Oklahoma State University Athletics
Spring Preview: Linebackers
April 05, 2022 | Cowboy Football
With spring football practice underway at Oklahoma State, okstate.com is taking a look at the status of every position group to break down the personnel and how things look heading into the 2022 season. Next up, the Cowboy linebackers:
OSU will have to replace both starters after the loss of All-American and four-year starter Malcolm Rodriguez, as well as honorable-mention All-Big 12 honoree Devin Harper. Each of them were voted team captains last season and played 59 or more games in their careers.
Junior Mason Cobb is lone returner linebacker who has started a game for the Cowboys. With 19 career games played, he has experience on defense and special teams and could look to play a bigger role in 2022.
The most experienced player on the unit, however, is now JUCO transfer Xavier Benson, who arrived early to go through spring practice. Benson started his career at Texas Tech before heading to Tyler J.C. He played in 13 FBS games with 10 starts in Lubbock, and then led the NJCAA with 120 tackles in 12 games last season to bring his career collegiate games total to 25.
Lamont Bishop, Kamryn Farrar, Na'Drian Dizadare and Jeff Roberson also have in-game experience, and Nickolas Martin and Donovan Stephens are coming of a redshirt last season. Freshman Gabe Brown has enrolled early for the spring, and five walk-ons will provide further depth.
