MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Oklahoma State will have to find a replacement for middle linebacker Justin Phillips, the team's leading tackler last season
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State has only one starting spot to fill at linebacker, but it's a big one. Middle linebacker Justin Phillips was the team's leading tackler with 98 tackles, 71 of them unassisted. He was tied for second with 11 tackles for loss, to go with two sacks, three pass breakups and five quarterback hurries. But the Cowboys have some experienced players ready for the opportunity. As OSU nears the start of spring practice on March 11, The Oklahoman is examining each position group, this time focusing on linebackers. Scholarship players lost: Justin Phillips, Patrick Macon Key players returning: Calvin Bundage, Sr., Kevin Henry, RSr., Phillip Redwine-Bryant, RSr., Devin Harper, RJr., Amen Ogbongbemiga, RJr., Blake Barron, RFr. Newcomers: Na'Drian Dizadare*, Fr., Kamryn Farrar, Fr. *-Enrolled for spring Here are three storylines to watch: Filling Phillips' void Phillips was a regular in the lineup for more than two years, and a veteran voice in the middle of the defense. Not too flashy, but a hard worker and strong leader. Some of those qualities will be hard to replace, but the talent pool isn't depleted. Ogbongbemiga was Phillips' primary backup last season. Henry came on strong late in the year, gaining more playing time — including a start in the Liberty Bowl — at outside linebacker. Harper mostly played outside as well, but either of them could make the move inside. Harper and Henry each were used as a third linebacker in passing situations behind a three-man line to get some extra speed on the field, so all of the candidates to replace Phillips have a good among of on-field experience in defensive coordinator Jim Knowles' system. Bundage's ups and downs From his outside linebacker position, Bundage is one of the team's most dynamic playmakers, but his aggressive, hair-onfire style occasionally led to him getting out of position or getting flagged for major penalties. And those things led to some time watching from the sidelines. He also battled injuries, missing a couple games, including the Liberty Bowl. Knowles doesn't like the idea of trying to harness Bundage's emotional, attacking nature. But Bundage will need to work to avoid big penalties and negative plays. Building depth While the Cowboys have an experienced group of players to fill out the two-deep, the position gets very young after that, with no sophomores and three freshmen on scholarship. Only two of them — redshirt freshman Blake Barron, who tore his ACL during preseason practice last year, and early enrollee Na'Drian Dizadare — are on campus for spring ball. Redwine-Bryant, a walk-on who has developed into a valuable asset, particularly on special teams, helps the depth issue, but the Cowboys need to do some work toward the future with young players in the spring.