Position Preview: Linebackers

STILLWATER - Oklahoma State returns an experienced linebacker core for the 2021-22 season, including two four-time lettermen, Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper.

Rodriguez is a two-time All-Big 12 performer with a team-high 34 starts who has led the Cowboys in tackles each of the past two seasons and last year led all Power Five linebackers with 58 solo tackles.

Rodriguez is a preseason candidate for the Bednarik Award, which is given annually to the outstanding defensive player in college football. The fifth-year standout is one of seven players from the Big 12 who was named to the watchlist for the Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's best linebacker, and also is one of 90 defensive standouts named to the 2021 Bronco Nagurski Trophy Watch List.

Devin Harper is a valuable asset who has been part of the defensive game plan for three seasons and has racked up 120 career tackles.

"Devin Harper is one of the most complete athletes I've been around," defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. "Devin has all the markings of an NFL player in terms of the metrics. I'm totally confident he will step up and have a big year."

Both were seniors in 2020. Under normal circumstances, OSU would be looking for replacements, but with the NCAA ruling around COVID-19, both have chosen to return for an extra year and should make a solid defensive foundation in the middle of the field.

The Cowboys did lose All-Big 12 linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga and team sack-leader Calvin Bundage, but OSU should be in great shape with the experience returning.

"It's great to have good competition that keeps us on our toes all the time," linebacker Devin Harper said. "Knowing we have backups that can do as well as us if not better is a good thing because if something happens, then we know we can rely on someone else who is a great player. I can't wait to see them play."

In addition to Rodriguez and Harper, OSU has young players with game experience in Mason Cobb, Kamryn Farrar, Na'Drian Dizadare and Jeff Roberson. JUCO product Lamont Bishop is now a year into the program and freshmen Nickolas Martin and Donovan Stephens join the fold to provide more depth.

"Mason Cobb and Lamont Bishop have really both stepped up," Knowles said. "In the spring and these practices, I've seen a lot from both those guys. Kamryn Farrar is quick and explosive. I've been really impressed with the next group."

Players Mentioned

Lamont Bishop

Calvin Bundage

Mason Cobb

Na'Drian Dizadare

Kamryn Farrar

Devin Harper

Nick Martin

Amen Ogbongbemiga

Jeff Roberson

Malcolm Rodriguez

Donovan Stephens

Oklahoma State University Athletics