100 Days of Summer: Get to Know No. 82 Cole Walterscheid

We’ve already made it to Day 82. As the summer rolls on, let’s do the same and look at a story of hard work, genetics and seized opportunity by one of the stalwarts of Oklahoma State’s defensive line in defensive end Cole Walterscheid.

How he got to OSU

The three-star defensive end from Muenster, Texas went with the only Power 5 school to offer him a scholarship. At that time he was 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and lanky.

“If he turned sideways you couldn’t see him,” Gundy said. “He’s got a big dad – tall dad. Mom’s pretty good size for a female. So we were hoping he would grow into this.”

This is still my favorite recruiting tip and an all-time Gundyism. Luckily for OSU, Joe Bob Clements is keen to Gundy’s hypotheses. Apparently, we all should be. In his first year in Stillwater, Walterscheid went from a 210 pounds to 242. Now, heading into his redshirt junior year, he’s listed at 260 thanks to Rob Glass and some late-night trips to the drive-thru.

What he’s done in Stillwater

After injury limited him to spot duty as a redshirt freshman, Walterscheid took a starting spot in the wake of Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean’s departure — and in lieu of an injured Jordan Brailford.

Walterscheid burst onto the scene in Week 3 against Pittsburgh. The sophomore recorded four tackles — all for a loss — and sacked Nathan Peterman twice in just the third start of his career.

Walterscheid started all 13 games at defensive end and tallied 28 tackles which was second only to Vincent Taylor among linemen. He added 5.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, five QB hurries and a forced fumble.

Role in 2017

Walterscheid will compete for starting reps again with Jarrell Owens and Jordan Brailford who should be healthy by fall camp. We can also include Tralund Webber and Vili Leveni in a lethal three-deep end group. Any and all of these guys should make an impact.

Noteworthy stats and highlights

The Pitt game was his best from a numbers standpoint. Also recorded a career-high seven tackles against Oklahoma.