Poll Recap: Fans Think Tre Flowers Has Been the Defense’s Best

We talk a lot about the offense this year, and deservedly so. We rave about just how good Mason Rudolph is. We debate who the best wide receiver is.

While that’s all well and good, some guys on defense have been making a name for themselves as well. That was the topic of this week’s poll. Which defensive player has been the MVP on that side of that ball so far this season?

Who has been the defensive MVP for #okstate through the first five games?

— Pistols Firing (@pistolsguys) October 3, 2017

Out of the 881 that voted (that’s it?) 344 voted for senior safety Tre Flowers followed by 308 for senior defensive tackle DeQuinton Osborne.

It’s not surprising to see Tre Flowers finished first. Coming into the season he was the Cowboy with the best chance to get drafted into the NFL. Through five games he hasn’t disappointed. Flowers is tied for lead in total tackles (25), is third in solo tackles (18), is tied for the lead in interceptions (2), and leads the team in pass break-ups (5). He’s easily been the best player in the secondary.

Osborne has been solid as well with 15 total tackles including a team-leading six TFLs and a team-leading three sacks.

Of the three, Justin Phillips deserved a lot more recognition for what he’s done. Through five games he’s fourth on the team in total tackles (21), and tied for the lead in interceptions (2), but also has two TFLs, and a pass break-up. He’s scored two TDs, too.

All that being said, I agree with a lot of the people in the comments section:

“I put Chad Whitener ahead of all of these. Not that these are not good choices but if we lose Chad, were in serious trouble on the defensive side.” -Steve Seeger

“Where’s the write in space. Whitener needs a space.”  -kspokesfan

“I go with Whitener, he’s been the QB of the defense and is typically around the ball in the middle of the action.” – Keith Watts

Chad Whitener is, for the second season in a row, the most underrated player on the defense. The senior linebacker has been all over the place this year just like he was in 2016. He’s tied for the lead in total tackles (25), second in solo tackles (20), has three quarterback hurries, and 1.5 TFLs.

The point is, despite the record being 4-1, there are a number of guys on this defense playing really well that deserve recognition.