Lacy Likes Defensive Line Veterans and Newcomers
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State football had the weekend off after a pair of workouts on Thursday and Friday that were both really designed to extend the team. Between the two days the players, and as head coach Mike Gundy has bragged some, there are three units able to go on both sides of the football split up close to 250 reps of 11-on-11 football. The Cowboys had their first experience of the spring of putting the ball down and just letting both sides play.
One area that handled the workload well was the defensive line. We all know that the line has several key players missing. Defensive ends Trace Ford and Tyren Irby are out for the spring rehabbing ACL surgeries. Brock Martin is back in full pads, but the defensive end is not working full speed as he comes off a shoulder injury. Defensive tackle Collin Clay has also not practiced at all coming off a knee injury. On Friday defensive tackle Brendon Evers was taking it easy as well after being nicked up on Thursday.
Defensive end Tyler Lacy leads a smaller group of returning starters with just him and tackle Israel Antwine. Rotation players like Sione Asi at tackle and Kody Walterscheid are out there and then there are plenty of younger guys getting reps such as Isreal Isuman-Hundley, Xavier Ross, Grant Mahon, Samuela Tuihalamaka. New arrivals like Nathan Latu and freshman Collin Oliver are getting valuable introduction to the defense.
“I feel like I’m doing good on the field. I’m doing better on my pass rush moves,” Lacy said smiling at the thought. “You can see the whole team moving better since the time that we’ve been back out there.”
Lacy has truly become a leader up front on defense and that extends beyond his buoyant personality to his play. Last season he 32 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 4.0 sacks. He will extend those numbers this season as long as he stays healthy. He is a better player. He is also better able to mentor new players such as number 81. Collin Oliver is 6-2 and maybe 230 pounds, but he is showing up and making plays.
“Collin Oliver has been doing an awesome job for us, especially with his pass rush moves,” Lacy said pointing out a newcomer.
This is the final week and Lacy sounds like he is as eager for week five of the spring as he was for week one. Okay, maybe more excited because it is almost over. That means a few weeks of rest and then get ready for a traditional summer strength and conditioning period with Rob Glass and his staff.
“I’m excited to have a spring game and put in some more reps with the guys on the field,” added Lacy. “See which younger guys are doing better and which guys will be playing more this year. It’s an exciting time to be in the spring.”
The Cowboys finish off the spring with practice Tuesday and Thursday and then it’s “open house” on Saturday with the spring game inside Boone Pickens Stadium at noon. Wear a mask, socially distance, and come on as both sides of the stadium will be open, concessions will be open head coach Mike Gundy promises a show.