Oklahoma State University Athletics
Photo by: OSU Athletics
Position Preview: Linebackers
April 18, 2024 | Cowboy Football
All-America candidate Nick Martin returns to lead OSU's defense after a breakout year in his first season as a starter led to first team All-Big 12 honors. Martin finished No. 6 in the FBS with 140 tackles to mark the most for a Cowboy since 1984 and he was No. 3 in the FBS with 83 solo stops. Collin Oliver also returns after earning All-Big 12 honors for a third straight season and ranking No. 3 in the FBS with four forced fumbles in 2023.
OSU did lose a multiple-year starter in Xavier Benson, but several experienced candidates are expected to compete for the open spot. The first name to know is Justin Wright, who returns for a seventh season of college football and a second at Oklahoma State after missing all but two games to injury last season. He came to OSU after a five-year career at Tulsa that included multiple All-AAC honors. Jeff Roberson, Gabe Brown, Donovan Stephens and Poasa Utu have also seen playing time and will compete for more. Ike Esonwune also returns after taking a redshirt last season and Temerrick Johnson arrived early out of high school for spring practice.
OSU did lose a multiple-year starter in Xavier Benson, but several experienced candidates are expected to compete for the open spot. The first name to know is Justin Wright, who returns for a seventh season of college football and a second at Oklahoma State after missing all but two games to injury last season. He came to OSU after a five-year career at Tulsa that included multiple All-AAC honors. Jeff Roberson, Gabe Brown, Donovan Stephens and Poasa Utu have also seen playing time and will compete for more. Ike Esonwune also returns after taking a redshirt last season and Temerrick Johnson arrived early out of high school for spring practice.
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