Notebook: New Leaders, DB-Centric DC, Gordon Stands Out to Asi

STILLWATER — The Cowboys strapped pads on for the first time this spring.

Oklahoma State is in the midst of its spring camp and turned things up a bit Monday. Here are some takeaways from player interviews after the first day of full pads.

DB-Centric DC

The Cowboys’ past few defensive coordinators have specialized in coaching linebackers, but Derek Mason is a little different.

Mason, Oklahoma State’s new defensive coordinator, spent his time as a defensive position coach coaching defensive backs. He coached DBs at Bucknell, the Minnesota Vikings and at Stanford. Jim Knowles and Glenn Spencer, OSU’s previous defensive coordinators, doubled as linebackers coaches on the OSU staff.

“It’s like a different mindset,” junior corner Korie Black said last week. “It’s the same mindset, but it’s different with him because he brings the energy. Coach Mason Brings the energy, that DB mentality, that killer instinct. I like it.”

It’s not that Mason spends his practice time solely watching over the corners and safeties. Tim Duffie and Dan Hammerschmidt have that covered. OSU coach Mike Gundy referred to Mason and Knowles as “walk-around coordinators.” Despite holding the linebacker coach title last season, Knowles wasn’t the full-time position coach. Gundy said Koy McFarland, who left with Knowles to Ohio State, spent most of the time coaching the linebackers.

“Coach Mason kind of walks around the same way as Coach Knowles did,” senior safety Jason Taylor said. “He’s in our rooms a lot more, so it’s a little different. I think I like it.”

Taylor, Cassity Adjusting to Life as the Old Guy

Jason Taylor and Braden Cassity will have new roles in 2022 as elder statesmen of their position groups.

Taylor is the lone remaining starter in the Cowboys’ defensive backfield after Kolby Harvell-Peel, Tre Sterling, Tanner McCalister, Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Christian Holmes have all moved on. Taylor is one of three redshirt senior defensive backs on OSU’s spring roster, but he is the only one with starting experience.

“It’s a little weird,” Taylor said. “Before the Pro Day, all of the guys, Devin (Harper), all those guys, came in here messing with me, telling me, ‘Vet, look at the vet.’ It’s great.”

With Austin Jarrard in the transfer portal, there are four Cowboy Backs taking part in OSU’s spring practices: Cassity, redshirt sophomore Quinton Stewart, redshirt freshman Luke McEndoo and true freshman Tabry Shettron.

Cassity gained experience last season as Logan Carter dealt with a back injury. Cassity was primarily used as a blocker, but he did have five catches for 66 yards. He is the only Cowboy Back on OSU’s roster with a college catch.

“It is weird being the old guy,” Cassity said. “Coming on Year 5, Season 5, I feel like I just got here the other day. Started out as a D end and here we are, about to be five years deep. … I feel like the leadership role is definitely starting to pick up more. I’m not a super vocal guy, unless I need to be, and I’m trying to become more of a vocal guy this year, encouraging more guys, meeting with the younger guys if they need to learn something, things like that.”

Ollie Gordon Stands Out to Sione Asi

It’s not too often a defensive lineman points to a running back as a young guy who has stood out after the first day of full pads.

Super senior defensive tackle Sione Asi singled out early enrollee freshman Ollie Gordon after Monday’s practice as a guy he was impressed with. Listed at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds, Gordon came to OSU as a highly touted four-star prospect, turning down a late Texas offer to join the Pokes.

Gordon ran for 5,240 yards and 74 touchdowns in his three seasons of high school football. With OSU losing Jaylen Warren, LD Brown and Dezmon Jackson from last season’s roster, Gordon see some action early in his college career.

“That running back, Ollie Gordon, he’s impressed me, too,” Asi said. “He’s pretty good for how young he is, his little one-cut moves that he’s got going. I’m sure he’ll get better as the time goes on. When we first got out here, he was moving like he’s been out here for a couple years. I was impressed by him.”