Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Knowles a ‘priority’ to keep on staff Chris Becker Assistant Sports Editor
Abby Cage
fourth year at OSU, was named a finalist for the Broyles Award, an award given to the country’s top assistant coaches. He has also transformed the OSU defense in his time with the Cowboys. His defense leads the country in sacks and third in total defense. Making him a priority to remain on staff. “I am fairly certain that he’ll be coaching here next year,” Gundy said. “I don’t know, I mean, the Green Bay Packers may offer him $3 million. I can’t say for sure, but within reason, I’m very, very certain that he’ll be coaching here next year. “If you want to play with the big boys, and that’s your goal and that’s the philosophy of the people in the organization and fans, you got to get into the same boat.”
Coach Mike Gundy plans to keep defensive coordinator Jim Knowles around next season. Knowles has been a name floated around in coaching searches both as a head coach and coordinator. With the coaching carousel beginning to ramp up, Knowles is a top priority for Gundy. “Well, it’s been a priority all year. It’s not a matter of finding a way to keep him, it’s a matter of providing him with something that puts him at a level that he deserves to be at based on his success,” Gundy said. Knowles, in his sports.ed@ocolly.com
Edge rusher Martin confirms return to OSU for 2022 Dean Ruhl Sports Editor
said. “They already told me they want to come back. They love it here.” Martin will account for one of those eight, the other seven still unknown. The defense has been built on a veteran lineup, and Martin’s return will help maintain that presence. Added depth to the edge Freshman defensive end Collin Oliver has amassed 9.5 sacks this season playing behind Martin, as well as 25 tackles. Defensive end Trace Ford, who hasn’t played since the Baylor game in 2020, suffering a torn ACL in both legs, could also be healthy come the start of next season. Martin’s return, added to Ford and Oliver, allow the Cowboys to have three competent starters on roster next season at the edge rusher position. Who could be next to return? Excluding Martin, there are eight other senior starters on the OSU defense. With eligibility muddied by the free year given to athletes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult to rule out names. Linebackers Malcolm Rodriguez and Devin Harper have used their free years, and won’t be able to return. The same is for cornerback Christian Holmes who also used the extra eligibility. Safety Tre Sterling is a name to track to return. Sterling missed the majority of the season after having surgery on his right hand, returning to the Cowboys’ lineup against TCU. He will not only have the free year of eligibility, but could possibly take advantage of a medical redshirt because of his injury.
Brock Martin kept it short and sweet. “Hey BPS, I’ll be seeing you again next year,” Martin wrote on Twitter. On Monday, Martin, Oklahoma State’s defensive end, announced on Twitter he will return to OSU for another season. Martin, a redshirt senior, has made contributions on the Cowboys roster for most of his career, but stepped into the starting role this season with after defensive end Trace Ford suffered a torn ACL prior to the season starting. In 2021, Martin has recorded six sacks, 34 tackles and a forced fumble in 11 games. He suffered a dislocated left elbow against Kansas State, missing one game with the injury. Knowledge of Martin’s plan to return surfaced in October, when Gundy announced it following OSU’s 32-24 win against Texas. “You know, he is coming back next year,” Gundy said in October. “Then he will donate his body to science.” Martin wouldn’t confirm his decision to return in October, waiting until now to make the move official. “He is going to continue on with his Masters degree,” Gundy said. “he is going to come back and be a heck of a leader for us.” What it means for the OSU defense The returners on the defense might not stop at Martin. On Monday, coach Mike Gundy said eight players who could be graduating will be returning to play next season. “Most of the defense is coming back,” Gundy sports.ed@ocolly.com
Abby Cage