Knowles’ defensive scheme could lead to role changes

STILLWATER — Oklahoma State went through a unique process in recruiting defensive players for the 2018 class.

Twelve defensive players signed letters of intent on Dec. 20, while Glenn Spencer was still the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.

The final two players committed after Spencer had been fired, but before Jim Knowles had been hired to take the position.

So OSU now has 14 defensive signees among the 25 players in the 2018 class, but some of them could be viewed a little differently by Knowles than they were by Spencer.

Knowles’ base defense is a 4-2-5, which isn’t a huge shift from Spencer’s 4-3.

But there are some subtle differences, as well as some changes in schematic preference that the Cowboys will see.

Spencer used the “Star” outside linebacker, which was a linebacker/safety hybrid position manned by the likes of Calvin Bundage and Kenneth EdisonMcGruder last season.

The hybrid role in Knowles’ defense is in the secondary. The fifth defensive back, which he calls the “Strike” position, is closer to a third cornerback who helps cover inside receivers, but also has safety responsibilities.

So a player like linebacker/safety prospect Kolby Peel, who is part of the 2018 class, or an established player like Bundage, could be headed to the secondary rather than the linebacker position.

OSU’s cornerbacks will be in for a different approach as well. Knowles likes to use a lot of man coverage, moving his cornerbacks up tight on the line of scrimmage.

In December, Mike Gundy expressed his desire to have more 190- to 200pound players on the field who could cover and help against the run, which led to the Cowboys signing either seven or eight defensive backs, depending on which group the 6-foot, 210-pound Peel ends up in.

While the secondary depth will rely heavily on that group of signees, the linebacker depth gets a boost from condensing from three positions to two — even if a player like Bundage moves to safety.

On the defensive line, Knowles likes to use four down linemen, but will switch to a three-man front or let one of his defensive ends stand up to mix up the look.

According to his former players, one of Knowles’ strengths is disguising his coverage and blitz schemes, and he puts a lot of confidence in his players to use their natural aggressiveness.

Versatility is important to Knowles as well, which gives a current player like Trey Carter or an incoming prospect like Amadou Fofana — both of whom have played defensive tackle and end in their careers — a little extra value up front.

Knowles only arrived in Stillwater earlier this week, so he still has a lot to learn about his personnel and how he wants to use them before the team hits the field for spring practice in late March.