STILLWATER — Oklahoma State linebacker Justin Phillips recorded 10 tackles as a true freshman in the Cowboys’ 2014 Bedlam upset in Norman.
One season later, he was relegated to the bench as a redshirt when OSU rolled to 10-straight victories.
“That was really tough,” Phillips said. “Especially sitting in the stands, watching all the big plays happen. I wanted to be a part of it.”
But Phillips understood the value of sitting out after the coaching staff sat him down for an explanation before the season began.
“We felt like we would cheat him from total reps last year based on our depth,” coach Mike Gundy said.