Notebook: Muhammad flexes muscles, shows future of defensive backs
- Chris Becker, Editor-in-chief, @bhris_cecker316
- Jan 1, 2022 Updated 9 hrs ago
GLENDALE, Arizona — Jabbar Muhammad starred toward the Notre Dame marked end zone and sheathed an imaginary sword on his side after making a big play.
The sophomore corner saw an increased snap count in Oklahoma State’s Fiesta Bowl meeting with Notre Dame on Saturday.
Muhammad had eight total tackles and two pass breakups in the game, both career-highs. With Jarrick Bernard-Converse’s decision on his availability next season for the Cowboys and Christian Holmes out of eligibility, Muhammad and Korie Black have both seen increased workloads.
“Everything they got today, they deserved. From day one when they got here, we recognized both of them as two dudes that could play. Jabbar is sitting here trying to act like he's not listening to me,” safety Kolby Harvell-Peel said. “Jabbar deserves a lot of love. He played a great game. Every time we're on the field, I'm talking to him and let him know he's playing great. Korie made a great play down the sideline. The future is bright in that corner room. As long as they're in there, we're going to have two solid guys out on that island.”
Cowboys still have decisions to make
Tre Sterling, for the second season bowl game in a row, had an announcement for Cowboys fans after the game.Sterling after last season's Cheez-It Bowl win told OSU fans he was returning for another season. But after the Fiesta Bowl his announcement was different, the veteran safety posted a graphic on his Twitter saying he would be declaring for the 2022 NFL draft and foregoing his remaining eligibility.
While he has made a decision on his future, other Cowboys still have not decided what they will be doing when next season rolls around. Harvell-Peel still could return amongst other key defensive players. On offense offensive lineman Josh Sills said his official decision hasn’t been made he said a conversation with coaches is coming.
“No, I haven't decided, but I would say more than likely I won't be coming back,” Sills said. “But I'm not for sure yet. That will be something I'll have to sit down with my family, Coach [Rob] Glass, Coach [Mike] Gundy, Coach [Kasey] Dunn, Coach [Charlie] Dickey here in the coming weeks and talk to them about.”
Malcolm Rodriguez’ fitting end to career
Rodriguez has been a mainstay for multiple seasons on the OSU defense, on Saturday his career as a Cowboy came to an end.Rodriguez made the most of his final opportunity with a team-high 11 tackles and an interception, the second of his career. The interception game late in the game with Notre Dame driving down the field and OSU needing to stop the Fighting Irish in their tracks.
While his playing days in the orange and black are over, Rodriguez teased OSU fans when accepting his defensive MVP award during the trophy ceremony with a subtle, yet loud, ‘I’ll be back.’
Rodriguez clarified what he meant postgame.
“I was just trying to do the best for my team. I just wanted to go out with a bang,” Rodriguez said. “I meant I'll be back for games for sure, coming back and visiting some Stillwater (Oklahoma) games. So that's what I meant. It's been fun here. And I just love the guys and love this team.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
