Oklahoma State Linebacker Declares for 2024 NFL Draft
The Oklahoma State Cowboys' defense was led by Bryan Nardo who spent his first season in Stillwater this past season. Just like the entire team, the first few games were shaky. Missed tackles and a few blown coverages were the story of the defensive mishaps.
However, when the offense began to click, the defense began to do its job incredibly well, too, coming away with some huge stops along the season. Nardo's 3-3-5 defensive scheme allowed for the linebackers to be huge playmakers, and the entire linebacker room had an incredible season.
Collin Oliver and Nick Martin were two of them continually being recognized, but Xavier Benson was impactful as well, and he's now heading to the NFL as he's entering the 2024 NFL Draft.
"This journey and process has been an absolutely beautiful one. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. From me starting at Texas Tech then taking time off to focus on my mental health, then coming back to only having a season at JTC to being fortunate enough to be able to spend my last two seasons as a Cowboy has truly been an honor and blessing," Benson wrote on social media.
Benson tallied 65 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks this season for the Cowboys. He appeared in 27 games over the past two years for the Cowboys, totaling 141 tackles.
"I shouldn't even be here but by his grace and mercy and his path he was writing and chosen for me I was able to prevail through even the darkest of storms. Thankful for all the people I've connected with the beautiful souls I was blessed to be able to get close to and grow with, the coaches that fought for me truly and honor to be able to represent them," Benson said.
What Bruce Buffer say “It’s Timmeee” 🫡 pic.twitter.com/nFSNayaZwZ
— Xavier Benson (@Zayyy_Benson) January 1, 2024
It'll be interesting to see what team takes a shot on Benson and in what round of the draft. He grew tremendously as a leader while in Stillwater and helped the Cowboys put together an incredibly special 2023 campaign after a rough stint in 2022.
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Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's On SI in 2022