Trey Carter Making the Switch to Defensive Tackle

Over the last couple of years, Oklahoma State has enjoyed its deepest group of defensive linemen since Mike Gundy took the reins twelve years ago.

Credit Joe Bob Clements’ proven recruiting acumen and Mike Gundy’s foresight a few years ago when he decided to designate extra scholarships for a Cowboy defense that, like most in the Big 12, can never have enough depth.

“Last year, we were fortunate to play two groups up front and stay fresh,” said Gundy. “I think we’re going to have that luxury (this year), knock on wood. If (Jordan) Brailford continues to progress and stay healthy, he could be quite an impact player for us on the pass rush. When we can keep a group of four fresh, we’re going to be a much better team. That was something we lacked here for a number of years.”

The return of Brailford at the end spot along with the loss of tackles Vincent Taylor and Mote Maile provided an opportunity for a little shuffling in the trenches.

Redshirt junior Trey Carter who started spring camp with the defensive end designation will move inside to add depth at the tackle position.

“He’s done great,” said Gundy. “We were just talking about him in the locker room. We talked about Ateman, and Trey is another success story. He was a late qualifier and came in here. We’ve essentially become his family away from home and he’s put all of his money into it, his pride into it and his time into it. He’s done very well. He’s done well in class and is buying in. The team really likes him. He’s got a great sense of humor and he’s really fun to be around.”

But it’s not his sense of humor that allows for the move inside. It’s the hard work his head coach mentioned and the fact that Carter has added nearly 40 pounds since arriving on campus three years ago. Entering spring at 295, he outweighed the rest of the edge rushers on the team.

“When I got to 290, they were like, ‘OK you’re putting on a lot of weight.’,” said Carter. “A defensive end I think typically weighs anywhere from 245 all the way to 275. Other than that, it was really just because I put on a lot of weight.”

The extra weight was not just a belated “freshman 15.” Carter credits the gain to healthy eating, hard work and, of course, strength and training guru, Rob Glass. Combine those factors and his body “just decided to grow.”

Carter followed a redshirt freshman year where he appeared in just one game by contributing regularly on defense and in special teams in 2016. His breakout performance in the Alamo Bowl saw him terrorize Colorado’s O-line with a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Carter heading into this spring with high hopes but defensive end is one of the deepest positions on the roster. With Brailford returning from injury to compete with 2016 starters Cole Walterscheid and Jarrell Owens, and with Tralund Webber coming off a huge year, Carter and the coaching staff saw an opportunity on the inside.

Tackle depth is not exactly an issue. There are several guys ready to vie for a starting spot. Darrion Daniels is a stud who has seen meaningful reps since day one. DeQuinton Osborne provided a boost last season after transferring in and Vili Leveni is hopefully finally healthy. The Cowboys also welcome Michigan State-transfer Enoch Smith Jr. to the fold.

Once again, the defensive line should be the strength of Oklahoma State’s defense. And it’s because of guys like Carter that OSU has been able to lose NFL talent from their D-line year after year without skipping a beat up.