Big 12 Football: 50 best players of all-time

Big 12 Football best players of all-time: 42. Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State football

While the University of Oklahoma seems to get the majority of the love when it comes to offensive linemen, the Oklahoma State Cowboys have had their share of success stories as well. One of the best was offensive tackle Russell Okung who parlayed four seasons with Mike Gundy’s team into a strong NFL career that’s still going.

Okung was taken sixth overall in 2010 by the Seattle Seahawks and was a part of their run to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons. He has one ring and was a huge part of clearing holes for Marshawn Lynch while he was in his ultimate ‘Beast Mode’ form. He’s since played for the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and now the Carolina Panthers. But before those days, he was a Cowboy in Stillwater.

As a true freshman, Okung started eight games at right tackle and made it to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team. He moved to the left side after that and continued to rack up the honors as he was a two-time First-Team All-American (in 2008 and 2009). He also played well enough in his final season to lock up the Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year Award.

During that season, he was praised for his performance against Von Miller of Texas A&M. Miller was one of the more dominant pass rushers in the nation — and continued to be dominant in the NFL — but Okung kept him at bay all game.