Oklahoma State University Athletics
Birmingham Feeling Comfortable With Move Along the Offensive Line
April 13, 2022 | Cowboy Football
The Cowboys lose two key starters in guard Josh Sills and center Danny Godlevske on the offensive line but return the majority of their starters in 2022, including redshirt junior Cole Birmingham.
Birmingham, who started all 14 games on the offensive line last season, is one of the core members of the unit heading into this season. From Katy, Texas, Birmingham started the 2021 season opener at right guard before moving to left tackle for the remaining 13 games.Â
After stepping up last year, Birmingham will be tasked with a similar role this year as his focus shifts to transitioning back to guard.Â
"I was at left tackle all last season, so I'm moving back into left guard," Birmingham said. "All the aiming points are a bit different for hand placement, so I'm just getting back used to playing guard. That's mainly what I'm focusing on right now."
The only offensive lineman credited by OSU's coaches with more than 1,000 plays on the season, Birmingham had a productive season tallying 21 pancake blocks to tie Josh Sills for the team lead and ranked second with 38 knockdowns. Birmingham looks forward to his move back to guard.Â
"That's where I thought I was going to play coming here," Birmingham said. "I helped the team out by playing left tackle last year, but I'm definitely more comfortable at guard. It's more of my play style."
The opening day starter at right guard in 2020, Birmingham missed the entire season after sustaining an injury in the contest before returning to play in the Cowboys' Cheez-It Bowl victory over Miami.Â
Birmingham believes certain aspects of playing offensive tackle will benefit him at guard.Â
"It's very different, from guard to tackle," Birmingham said. "But some of the guys I went against as tackle, I wouldn't have gotten to go against, so I feel like that experience going against those faster guys will definitely help on the interior."
