Position Preview: Safety

April 25, 2024 | Cowboy Football

OSU's safeties make up the largest position group on defense, with more than 20 listed on the spring roster.

Kendal Daniels and Trey Rucker return after starting every game last season, as well as Cameron Epps, Lyrik Rawls and Dylan Smith, who split time starting at the third safety spot.

That group holds 56 career FBS starts between them and is backed up by a group that includes OSU letterwinners Ty Williams, Raymond Gay II, Garrick Martin and Parker Robertson, who was voted a season team captain by his teammates.

Kam Franklin is also back after playing in four regular season games and two postseason games as a redshirt in 2023, and the Cowboys added Kobe Hylton from UTEP who just earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors in back-to-back years.

Tywon Wray Jr. is back after taking a redshirt his first year on campus and freshmen Landyn Cleveland, Willie Nelson and David Kabongo arrived early this spring.

Six walk-ons provide additional depth to the group.