Oklahoma State positions primed to have co-starters in 2012

The running back duo of Joseph Randle and Jeremy Smith is Oklahoma State’s prime example of a 1A and 1B combo. But that’s not the only position where the Cowboys are likely to, essentially, have co-starters in 2012.

Sure, one guy will technically top the depth chart and the other will be the backup. Both will see an almost equal amount of playing time, however, and who starts could depend on who had the better week of practice, the specific offensive play called or one player’s strengths in a certain defensive package.

Things can change during a long season, of course. But here’s a breakdown of the Cowboys’ other 1A/1B tandems heading into the season.

Defensive end: Cooper Bassett and Nigel Nicholas

This is the only starting position that has the infamous “or” on the preseason depth chart. Call these guys the Cowboys’ utility players. Bassett has played tight end, defensive tackle and defensive end at OSU, while Nicholas began his career as an undersized tackle before moving back out to his natural position of end this spring.

Strong safety: Lavocheya Cooper and Shamiel Gary

This position battle was detailed in my story for Monday’s paper. Not only will Cooper and Gary both play about 60 snaps per game, they’ll often be on the field at the same time.