Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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Mason, OSU look to build on last season's defensive success OSU defensive coordinator Derek Mason approaches his first fall with his new team.
gonna see. It was more about me learning what to do than Ivan White these guys having to adjust to my scheme.” Staff Reporter The most significant loss for the Cowboys from last season is linebacker Malcolm OSU’s defense emerged Rodriguez. In his final season as one of the best in the nation at OSU, Rodriguez led the in 2021 and hopes to replicate team in tackles, tackles for loss some of that success in the and fumbles forced. upcoming season. Along with filling RodriThis season’s defense guez’s shoes, OSU will have to will look much different than replace last season’s production the last after losing seven start- from other notable departures, ers and defensive coordinator such as Kolby Harvell-Peel, Jim Knowles. Even with those who led the team in intercepdepartures, the Cowboys, led tions, and Devin Harper, the by new defensive coordinator team’s second-leading tackler. Derek Mason, look to build on As those departures and that foundation in 2022. others present challenges for “I like exactly what the Cowboys, Mason is eager coach Knowles has done,” Ma- to see how his team makes up son said. “What we’ve tried to for the lost production. do is add elements that I think “It’s hard to replace some fit where we are and what we’re of the production from a year
ago, but it’s sort of like ‘Moneyball’,” Mason said. “It’s not replacing Rodriguez or (Devin Harper), it’s the idea of replacing the production, and you do it with numbers.” Without many key pieces from last season, the returning players will be looked upon to become leaders and further expand their games. While expectations are high and plenty of spots are up for grabs, the importance of continuity cannot be understated as the Cowboys bring back their top two leaders in sacks from 2021, Brock Martin and Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, Collin Oliver. Oliver led the team in sacks and set OSU’s freshman record with 11 1/2, his most memorable clinching OSU’s first Bedlam victory since 2014, while Martin finished
right behind him with nine sacks of his own. With many players expecting to see more reps in both games and practice this season, it is understood that there may be a steep learning curve with the young guys. To combat that, focusing on the basics is more important than it has been in years past. “Every day has got to be about the fundamental things, especially for the first two weeks, that are needed and necessary to carry you through the season,” Mason said. “Because if you get those skill sets, the ability for you to play good football, and just tweak and adjust what you do by personnel, shows up every week. The scheme is there, but the fundamentals are essential.” Even with the significant changes in personnel coming
into the season, the Cowboys look ready to pick up where they left off. Mason believes the preparedness is a testament to the culture that head coach Mike Gundy has built and sustained for over a decade. “The culture here is omnipresent,” Mason said. “It’s amazing to see a program, even after 10 or 12 years, still be exactly what it is.” The team’s optimism is unwavering as OSU looks into a season of transformation in 2022. “The elements that I’ve brought, I think, well encompass the talents and skill sets of these guys, so right now, the confidence is uber high,” Mason said.
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