Oklahoma State’s group of linebackers lost a team leader in Chad Whitener from last season, and on top of that, the defense as a whole had to adjust to Jim Knowles’ 4-2-5 system.
It wasn’t a terrible year for the group, as the unit’s starters led the team in tackles, but there is definitely room for improvement considering the Cowboys defense gave up the third-most yards per game in the conference. Here are my season grades for the Cowboy linebackers.
Tackling: B+
Justin Phillips is a guy who isn’t too flashy, but was a solid tackler for the Cowboys all season.