Why Oklahoma State nose tackles are encouraged by new coach Paul Randolph's impact
STILLWATER — Justin Kirkland got the first taste of what his new position coach was like one day in the Oklahoma State football facility a couple months ago.
OSU hired Paul Randolph as its new defensive line coach, replacing Greg Richmond in early January.
Shortly after, Kirkland and Randolph crossed paths in the weight room.
“He’s very energetic,” Kirkland said last week, following the Cowboys’ first practice of spring. “He’s not in your face, like a disrespectful way, but like, ‘I want you to do this,’ and it’s very positive. Like, I want to do it for him.
“I think he’s a great D-line coach. He brings the energy. And you’ve got to have that energy on defense to run around and be violent.”
Kirkland and the other defensive linemen seem to be enjoying getting to know Randolph, a veteran coach of 25 years, whose last stop was Indiana.
The 57-year-old Randolph brings a wealth of experience and perhaps some new ideas to OSU’s multiple-front defense.
“I need to get better in film study, just figuring out where’s the running back at, where’s the ball gonna come at, and I think this new four-down front is gonna help with that,” Kirkland said. “We’ll know where the double-teams are coming and all that. Preparing more like a pro.
“I think it frees everybody up. It’s not just me taking double-teams anymore. It’s freeing up Nick Martin to run through gaps. It’s just good for everybody.”
Here’s a look at the nose tackle position for the Cowboys this spring:
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Season rewind
Bryan Nardo’s new defense brought a new position, with the heavy use of a true nose tackle. Collin Clay, who began his career as a defensive end, then moved to defensive tackle in recent years, shifted to the middle, where he was the starter for the first eight games.
The 345-pound Kirkland stepped into the starting role for the final six, after making the jump from Utah Tech.
Together, they combined for 36 tackles, but their value was not measured on a stat sheet. Their primary job was to force double-teams on the interior to open running room for linebackers — particularly Nick Martin, who averaged 10.0 tackles per game behind them.
Roster management
Who’s out: Marcus Duckworth
Who’s in: None
The take
Kirkland and Clay combined for 811 of 991 possible snaps at nose tackle last season, and both were reliable. But this year, they should have some extra depth behind them.
Aden Kelley has added some weight over the last two years, now checking in at 315 pounds, and he should be able to contribute more than the 58 snaps he played last fall. Iman Oates redshirted last season after transferring from junior college, and should be in position to help as well.
While Kirkland didn’t offer any details on the new four-down front he spoke about, it’s possible the nose tackle will spend less time aligned directly over the center, which could impact that player’s ability to get into the backfield.
More: Why did Oklahoma State football's Nick Martin play through arm injury? 'Part of the game'
Depth chart
The starter
Justin Kirkland, Jr., 6-3, 345
The reserves
Collin Clay, RSr.*, 6-4, 330
Iman Oates, RJr., 6-3, 305
Aden Kelley, RJr., 6-3, 315
A.J. Ridener, RSo., 6-1, 320
Jaelen Tucker, RSo., 6-0, 270
*Super-senior
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma State nose tackles encouraged by coach Paul Randolph's impact
