Jul 14, 2021
The Texas Longhorns will return to Austin to face the Oklahoma State Cowboys following a tough matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners in Dallas.
The Cowboys, who are coming off of an 8-3 record under head coach Mike Gundy, finished third in the Big 12 last season and are looking to take the next step in 2021
Defensively, Oklahoma State will feature one of the most experienced units in the Big 12, led by eight returning starters
Last season, the Red Raiders ranked 34th in the country in scoring defense (23.5 ppg), 44th in the country in total defense (379 ypg), 58thth in the country in rush defense (187.3 ypg), and 47th in the country in pass defense (218.9 ypg).
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defensive players who I think could have similar breakouts.
Let’s hop to it.
1. Collin Clay, DE: Only days after tearing his ACL in fall training camp, Collin Clay, an Arkansas transfer, finally got word that his eligibility waiver to play immediately in 2020 had been NCAA-approved. It was a legit bummer for a guy I’d slotted as a starter on the front line of OSU’s defense. But the breakout is indeed coming. With a fully healed ACL, an offseason of preparation and some training by none other than Rob Glass, he’s a guy whose future I think Pokes fans should be thrilled about. Havoc-wreaker who can get after the QB but also stuff the run. Dynamic weapon.
The Cowboys’ secondary got even deeper Friday.
Former Wake Forest safety Trey Rucker announced his commitment to Oklahoma State out of the transfer portal. Rucker just finished his sophomore season with the Demon Deacons. In 17 games played in two seasons, he had 84 tackles, two tackles for loss and two interceptions.
Rucker started nine games at Wake Forest as a true freshman in 2019. He played in just five games in 2020 while battling a foot injury.
Originally from Oakton, Virginia, Rucker was a three-star recruit in the 2019 class. He chose Wake Forest over offers from Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Maryland, Purdue and others.