Thursday paper

Battling the band Thursday, December 9, 2021

2020 COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS

1984) 1985) 2001)

Courtesy of National Football Foundation

band member countless times.

“At that point in time, I decided that for me to be better, I need to figure out what is the best way for me to play,” O’Neal said.

The quirky practice technique Dean Ruhl paid off for O’Neal. He finished the game with 20 tackles. The Cowboys Sports Editor ended up losing to the Huskers 14-10, but O’Neal had a career game, kickLeslie O’Neal didn’t expect to starting an OSU career full of accopractice against someone in the band. lades.

On a brisk October afternoon, His play against Nebraska O’Neal, then an Oklahoma State earned him Big 8 Defensive Player defensive tackle, lined up against a of the Week and is just a fragment of 300-pound band member in preparaO’Neal’s decorated collegiate career, tion for the Cowboys’ game against which was enshrined in the College No. 1 Nebraska later that week.

Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

How then coach Jimmy Johnson For O’Neal, who went on to had found the mammoth of a man is accrue six Pro Bowl appearances and unknown, but O’Neal spent the week an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year getting acquainted with the unique award, the Hall of Fame honor shows teammate. By the time Saturday arthe hard work paid off. rived, and O’Neal had crashed into the “It makes you feel good that

Lomas Brown - OT, Florida (1981Keith Byars - RB, Ohio State (1982Eric Crouch - QB, Nebraska (1998-

Eric Dickerson - RB, Southern Methodist (1979-1982) Glenn Dorsey - DT, LSU (2004-2007) John Elliott - OT, Michigan (19841987) Jason Hanson - PK, Washington State (1988-1991) E.J. Henderson - LB, Maryland (19992002) E.J. Junior - DE, Alabama (1977-1980) Steve McNair - QB, Alcorn State (19911994) Cade McNown - QB, UCLA (19951998) Leslie O’Neal - DT, Oklahoma State (1982-1985)

you made the right choices, that you played hard and people respected you,” O’Neal said.

O’Neal is a member of the hall’s 2020 class but wasn’t celebrated until this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

His induction makes him the sixth OSU representative in the College Hall of Fame. He joins coach Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf (1966), Bob Fenimore (1972), Barry Sanders (2003), Thurman Thomas (2008), Jimmy Johnson (2012) and now O’Neal (2020).

O’Neal said he arrived in Stillwater because they gave him a chance to play. An Arkansas native, O’Neal traveled across the border to play for an all-star staff at OSU. Johnson.

Butch Davis. Dave Wannstedt. Houston Nutt. George Walstad.

“They had a phenomenal staff,” O’Neal said.

After originally arriving as a tight end, O’Neal transitioned to defensive end, and soon defensive tackle at OSU. He was awarded First Team AllAmerican status in 1984, followed by an unanimous All-American selection in 1985.

O’Neal accumulated 34 sacks during his time at OSU, a school record still standing despite O’Neal not playing for the Cowboys in 36 years.

He also anchored an OSU defense which allowed only 34 touchdowns during the 1984 and 1985 seasons, the lowest mark in school history.

He was drafted No. 8 overall in the 1986 NFL draft, playing 13 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.

Who’s next sports.ed@ocolly.com

Off-the-cuff possibilities for OSU’s next defensive coordinator Todd Orlando, USC defensive coordinator The coach who hired Orlando is gone, and the new coach brought his own staff. Orlando has had strong defenses and could Chris Becker be looking for a new job.

Assistant Gary Patterson, Sports Editor former TCU head coach A defensive guru who doesn’t have a new Jim Knowles is out. job. Patterson and Gundy Coach Mike Gundy are good friends. It’s a is now tasked with not long shot, but it’s not imonly preparing for the Fi- possible. esta Bowl but also searchElijah Robinson, ing for a new defensive Texas A&M defensive coordinator. line coach Here’s an off-theRobinson has cuff look at some potential coached in the Big 12 becandidates. fore and is a rising star on Staying in house the Aggie coaching staff.

Joe Bob Clements, He’s turned down NFL opOSU defensive line coach portunities in the past, but Clements is a solid defensive coordinator jobs candidate for the job. He have weight. knows the system and has Travaris Robinson, been with OSU for nine Miami defensive backs years. OSU’s defensive coach line was one of the best in With Manny Diaz the country in 2021. out at Miami and a new Garry Gibbs- OSU regime coming in, Robindefensive analyst son could be on the move.

Gibbs has a high He’s a Florida guy and a level pedigree in coaching strong, young recruiter including head coaching who could help OSU tap experience. The strong into a talented Florida defensive mind raises just circuit. one question, would he do it?

Power Five options See Next on 8

Chris Becker

Page 2 Thursday, December 9, 2021

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sports

Get to know the Fighting Irish

Five key aspects of Notre Dame’s game

via Twitter (@NDFootball)

Kyren Williams also has 42 catches to his name, which is tied for second for most on the team. Coan’s conservative play style is good for avoiding turnovers, and tiring defenses with long drives down the field.

Coan is also the prototypical Gabriel Trevino pocket passer. Coan lacks the ability Staff Reporter to scramble and create plays himself.

Under pressure, Coan often is forced to Oklahoma State and Notre Dame throw off his back foot, which can result are scheduled to face off for the first in bad passes and interceptions. Without time in history. the playmaking ability himself, Coan Since the two teams have never opts for his playmakers in the flats. squared off on the gridiron before, OSU Jack and the front fans may not be familiar with Notre The Notre Dame defense, under Dame’s style of football. former defensive coordinator and curHere are five concepts of Notre rent head coach Marcus Freeman, is Dame, which has brought them to be characterized by a three-man front, and the No. 5 ranked team this season.

“Jack” linebacker Isaiah Foskey.

Check down to be safe The Jack linebacker in most 3-4 Irish quarterback Jack Coan is the defenses typically rushes off the edge, stereotypical game manager. Coan does who also occasionally drops back into not often go deep on passes outside the coverage, similar to former Texas linenumbers, instead often opting for his backer Joseph Ossai. Foskey, in the Jack tight end Michael Mayer. role, is the team’s leader in sacks, with Mayer is the leading pass catcher 10 off the edge, and tackles for loss with for Notre Dame, with 64, acting as the more than eight. safety blanket for Coan. Running back The three-man front, highlighted

by seniors Jayson Ademilola and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa, is a top 30 run defense in the country.

In the box With the talented defensive line in front of them, linebackers JD Bertrand, Drew White, and Jack Kiser have an easy job. Bertrand leads the team in tackles by a large margin, with 93, and Kiser is fluid in pass coverage.

Pound the rock Notre Dame is notorious for producing offensive line talent. Former Irish offensive linemen have become top picks and stars in the NFL. Notre Dame lost a few players to the NFL draft last season, but the 2021 starters have not lost pace.

With the talent in the trenches, Notre Dame is a zone running team, and creates gaps for Williams. Williams was the 2020 ACC Freshman of the Year, and has continued his success into the 2021 season. Williams is averaging nearly five yards per carry, 14 rushing touchdowns, and more than 1,000 yards on the ground.

Notre Dame also likes to confuse the defense with pre-snap motion before

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handing the ball off, then using play action to keep the defense on its toes.

Expect Williams to be a focal part of the Irish offense in Glendale, Arizona.

A section all to himself Safety Kyle Hamilton is one of the most talented players in college football, on either side of the ball. If Hamilton chooses to play in the bowl game, instead of preparing early for the NFL draft where he will likely be a top pick, Hamilton will be making plays all over the field.

Hamilton is a 6-foot-4 safety with wild sideline-to-sideline speed which he uses to get interceptions or track down ball carriers and make tackles. Hamilton is also a strong and efficient tackler, being placed in the box and near the line of scrimmage frequently.

Although Hamilton’s status for the bowl game is uncertain, as he has dealt with an injury this season, and may optout of the game entirely, but if Hamilton is on the field, he will likely cause problems for the Cowboy offense. sports.ed@ocolly.com

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Thursday, December 9, 2021 Page 3

News

An inside look at Elf the Musical

Abby Cage

Dru Norton Staff Reporter

“I think I really relate to Buddy’s boyish charisma, and the fact that we both have this well-intentioned goofball personality, with a big heart, but also Buddy the Elf helps spread the sometimes don’t always make the situamagic of Christmas in Stillwater Town tion better,” Park said. and Gown’s Theatre production of “Elf Park said he has been a fan of the the Musical.” movie since he was a child, and did not Based on the 2003 Christmas expect to land the role of Buddy. Sydclassic “Elf” starring Will Ferrell, ney Weiser who plays Jovie, Buddy’s reZooey Deschanel, and James Caan, “Elf luctant love interest, prematurely broke the Musical” directed by Anna Davis, the news that Park had gotten the part. follows the story of Buddy the Elf as he “When I auditioned, I didn’t renavigates his way through New York ally think I would get it,” Parks said.

City, in search of his birth father.

“Then later, Sydney texted me that I got Adam Park, a sophomore theatre the part and I immediately ran out of major, plays the lead role of Buddy the my room, told everyone in the common Elf. This is his third show at Town and area and texted a bunch of people, and Gown Theatre. then 5 minutes later she texted me, ‘The “I’ve been doing theatre since cast list hasn’t come up yet, so don’t tell high school, and I’ve fallen in love with people until then,’ and I was like, ‘Got it ever since,” Park said. it.’ It was a very surreal experience to Park embodies Buddy’s giddy be casted.” charm and captures the naiveness of In the end, Buddy helps his newly an oversized human elf attempting to found family and friends uncover the maneuver his way in a city severely true meaning of Christmas: Togetherlacking Christmas spirit. ness.

OSU alumna Andrea Maciula-Peters plays multiple roles throughout the musical. However, her most prominent role is Deb, the cheery, tap-dancing secretary of workaholic Walter Hobbs, Buddy’s father, played by John Mark Day. Her two children, Ainsley and George, join her on stage as elves.

Maciula-Peters has participated in 12 productions at Town and Gown Theatre. When she’s not on stage, she works as a local real estate agent and property manager.

“Since I was a child, music and theatre have been a passion in my life that brings me joy,” Maciula-Peters said. “I’m honored to be a part of this play and have my children join me, it’s great to have a happy distraction to do together.”

Rehearsals took place in October and November, and the first show was Dec. 1. The rehearsals were strenuous at times, but always rewarding, MarciulaPeters said.

“When you have such a large cast of all different ages you can’t please

everyone, but in the end everyone’s efforts showed and we have a great show,” Marciula-Peters said. “I’m very proud of the kids for their patience and dedication.”

Marciula-Peters encourages the support of community theatre.

“If you want to get involved in the arts, do it,” Marciula-Peters said. “Even if you don’t want to act or sing, you can help your local theatre by volunteering your time to help with cleaning, sets, props. It’s a great way to make friends, connect with amazing humans and give back to the community.”

Elf the Musical is showing tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 at Town and Gown Community Theatre. Shows are currently sold out but there is a waitlist available at www. townandgowntheatre.thundertix.com/ events/189372. Masks will be required for tonight’s performance and are encouraged for all other show times. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Kranitz, Wallace, inducted into Cowboy Hall of Fame

File Photo

Daniel Allen Staff Reporter

40-22 and 33-19 and reeled in a Big 8 Conference tournament championship. Kranitz was a The next two Cow- right-handed pitcher who boy Hall of Fame induct- amassed a 19-6 overall ees have been announced. record at Oklahoma State Former Oklahoma and a 3.41 ERA. State baseball players Kranitz was seRick Kranitz and Don lected in the fourth round Wallace have been chosen of the 1979 MLB draft by as the next editions of the Milwaukee Brewers, Oklahoma State’s Cowbut never made it to the boy Baseball Hall of majors, ending his proFame. fessional playing career Kranitz played at following the conclusion Oklahoma State for two of the 1985 season. years (1978-1979) after He currently serves transferring from Yavapai as the pitching coach for College in Prescott, the Atlanta Braves and Arizona, playing under has done so since the Cowboy baseball coach 2019 season. In his tenure Gary Ward. with the Braves, Kranitz In his two years at has helped the team reach OSU, the Cowboys went three postseason appear-

ances with three divisional championships and a World Series victory this past season (2021).

Don Wallace was a shortstop during his time at Oklahoma State, playing on two College World Series teams in 1960 and 1961. Wallace was named an All-American in both the 1961 and 1962 seasons, producing a team high .343 batting average in 1962.

Wallace signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1962, eventually making his way to the California Angels in 1967, playing a total of 23 MLB games.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

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News

Thursday, December 9, 2021 Page 5

Lights on the Lake Stephen Stumpf Staff Reporter

One of the largest displays in Stillwater this year is located in the east side park of Lake McMurtry.

For a $6 entry fee per vehicle, Oklahoma State students and Stillwater residents will be able to drive around the east side of the park and gaze at the holiday displays that dot the landscape.

The lights will only be open to observation on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for the next two weekends, with Sunday, Dec. 19 being the last chance to visit the display. The display will be open to the public from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

The 2020 holiday season was the inaugural year for Lights on the Lake. Cristy Morrison, the President and CEO of Visit Stillwater, said the display has grown for the 2021 season.

“The talented staff, under the direction of director Jill vanEgmond, are very creative and have expanded upon the decorations they created last year,” Morrison said. “So, even if you attended last year, you can expect even more light displays this year.”

Morrison said the revenue from visitors will benefit Lake McMurtry friends, a nonprofit corporation.

As visitors come to the lake, it has the potential to benefit the Stillwater community as a whole.

“Holiday events and attractions provide more opportunities for residents to remain in Stillwater over the holidays to do their shopping and to motivate visitors to make the drive to our community,” Morrison said.

“Chances are pretty good visitors will stop for a meal, do some shopping, and possibly even spend the night. Those sales tax dollars are imperative to the operations of the City of Stillwater.”

“Lights on the Lake is the beginning of a great family tradition that we can expect to grow annually,” Morrison said. news.ed@ocolly.com

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Lifestyle

10 new holiday specials to watch this month Neal Justin Star Tribune

George Bailey and the “Peanuts” gang make great holiday guests. But their behavior can get a bit predictable.

Just once, I’d like to see Linus Van Pelt shake things up by reciting from the Gospel According to Kanye West. I’d never suggest abandoning old friends but you might want to consider also inviting these newer treats into your home: “Santa Inc.”: This eight-part series uses the same stop-motion animation approach we loved in such Rankin/ Bass classics as “Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer.” But the language has more in common with “South Park.”

Sarah Silverman voices the elf who will do just about anything to become the first female Santa Claus. Earning a spot on the naughty list has rarely been this much fun. HBO Max “A Boy Called Christmas”: There have been a lot of stories about the origins of Santa Claus, but few are as enchanting as this one that plays out like a holiday version of “The Princess Bride.” Kids and parents will love it.

Netflix “Robin Robin”: The studio behind “Wallace & Gromit” offers this short and sweet tale about a bird that dreams about being a mouse. Gillian Anderson proves to be just as menacing as the voice of a hungry cat as she was playing Margaret Thatcher in “The Crown.”

Netflix “Carol of the Bells”: Every episode of “Ted Lasso” delivers its fair share of goodwill but this special Christmas edition from the second season is extra optimistic. Watching Rebecca skip an Elton John bash to hand out gifts and Higgins throw the ultimate house party will cure any holiday blues. Apple TV+ “Baking It”: Andy Samberg and Maya Rudolph host this spinoff of “Making It” in which contestants show off mouthwatering cookies, cupcakes and other sinful treats. It’s not quite as charming as the original but the former “SNL” cast members manage to have a jolly good time. Peacock “8-Bit Christmas”: Fans of “A Christmas Story” will get a kick out of this tale about an ‘80s kid who dreams about getting a Nintendo set. His parents worry that video games will do more damage than shooting his eye out.

Minnesotan Steve Zahn, playing the exasperated father, takes extra joy in making Wisconsin jokes. HBO Max “Happiest Season”: This film actually came out last year but it’s charming enough to deserve another push. Kristen Stewart plays a woman who bonds with her future in-laws during the holidays. One tiny problem: Their daughter hasn’t told them she’s gay. Hulu “Hot Mess Holiday”: You expect saris and Bollywood dancing in a film that revolves around Diwali. Instead the references to raunchy sex parties and a jewel heist shatter most of those stereotypes. Kal Penn and Lilly Singh are among the high-profile Desis making cameos. 7 p.m. ET Dec. 11, Comedy Central “Mariah’s Christmas: The Magic Continues”: Mariah Carey has one of the bestselling holiday songs of all time — and one of the kookiest holiday specials. Let’s hope this sequel to her 2020 TV offering will be just as magi-

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

cal. Apple TV+ “Home Sweet Home Alone”: The beloved franchise marches on, this time with a rascally British kid and a few cameos from “SNL” veterans. Our abandoned “hero” goes up against a fi-

Courtesy of Tribune News Service

nancially strapped couple who are way too sweet to be subjected to the little monster’s abuse. Disney+ entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

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Thursday, December 9, 2021 Page 7

Classifieds

FOR RELEASE DECEMBER 9, 2021

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Guttural interruption 5 Hook or Kirk: Abbr.

9 Logician’s “E” 13 Rope fiber 15 Confidently say 16 Earned 17 Vintage hue on a photo app 18 Digital media brand 19 Plains people 20 Often euphemistic words for lacking employment 23 __-pitch softball 25 I-5 state 26 Liberia neighbor 27 Manhattan attraction 31 Petri dish gels 32 Former Romanian president 36 Buster Brown’s dog 37 Flat sign 39 Alternatively 41 Mosaic piece 43 Pricing word that rhymes with its opposite 44 Rounding third base after starting at second, say 47 Axis foes 51 Guffaw sound 52 Cue preceder?

53 Just plain folks 57 Cream additive 58 It may be wild 59 Union station?

62 Midday refreshers 63 Inland Asian sea 64 Hospital cry 65 “Time spent with __ is never wasted”: Colette 66 P.D. ranks 67 Thai money

12/9/21

By Dan Margolis

7 Short dog, for short 8 1969 film remade in 2010 with Jeff Bridges in John Wayne’s role 9 Smiley face with hearts for eyes, e.g.

10 Betray 11 Sun-dried brick 12 Thompson of “Westworld” 14 Hercules’ dozen 21 Historic time 22 Zap 23 Shoo relative 24 Kosher 28 “__ chic!”

29 Dish from which paella evolved 30 Sierra Nevada, e.g.

33 Genesis son 34 The “her” in DOWN Shakespeare’s 1 Jenny’s offspring “Age cannot 2 Hustle, quaintly wither her, nor 3 Threat to national custom stale security / Her infinite 4 Water __ variety” 35 “I can help” 5 “Breaking Bad” bad guys 37 Buzz-creating 6 Swear promo

Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved

©2021 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

38 The NBA’s Magic 40 Duel tool 42 Kid-lit poet Silverstein 43 Iraqi neighbor 45 Slangy alternative to walking 46 Swiss river 47 Range name 48 New Hampshire state flower

12/9/21

49 Parkinson’s treatment 50 Latin “in other words” 54 Suffix for the rich 55 Future doc’s exam 56 Black card, maybe 60 Bat wood 61 No longer working: Abbr.

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (12/09/21). Creativity energizes this year. Maintain open communication channels for maximum benefit. Discovering your own power this winter energizes your springtime health, work and fitness. Processing changes over a slow, quiet summer motivates renewed purpose and vision next autumn. Talk about solutions, possibilities and potential.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Focus on keeping existing commitments. Privacy suits your mood. Review priorities and revise plans. Avoid controversy, chaos or noise. All is not as it appears.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — Slow to reconsider a team challenge.

A formidable barrier blocks the path. You can see what’s missing. Work with someone who sees your blind spot.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — A professional test requires steady attention. Gentle pressure works better than force. Slow to consider options. Coordinate plans and schedule for later action.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 7 — Revise your itinerary and schedule around delays or roadblocks. Study alternate options. Don’t try to force a closed door. Wait for better conditions to advance.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Collaborate to manage a shared expense. Discuss dreams and practical ambitions. Find solutions around a shortfall.

Get privately productive and hit your marks.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Reconsider tactics. Don’t push your partner beyond their limitations. Listen for what’s wanted and needed. Provide support. Imagine perfection and connect the pieces.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Prioritize your health. Slow to avoid accidents. Your workload could seem intense. Don’t overextend. You can’t do everything. Breathe deeply. Take a refreshing pause.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — Relax and have fun. Avoid risk or expense, and take it easy. Stay flexible around unexpected delays or complications.

Enjoy simple pleasures. Focus on love.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 7 — Household projects provide satisfying results, after making a mess first. Don’t force something that’s stuck, or risk breakage. Clean and make repairs. Increase family comforts.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Connect with your networks for ideas around an obstacle. Don’t get pushy. Wait for better conditions to advance or launch. Do the background preparation.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Stick to the budget. A financial obstacle or delay could alter your plans. Old assumptions get challenged. Don’t lose focus. Persistence pays off.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Pamper yourself. Prioritize rest and recuperation. Don’t accept new challenges yet. Take a moment to reassess. Consider personal dreams and objectives. Follow your heart.

Level 1

2

3

4

12/9/21

Solution to Wednesday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk

© 2021 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

Page 8 Thursday, December 9, 2021

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sports Next...

climbed the coaching ranks. Wright’s defensive line emphasis in his coaching would be a strong suit for the Cowboys who have one of the best rushing defenses in the country.

Continued from 1 FCS options Matt Entz- North Dakota State Group of Five options defensive coordinator John Rudzinski, Air Force deNorth Dakota State is an FCS fensive coordinator powerhouse, and has been for years.

Rudzinski would be hard to pry Entz’s defense allowed less than 12 out of Colorado Springs but making points per game in 2021. He’s a strong a move to the Power Five could speak coordinator who could make a leap to volumes. His Air Force defense has the big leagues. been near the top echelon of the counCorey Hetherman, James Maditry in the past two seasons. son defensive coordinator Chad Staggs, Coastal Carolina Hetherman’s defense led the FCS defensive coordinator in total defense in 2021. He’s another Coastal Carolina has been able to young rising star in the coaching circuit sustain success under Staggs since he and could be a dark horse in the OSU took over in 2019. He followed coach search.

Jamey Chadwell to CCU, but he could Keith Patterson, Abilene Chrisbe a target to join Gundy in Stillwater. tian head coach Scott Symons, Liberty defensive Patterson, an Oklahoma native, coordinator played at Eastern Oklahoma. He’s been Symons is a bright up-andcoaching since 1986 and a defensive cocoming coordinator that has brought ordinator since 2006. Patterson was just Liberty’s defense to a new level. Gundy named head coach at Abilene Christian hasn’t been shy of hiring relatively after being at Texas Tech. unknown coordinators, Symons could be the next.

Rod Wright, UTSA co- defensive coordinator Wright is a former All-American defensive lineman at Texas who has sports.ed@ocolly.com

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