Mo and Jeray are OSU's weak links no more

By Mike Baldwin

Published: October 12, 2007

Halfway through the season, OSU's defensive tackles arguably are the two most indispensable players on the roster.

Defensive coordinator Tim Beckman grimaced when asked what would happen if Cummings or Chatham were injured.

"I've never been involved where two guys have had to play that much,” Beckman said. "It was the immaturity of that position. I'm proud of them. They've really progressed better than what we probably expected.”

Ideally, Division I-A programs rotate four or five defensive tackles, none playing more than 40 snaps. Cummings and Chatham have averaged more than 60 snaps a game.

Cummings entered the season with just eight career tackles but already has recorded 21 this season, including 4 1/2 tackles for loss. Chatham had only four career tackles but has been solid (13 tackles, 4 1/2 for loss).

"We're getting a tremendous amount out of Mo and Jeray,” said coach Mike Gundy. "I'm very happy with the way they're playing. They're giving us really good effort. I'm proud of the way they're competing, staying in there.”

The position is thin. Tonga Tea, a junior college transfer, is averaging only one tackle a game. Quencey Patrick was contributing before he suffered a minor injury but should be full strength this week.

Jonathan Lewis is playing a little. Shane Jarka, moved from defensive end during fall camp, is still adapting.

"Quencey was playing well, but when a young kid is injured, it takes a little bit longer to get back,” Beckman said. "I told Shane he needed to gain 20 pounds this past summer. He's getting bigger. In fairness to him, it's a new position for him.

"I can see some of those guys coming along to where they can take some stress off Mo and Jeray.”

Some solid skill players remained when Les Miles left for LSU. But the defensive line is one position where the cupboard was bare, an issue that won't be solved for another couple of seasons.

Next year, the Cowboys once again will be forced to play young, inexperienced D-linemen after they lose three senior defensive ends (Nathan Peterson, Marque Fountain and Rod Johnson).

The two leading candidates to start at defensive end in 2008 will be sophomore Derek Burton and redshirt freshman Ugo Chinasa, who battled back from an Achilles injury. Both are playing on a limited basis.

"Burton is the one we feel who can help us right now, and we'll build around next year,” Beckman said. "Ugo has done a good job. It's not easy coming back after tearing your Achilles.”

Highly touted freshman Richetti Jones is redshirting but should develop into a decent pass rusher. Jamie Blatnick is another talented freshman who is redshirting but should contribute next year.

"It will still be a concern for us because of inexperience,” Beckman said. "We'll need to progress at that position probably faster than any other position. We won't have much game experience.”

Chatham will be one of the veterans. He saw almost no action his first two seasons. He watched and learned from former defensive tackles Ryan McBean and Larry Brown, two junior college players who were plugged in to fill a huge void.

"Burton is going to be unbelievable, and some of the other young guys will be really good,” Chatham said. "(McBean and Brown) helped us. They made me a lot better. They showed us what it takes. It's our job to help these young guys come along.”

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