100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 68 Deionte Noel

We are closing in on two months away from the Cowboys’ season opener. I can smell the tailgate smokers already. Let’s continue our countdown with an offensive linemen who hopes to find a fresh start in 2017.

How he got to OSU

The Steele High School (Cibolo, Tex.) product had originally accepted a scholarship offer from Texas Tech where his former high school coach was a staff member. But roughly one week before Signing Day, Tech reneged, advising the three-star offensive guard that they wanted him to “grayshirt” instead. A change that would push him back to a spring enrollment and delay the beginning of his eligibility.

When Glenn Spencer caught wind of the situation he made a phone call to Noel and offered him a chance to “blueshirt.” Yep, another shirt. Basically, this allowed Noel to join the program as a walk-on for the summer and then to go on-scholarship in the fall and become eligible immediately.

What he’s done in Stillwater

There appears to have been a learning curve for the nimble 300-pounder who had just switched to the offensive side of the ball his senior year of high school. After a redshirt year (yeah, that’s three shirts), Noel appeared in only the Kansas game as a freshman and then just once as a sophomore, against Southeastern Louisiana.

Role in 2017

Now at 325 pounds, and well-versed in the Cowboys’ system, it’s time for Noel to make his mark. The redshirt junior could take advantage of another first-year offensive line coach in Josh Henson and the probable clean slate the transition affords. If he’s going to break through, now would be the time. And his size and reported athleticism is something you can never have too much of.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

Was listed as the No. 56 offensive guard in the nation by ESPN after just one season on offense. Earned all-district honors his junior and senior seasons.