OSU offensive line has experience and youth
STILLWATER — Four starters return, but that doesn't mean everything will be the same on the Oklahoma State offensive line.
A new coach, Charlie Dickey, could bring some new schemes and a new philosophy to the Cowboys' offensive front.
Dickey and the Cowboys will get to be on the field together for the first time when spring practice opens March 11. Until then, The Oklahoman will examine each of the Cowboys' position groups, this time taking a look at the offensive line.
Scholarship players lost: Larry Williams, Deionte Noel, Shane Richards, Arlington Hambright
Key players returning: Johnny Wilson, RSr., Marcus Keyes, RSr., Teven Jenkins, RJr., Dylan Galloway, RJr., Matt Kegel, RJr., Ry Schneider, RJr., Hunter Anthony, RFr., Tyrese Williams, RFr., Hunter Woodard, RFr., Jacob Farrell, RFr., Bryce Bray, RFr. Newcomers (none enrolled for
spring): Joe Michalski, Fr., Taylor Miterko, Fr., Cole Birmingham, Fr., Preston Wilson, Fr.
Three storylines to watch
Adapting to new coach
Dickey has been in Stillwater for a few weeks getting to know his new players, and spring ball will be his chance to finally see them on the field.
No two coaches are the same, so the players will have to learn Dickey's practice and teaching methods. Eventually, they'll get into any changes he will make in the blocking schemes, but that'll be later down the line.
For now, spring ball will be about getting to know each other, and Dickey learning the skillsets of his new troops.
One spot to fill
Based on the way things ended last year under former offensive line coach Josh Henson, the Cowboys have four returning starters, with Wilson at center, Keyes at left guard, Galloway at left tackle and Jenkins at right tackle.
Dickey could make some moves among that group, as well as their backups to find the best fits.
If the right guard position is the one that needs to be filled, it could be a tight competition.
Schneider played well at center last year while Wilson was injured, and Woodard is a highly regarded young player.
Young players waiting their turn
The lasting legacy of Henson's two-year stint is likely to be his recruiting, replenishing the depleted group with young talent in position have an impact for the next few years.
With the move of Larry Joubert to a Cowboy back position, OSU has 14 offensive linemen on scholarship and nine of them will be either redshirt or true freshmen in the fall.
Many of the five redshirt freshmen — Anthony, Bray, Farrell, Williams and Woodard — will find their way into the two-deep this spring, and on into the fall.