Mike Gundy and Oklahoma State football are hoping to get back on track in 2019 and it starts this spring. Who could break out for the Cowboys?
One year after Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State couldn’t quite remain a contender in the Big 12. In fact, the Cowboys finished 7-6 on the year even though the offense was still elite, ranking 13th in scoring while averaging about 500 yards per game.
So what was the issue? Defense.
Oklahoma State ranked 97th in scoring defense and allowed about 453 total yards per game. Not many teams can win even seven games with that kind of porous defense, but the Cowboys took a page right out of their in-state rival Oklahoma’s book — scoring and playing no defense.
The ship needs to be righted this spring and for that to happen, there must be some defensive breakout candidates as well as an adequate replacement for Taylor Cornelius.
Who could break out for the Cowboys this spring?
The defensive line is definitely going to need some breakout candidates because of all the departing pieces such as Cole Walterscheid, Enoch Smith Jr., Trey Carter and Jordan Brailford. It’s almost like a revamp of the unit, but incoming is three-star JUCO transfer Sione Asi.
While you could also put early enrollee true freshman Jayden Jernigan from Allen, Texas, in this spot, Asi has the college experience already, coming in from Snow College in Utah.
Having that extra experience at the next level gives JUCO players a leg up on freshman competition which is why I see Asi having an impact early on. The line needs depth, so don’t sleep on Jernigan and even guys like Brock Martin and Brendon Evers, but Asi is my pick here.
With his 6-foot-1, 302-pound frame and ability to cause havoc on the interior, it wouldn’t surprise me if this kid was running with the ones by the end of spring ball.
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