OSU Preview Defensive Line

Originally Published: Aug 27, 2010 7:55 PM CDTIn the world of college football, defensive tackles are like gold....hard to find and good to invest in. The Cowboys

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 1:25 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Aug 27, 2010 7:55 PM CDT

In the world of college football, defensive tackles are like gold....hard to find and good to invest in. The Cowboys are no exception. Chris Donaldson and Shane Jarka move in as starters who got a good deal of experience last season and have contiunued to get bigger and better in the offseason.  Jarka has gained about 50 pounds since he arrived on campus at 235.  Donaldson had two sacks in the Cowboys first preseason scrimmage. Behind them, its inexperience and potential.  Nigel Nicholas is the most experienced of the second-line players.  Davidell Collins has impressed in preseason camp, but at 255 pounds is a bit small.  And converted tight end Cooper Bassett provides depth. The defensive end spot is a bit more stable and experienced.  Ugo Chinasa, who led the Cowboys in sacks with 6.5 last season and is on the Lombardi Award watch list will man one edge.  The other side will be anchored by Richetti Jones and Jamie Blatnick.  Jones arrived in Stillwater as one of the most heralded recruits in OSU history in the class of 2007.  But he also arrived with a lingering hip injury and is just now beginning to reach his potential with the hip fully healthy.  Blatnick was written in as a starter, but an off-the-field incident brought felony charges that have since been reduced to misdemeanor.  Blatnick has only started practicing with teammates in the last 10 days.  Darius Hart will provide depth at defensive end. The Cowboys are like most other teams in the Big 12 along the defensive line.  Solid with front-line players, but always looking for a few good men. Next up:  Linebackers.