Spring Football: OSU Returns a Lot of Talent, Production at Linebacker

The Cowboys’ linebacker group lost a productive starter but returns pretty much everyone else and could even get some help from a bonafide playmaker elsewhere on the defense.

As we but a bow on OSU’s spring practice, let’s turn our attention to the linebacker group.

Don’t forget to check out our previous previews: QB | RB | WR | TE | OL | DL

Who’s Back

The Cowboys return some star power in Nick Martin and Collin Oliver. Martin led the Big 12 with 140 tackles last year and tied for second in the league with 16 tackles for loss. Martin also tied for the team lead of six sacks with Oliver, who transitioned to the linebacker group from defensive end last year. Although he will apparently get more time on the edge this fall, Oliver is still considered an LB according to the roster.

OSU will be without Xavier Benson who left with 37 career starts, but there is a cast of potential replacements starting with Justin Wright, who started 32 games for Tulsa and who would have factored more heavily in last year if he weren’t sidelined due to injury. Other potential rotation players include Jeff Roberson, Gabe Brown and Poasa Utu.

Who’s New

Just like Colin Oliver could see time on the edge, another versatile defender could also move around. Earlier this spring, Mike Gundy alluded to safety Kendal Daniels getting some reps closer to the line of scrimmage after beefing up to nearly 240 pounds.

Also, Temerrick Johnson came in as an early enrollee out of high school.

Number That Matters: 3×100

Nick Martin’s 140 tackles last year were the most by a Cowboy since 1984. With safeties Kendal Daniels and Trey Rucker, OSU is the only Power Five team returning three triple-digit tacklers.

LB Outlook

With all that potential movement, i.e. Oliver and Daniels, don’t be surprised to see the Pokes’ front seven as a pretty fluid group this fall — which should make things that much harder for opposing offenses and staffs.

The Cowboys return plenty of star power and depth in the middle of their defense. But their versatility and skill all around the defense could make for a fun, if not an overall more effective, unit with the LBs being the anchor.

Spring LB Depth Chart Prediction

This is a bit of a guesstimation and will be subject to change, especially with the Cowboys expected to employ multiple packages up front and move players between traditional position groups.

LB1: Collin Oliver
LB1: Nick Martin
LB1: Justin Wright

LB2: Jeff Roberson
LB2: Gabe Brown
LB2: Kendal Daniels