Fall Camp Update: Where Is OSU With Defensive Line Depth?

Berry Tramel wrote a good piece in the Oklahoman today about how it’s a strange world to live in where Oklahoma State has legitimate defensive line depth. This is true, but it’s also been sort of true for the last few years. I remember writing for let’s say the past three that 1998 me would have his jaw drop at some of the defensive tackles OSU has these days.

I’ve written about how I think the defensive end position could be an issue, but what I’m starting to realize is that the defensive tackle might make up for that and depth might cover up a multitude of inexperience.

“[The defensive end position has] got to sort itself out,” said defensive line coach Joe Bob Clements on Tuesday. “We’ve got a lot of guys competing right now. Probably five guys stand out right now, between Trey Carter, Jarrell Owens, Jordan Brailford, Cole Walterscheid and Tralund Webber so it’s got to sort itself out. There are some guys to choose from, but we’re going to need some guys to step up to help us win on Saturdays.”

It’s nice to have options though, and OSU will seemingly roll deep at the DE slots. And like I said, the interior on defense is going to be the stronghold anyway.

“I think Vincent’s doing a good job of being a leader for us,” added Clements. “I think (Motekai) Maile is doing a good job. Leadership is two-fold. You’ve got to lead from the front, and you’ve also got to lead from behind. We’ve got to get some young guys to do that also.”

Mike Gundy also mentioned the defensive tackles last week at fan appreciation day.

“Well, they work together, along with the linebackers,” said Gundy. “They’re all kind of running the same role. Fortunately, this year, we’re legitimately two deep at the tackle spot where we feel like we can roll those guys in. That’s a nice addition for us, something we haven’t had the last several years. Between those inside players and the backers, hopefully they can help us bring those ends along.

“I think Joe Bob (Clements) has done a really good job recruiting, and he’s evaluated. Rob Glass has developed players, and we’ve had some good luck in keeping them around … We should have a pretty good run for quite a while. We have some younger guys that may not show it this year, but can play. I think it’s just based on being able to identify the players that come into the program that we can develop and them staying with us.”

So the future looks good, but so does the present at defensive tackle. Taylor is obviously a freak. Vili Leveni is back. DeQuinton Osborne will help. We will look more closely at this position in the coming weeks, but for now I’m pretty encouraged.

“We could be [deeper on defense this year],” said Gundy. “We need to develop another corner to make me feel a little better, but in the front seven, we have guys that by midseason could give us quality playing time in conference play. We have key positions that we need players to stay healthy, like always, but if we’re fortunate we could be deeper on defense by midseason.”