Hambright could fill big need on O-line

B O U LDER» Colorado is adding some depth and experience to its offensive line.

Arlington Hambright, a graduate transfer from Oklahoma State, announced Monday on Twitter that he will play for the Buffaloes this season.

“I will be spending my last year in Boulder, Colorado playing in the Pac12 under some GREAT coaches and for a amazing University. Now let’s get to work!” Hambright tweeted.

Listed at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds on Oklahoma State’s official site, Hambright has one season to play and could step into a starting role immediately with the Buffaloes.

At Oklahoma State last season, Hambright started the first five games at left tackle before missing the final seven games of the regular season with an ankle injury. The Cowboys averaged 44.4 points and 545.0 yards per game with him in the lineup. He returned for the Liberty Bowl, splitting time at left tackle during OSU’s 38-33 win against Missouri.

Hambright grew up in Ypsilanti, Mich., and played defensive end at Belleville High School. He also played basketball.

After high school, Hambright played two years at Garden City (Kan.) Community College. As a freshman, he started the first two games at defensive line before moving to offensive tackle. Garden City’s defensive coordinator that year was Brian Michalowski, who was officially announced as CU’s new outside linebackers coach on Monday.

The connection with Michalowski, who was originally hired by CU last month, played a role in Hambright’s decision to transfer to CU, according to a source.

Hambright played tackle at Garden City in 2016, helping the Broncbusters to the NJCAA national title.

In 2017, Hambright transferred to Oklahoma State and redshirted before earning the starting job in preseason camp last fall. After he won the job, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy told The Oklahoman: “Very athletic. He came in and paid his dues here. Worked hard. (Strength coach Rob) Glass and the strength staff were fantastic with him. When we brought him in here, this was all new to him. Since then, he’s done very well. The strength staff has got him up and moving.”

The Oklahoman reported that Hambright was expected to compete with junior Dylan Galloway for the starting job at left tackle next season at Oklahoma State.

At CU, Hambright could fill an immediate need as a starting tackle. The Buffs return sophomore William Sherman, who started the final nine games at left tackle, but have very little experience at tackle. True sophomore Frank Fillip, who started two games at right tackle, is the only other player on the official roster with starting experience at tackle.