy Defense Speak to Media
August 27, 2020 | Cowboy Football
8/26Â Media Session
STILLWATER – Two members of the Oklahoma State defense who are expected to contribute in a big way this season met with media members Wednesday afternoon.
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Sophomore Trace Ford is expected to be a breakout star on the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys. An honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2019, Ford has drawn the attention of coaches and fellow players during fall practice.
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"I think I have matured a lot over the offseason," Ford said. "I have learned to like film and watch it to learn what tackles do and how to make myself better."
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The only true freshman to start a game for the Cowboys in 2019, Ford ended the season with three sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Even though he appeared in all 13 games, Ford thinks his freshman season took off once he got his first start under his belt.
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"After the first start at Iowa State I started to gain more confidence," Ford said. "I lacked confidence last year, but once I started playing more, I began to say I'm just as good as these guys out here."
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While Ford is wreaking havoc in the front seven with the likes of Calvin Bundage and Amen Ogbongbemiga, newcomer Christian Holmes is looking to help hold down the secondary against the explosive Big 12 offenses.
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"Talking about depth in the Big 12 where you have a lot of tempo and a lot of guys going on offense, I knew with my ability that I could compete with any receiver," Holmes said. "On defense we have a lot of depth where I feel I can come in and contribute in any way possible whether that be on special teams or anything. I just know I can contribute somehow."
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A graduate transfer from Missouri, Holmes is looking to fill the void left by A.J. Green, but enters a secondary room that is filled with experienced players. While a starter has not been named at the cornerback position opposite Rodarius Williams, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has said multiple cornerbacks will see the field on game days and that has pushed those guys to make each other better.
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 "Everybody comes every day and walk through the doors ready to work," Holmes said on the cornerback battle. "We come in, compete and get better. We grab each other when we're down and high five each other when we're up."
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With a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball to go along with a classic high-scoring Oklahoma State offense, the Cowboys know their ceiling is high in 2020, which is why it has made Holmes' transition to the team an easy one.
Â
"The mindset that all the players have here and the mindset the coaches have is a winning mentality," Holmes said. "It's something I've always dreamed about being a part of. With Coach Gundy, Amen Ogbongbemiga and the rest of the players, it is easy to fit in when we all have the same goals."
STILLWATER – Two members of the Oklahoma State defense who are expected to contribute in a big way this season met with media members Wednesday afternoon.
Â
Sophomore Trace Ford is expected to be a breakout star on the defensive side of the ball for the Cowboys. An honorable mention All-Big 12 selection in 2019, Ford has drawn the attention of coaches and fellow players during fall practice.
Â
"I think I have matured a lot over the offseason," Ford said. "I have learned to like film and watch it to learn what tackles do and how to make myself better."
Â
The only true freshman to start a game for the Cowboys in 2019, Ford ended the season with three sacks and nine quarterback hurries. Even though he appeared in all 13 games, Ford thinks his freshman season took off once he got his first start under his belt.
Â
"After the first start at Iowa State I started to gain more confidence," Ford said. "I lacked confidence last year, but once I started playing more, I began to say I'm just as good as these guys out here."
Â
While Ford is wreaking havoc in the front seven with the likes of Calvin Bundage and Amen Ogbongbemiga, newcomer Christian Holmes is looking to help hold down the secondary against the explosive Big 12 offenses.
Â
"Talking about depth in the Big 12 where you have a lot of tempo and a lot of guys going on offense, I knew with my ability that I could compete with any receiver," Holmes said. "On defense we have a lot of depth where I feel I can come in and contribute in any way possible whether that be on special teams or anything. I just know I can contribute somehow."
Â
A graduate transfer from Missouri, Holmes is looking to fill the void left by A.J. Green, but enters a secondary room that is filled with experienced players. While a starter has not been named at the cornerback position opposite Rodarius Williams, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has said multiple cornerbacks will see the field on game days and that has pushed those guys to make each other better.
Â
 "Everybody comes every day and walk through the doors ready to work," Holmes said on the cornerback battle. "We come in, compete and get better. We grab each other when we're down and high five each other when we're up."
Â
With a lot of depth on the defensive side of the ball to go along with a classic high-scoring Oklahoma State offense, the Cowboys know their ceiling is high in 2020, which is why it has made Holmes' transition to the team an easy one.
Â
"The mindset that all the players have here and the mindset the coaches have is a winning mentality," Holmes said. "It's something I've always dreamed about being a part of. With Coach Gundy, Amen Ogbongbemiga and the rest of the players, it is easy to fit in when we all have the same goals."
Players Mentioned
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