STILLWATER — This time last year, Glenn Spencer surveyed the Oklahoma State practice field with concern.
At one of his most important positions — star linebacker: a run-stuffing, drop-back defender hybrid — OSU’s defensive coordinator had just one player. Redshirt sophomore Seth Jacobs.
“He went the full day, didn’t come off the field,” Spencer recalled. “We’re sitting there going, alright, we’ve got to be careful here. We’re trying to develop toughness in every one of them, but there comes a point where you have to be smart.”
That delicate balance continued throughout the 2014 season for the Cowboy linebacker corps.