Cal Transfer Cochran Solidifies Mason Rudolph’s Offensive Line

Oklahoma State solved two of its positional problems in the same week with cornerback transfer Adrian Baker from Clemson, which Kyle B. wrote about here, and OL graduate transfer Aaron Cochran from Cal.

The latter is 6’8 and 350 pounds (or slightly larger than Jelani Woods) and will presumably slide in at left tackle to protect QB1 from the things that befall QB1s. Namely large, violent defensive ends and linebackers.

#OKState's projected starting OL with addition of Cochran:
LT Cochran
LG Marcus Keyes
C Brad Lundblade
RG Larry Williams
RT Zachary Crabtree

— Mark Cooper (@mark_cooperjr) April 12, 2017

“He is a big old boy and a really goofy guy, everybody here is going to love him and love his family,” Chad Whitener told Robert Allen of Go Pokes of Cochran. He’s certainly got the “big old boy” part right. Look at this man!

@gopokes422 @pistolsguy this is the offensive lineman from cal transfer. Good lord. pic.twitter.com/CBI1MQ6bvD

— kirk England (@kirkenglandok) April 13, 2017

He was part of some OL success at Cal, too. The Bears were top 20 in sacks allowed last year despite ranking top five in passes attempted.

This provides some much-needed depth for an offensive line, after losing Victor Salako, was looking at a complete re-shuffle. Instead, Oklahoma State will start 2017 in much the same way it ended 2016. In the Alamo Bowl, a large 340+ pound man started at left tackle (check). Marcus Keyes started at left guard (check). Brad Lundblade started at center (check). Zach Crabtree started at right tackle (check). The only difference is that Larry Williams, who missed much of the last regular season with an injury, will presumably be back at right guard (Michael Wilson started the bowl game).

Glad to say that I'll be continuing my collegiate football career at Oklahoma State University! #GoPokes

— Aaron Cochran (@Cochran_Aaron) April 12, 2017

There is depth with Juco transfer Arlington Hambright, Lemaefe Galea’, Shane Richards, Johnny Wilson and Dylan Galloway who could have (and probably would have) played if Cochran had not transferred. Thankfully he did, though, and now OSU is seemingly set at a position that was slightly up in the air.