STILLWATER — When he left Arizona State for Oklahoma State via the transfer portal last winter, Isaia Glass knew he was signing up for stout competition.
The Cowboys were returning seven offensive linemen with starting experience , plus an emerging group of young blockers looking for their opportunity to break through.
Yet Glass, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound redshirt junior, took his chances anyway.
Whether he’ll break into the starting lineup by September is yet to be seen, but he has been a perfect fit with the Cowboys this spring.
“That guy’s a great dude,” super-senior guard Preston Wilson said. “I enjoy having Isaia on our team. He comes to our Bible study, he loves being part of our team. He’s funny, a good dude to be around, works really hard.
“Obviously when he came in, from the beginning we could tell he was big, he was strong, he was athletic, and then he fit right in. We’re excited to see what he’s gonna be able to do for us and contribute.”
Glass started 15 games over the past two seasons at Arizona State, including three last season before suffering a season-ending injury. Now, he’s putting his skills up against a group of linemen with five super-seniors who have spent their entire careers at OSU, plus two prior transfers who have been regulars in the starting lineup since arriving.
“I think he looked at it with a good attitude, because he’s in a good position now,” Wilson said. “I’m sure it can be intimidating coming into a program with a bunch of guys who have played, but he’s done a great job. He’s all bought in.”
Here’s a look at the offensive line position this spring:
More: Why Ollie Gordon II is excited about future of Oklahoma State football's offensive line
Season rewind
While consistency wasn’t always at its peak last season, some key statistics tell the full story of OSU’s offensive line.
Running back Ollie Gordon II led the nation in rushing with 1,732 yards and won the Doak Walker Award, which he couldn’t have done without holes to run through. And the Cowboys finished tied for seventh in fewest sacks allowed, meaning the line kept quarterback Alan Bowman upright to make more plays.
Injuries hit at times, and some players fought through pain, which has resulted in a few guys missing spring ball because of offseason surgeries. But overall, the group was effective in a year when it needed to show progress.
Roster management
Who’s out: None
Who’s in: Isaia Glass, RJr.
Arriving in June: Caleb Hackleman, Fr.; Chauncey Johnson, Fr.; Nuku Mafi, Fr.
The take
OSU coach Mike Gundy said the offensive line might be the deepest he’s had since the days when Zac Robinson was quarterbacking the Cowboys in the 2007-09 era.
“I think we can be like that group,” Gundy said. “We have four guys who can play two positions, and then we have three guys who can play center and guard, so we’re in a pretty good spot right now.”
Not only do they have bodies to work with, they have experience and age, neither of which can be ignored. The seven returning players with starting experience have an average age over 23 years old, and that doesn’t include Glass, who is a fourth-year junior with 21 games played in his career.
Dalton Cooper proved himself as a strong left tackle after making the jump from Texas State, and right tackle Jake Springfield is a former walk-on who quickly earned a scholarship and has started games each of the previous four years.
On the interior, guys like Joe Michalski, Jason Brooks, Preston Wilson, Cole Birmingham and Taylor Miterko have been frequently used, and many of them can move outside if needed.
Adding Glass, plus the emerging young players like Austin Kawecki, Noah McKinney, Jack Endean and JaKobe Sanders, the depth of the group is exciting for Gundy and line coach Charlie Dickey.
Depth chart
The starters
- Dalton Cooper, RSr.*, 6-7, 290
- Jason Brooks, RSr., 6-3, 300
- Joe Michalski, RSr.*, 6-5, 300
- Preston Wilson, RSr.*, 6-4, 290
- Jake Springfield, RSr.*, 6-6, 320
The reserves
- Cole Birmingham, RSr.*, 6-5, 330
- Taylor Miterko, RSr.*, 6-6, 280
- Isaia Glass, RJr., 6-4, 305
- Austin Kawecki, RSo., 6-4, 290
- Davis Dotson, RSo., 6-6, 305
- Noah McKinney RSo., 6-5, 320
- Calvin Harvey, RSo., 6-9, 345
- Jarrett Henry, RSo., 6-5, 310
- JaKobe Sanders, RFr., 6-2, 325
- Jack Endean, RFr., 6-5, 290
- Jamison Mejia, RFr., 6-4, 280
- Gage Stanaland, RFr., 6-4, 300
*Super-senior
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: How new Oklahoma State offensive lineman Isaia Glass has blended in with veteran teammates
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