How Depth at Defensive Tackle Will Benefit Young Defensive Ends

Oklahoma State will be breaking in two new starters on the ends of the defense to start this season, with both redshirt sophomores Jordan Brailford and Jarrell Owens listed as the No. 1’s in the latest depth chart.

And on the two deep, there are no returning players at defensive end who boast starting experience with Cole Walterscheid and Trey Carter, two redshirt sophomores, behind them.

With all the youth at defensive end, Oklahoma State has plans to free up their guys on the edge by stuffing the middle. The defensive tackle position is arguably the deepest of the bunch, with starting experience and talent not in short supply.

“We have a lot of people stepping up, especially on the interior of the D-line,” Brailford said recently. “We have some legitimate pass rushers on the inside this year, so I think that’s really going to help us out on the edge this year.”

The two starters from a year ago at defensive tackle started all 13 games in 2015. The experience and quality depth on the interior of the line should allow for fresh bodies to stay in the rotation, and force opposing lines to pay more attention in the middle — opening things up on the outside for the youngsters.

The anchor of the position who burst onto the scene last year, Vincent Taylor, appears hungry and ready for the challenge to embrace his new role as what will likely be the focal point of the Ogbah treatment, likely getting more attention and drawing double teams in certain situations.

“Me and Motekiai (Maile) are the ones with the most experience,” Vincent Taylor said. “We started all 13 games last year. Now that Emmanuel Ogbah and Jimmy Bean are both gone, it’s my time to kind of step up as a leader and show the young guys the ropes.”