'This game means everything': For Oklahoma State's in-state defensive linemen, Bedlam rules
STILLWATER — Each time Brendon Evers returns to his home in Bixby, he’s reminded of a bright upbringing in various pictures.
But some photographs are better forgotten. Like the ones of him in crimson and cream.
“That’s terrible,” Evers said Tuesday evening, nearly dropping his head in shame.
The memories sit there in the Evers household reminding the Oklahoma State defensive tackle how things can change.
Evers’ family held season tickets to Sooners games in those days.
They sat in the stands at Boone Pickens Stadium wearing OU gear in 2011 when the Cowboys rolled to a 44-10 victory.
Five years into his college football career, it’s all orange and black in the Evers household.
“I’m eternally grateful I picked this place to call home,” he said. “I hope I’ve been able to add some value to this university like they’ve added value to me.”
The seventh-ranked Cowboys are prepping for their biggest Bedlam in years at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. They have a chance to end the 10th-ranked Sooners’ Big 12 championship dominance and boost their College Football Playoff resume.
And they’ll aim to do it with a defensive front primarily made up of Oklahomans.
Four primary players in the deep defensive front rotation that has been vital to one of the nation’s top defenses grew up in the state watching Bedlam, learning about the great rivalry and its impact.
From Oologah to Bixby to Oklahoma City to Edmond.
“I think we do a great job recruiting in state,” OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “We don’t necessarily go for stats or stars. I think our recruiting office and staff does a great job finding those kids in state who — I don’t want to say overlooked, because they get the chance to go to Oklahoma State — but we don’t look at stars or stats.
“We really get to know the kids and I think that’s a great advantage for us having great football in state.”
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Evers, a Bixby star, has been strong at tackle. So has Israel Antwine, a Colorado transfer from Millwood. Veteran defensive end Brock Martin, a force at Oologah, is a fearless leader. True freshman Collin Oliver, an Edmond Santa Fe product, is the energizer bunny who doesn’t stop going after the quarterback.
And there could be others.
Santa Fe’s Trace Ford was the Cowboys’ most dynamic pass rusher, but he’s missed the entire season with a second torn ACL. Putnam City’s Collin Clay, has also missed the season with a knee injury and been very limited since transferring from Arkansas before last season.
Some were highly recruited. Others, not so much.
OU never offered scholarships to them either.
“They grow up and they recognize Oklahoma State football,” OSU coach Mike Gundy said. “A large majority of them were not recruited, very under-recruited. They come here, it's important to them, they got something to them, they’re humble, they work hard, they’re loyal to the organization and they play good for us.”
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And they all recognize the significance of this week.
Nearly every kid in the state grows up watching the annual Bedlam battles, often choosing a side.
For some, the game becomes real when they actually play in it.
“You come to one of these two schools to play elite football, because these programs are historically elite football,” Evers said. “We can all say that.
“So, it’s definitely pride. You strap on this helmet — especially in this game, what this game means, especially this year this game means everything — there’s a sense of pride.”
For Evers, there is a little more on the line.
He once pulled for the Sooners. He has friends from his high school days on OU’s team.
That makes Saturday more important.
“This game just means something different to you,” Evers said, ‘because you grew up with those guys and played against those guys your whole life. It’s nothing different when you get to college, just better athletes.”
Jacob Unruh covers college sports for The Oklahoman. You can send your story ideas to him at junruh@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @jacobunruh. Support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU vs. OSU football: Cowboys' in-state linemen cherish Bedlam
