Oklahoma State 2021 Spring Football Preview: Defensive Line

We put a bow on the Cowboys offense by previewing the offensive line position, so let’s remain in the trenches as we look at the state of OSU’s defensive line at the close of spring practice.

Other Previews: QB | WR | RB | CW | OL

Defensive Ends

Trace Ford, Jr., 6-3, 240
Tyler Lacy, R-Jr., 6-4, 295
Brock Martin, R-Sr., 6-3, 250
Tyren Irby, R-Sr., 6-3, 240
Isreal Isuman-Hundley, R-So., 6-5, 257
Collin Oliver, Fr., 6-2, 225
Kody Waltersheid, R-So., 6-6, 275
Jake Schultz, R-So., 6-3, 230
Ben Kopenski, R-Jr., 6-1, 250
Ryan Baker, R-Fr., 6-3, 235
Gordie Geymuller, Fr., 6-2, 225

Defensive Tackles

Israel Antwine, Sr., 6-3, 310
Collin Clay, R-So., 6-3, 300
Jayden Jernigan, R-So., 6-1, 285
Brendon Evers, R-Sr., 6-2, 295
Sione Asi, R-Sr., 6-1, 320
Samuela Tuihalamaka, R-Jr., 6-1, 304
Marcus Duckworth, R-Fr., 6-1, 295
Xavier Ross, R-So., 6-4, 290
Grant Mahon, R-Fr., 6-4, 275
Ian Marshall, R-Sr., 6-2, 275

On the Way

DE: Nathan Latu (JUCO), 6-4, 230
DT: Aden Kelley, 6-3, 275

Top Storyline: Much-Needed Extra Reps

Injuries to starters have given a lot of younger guys reps at this position group this spring, and that’s a good thing for the Cowboys.

With guys like Trace Ford nursing his ACL injury, guys like early enrollee freshman Collin Oliver are getting extended work. Knowing what depth the Cowboys have will help them for this season and beyond.

“I thought it really hurt our overall development for some of our younger guys,” DL coach Joe Bob Clements said of lack of a spring camp last year. “They didn’t have themselves in position to help us last fall and I think a lot of that can be attributed to the disruption we have with Covid.”

Keep an Eye On: Collin Clay

Someone that should be in the position to help the defense this fall is former Arkansas transfer, and in-state stud, Collin Clay.

One of the most anticipated Cowboy debuts was delayed a year when Clay suffered a season-ending knee injury before he was ever able to see the field.

Clay originally picked Arkansas in the 2019 cycle as the No. 4 prospect from Oklahoma, according to 247’s Composite rankings. No. 5 was his current teammate Trace Ford.

Now Clay is on the practice field and is set to see Boone Pickens Stadium this fall. And with the departure of Cameron Murray, Clay’s ability to step in and contribute in the middle will be even more crucial, and welcomed.

Outlook for 2021

Assuming everyone is ready to go by September, the Cowboys boast a nice mix of depth and playmaking ability up front. With a plethora of linemen with starting experience, you can afford to you can make hockey lineup changes across the the defensive line. And the younger guys that were thrown into the fire last year make for even more depth up front.

With a full spring and offseason and returning depth and star power, OSU should be pretty stout up front in 2021.