Spring Preview: Versatility of Safeties Allows Different Looks on Defense

Spring practice is a time for trying things out. With most position groups, we’re looking for which freshmen can make a play and give us a first glimpse of their potential for the future.

But with the safety position in 2017, it’s all about familiar faces learning new roles.

As part of the Cowboys’ apparent transition (at least part-time) to a three-down front, Ramon Richards, the only cornerback on the roster with any starting experience, has been effectively moved to safety. Safety Kenneth Edison-McGruder has moved to linebacker.

Mike Gundy explained the move during this spring press conference on Monday.

“A lot of (the move) has to do with that 3-down, 4-down (linemen) concept we’re going to now,” Gundy said. “Having that guy that can play both, if you really have one of those guys, then they’re potentially a high-round pick because they’re skilled.”

So not only does Glenn Spencer lose the leading tackler of Mike Gundy’s tenure in safety Jordan Sterns, he’ll be working in a new scheme which necessitates the position shuffling.

Spencer acknowledged the difficulty of learning multiple systems — and the need.

“Part of out learning process this spring is going to be how much can we have in our toolbox to be effective on Saturdays, without doing too much,” said Spencer.

Tre Flowers is back for his senior season and is the Cowboys active leading tackler. Flowers and Ramon would be tabbed as the starters. Jerel Morrow is also a senior and figures to start when the Cowboys use that 3-3-5 formation.

After those three you have three redshirt sophomores — Za’Carrius Green, Winston Westbrooks and Philip Redwine-Bryant — and true sophomore walk-on Chance Cook. Of course, all are seeing action this spring and will get a chance to show out in the Spring Game on April 15.

In the fall, Spencer will also have true freshmen Malcolm Rodriguez, Kris McCune and Tre Sterling at his disposal. All three are 3-star recruits. All could play given OSU’s relative lack of depth at the position.

With all the changes expected on defense, Spencer, now in his 10th spring camp in Stillwater and fifth as defensive coordinator, understands what spring ball is – practice and exhibition.

“That’s the good thing about spring ball,” said Spencer. “Nobody’s keeping score. If we had to line up tomorrow, I don’t know what we would do. It probably wouldn’t be this.”

Luckily, Glenn Spencer and his staff have six months to figure it out.