Oklahoma State Starting Safety Has Surgery, Cameron Epps Likely to be Starter Replacement

On Thursday, one of Oklahoma State's starting safeties, Lyrik Rawls, shared on social media that he had leg surgery. This will mean his starting safety spot will have to be replaced, and it appears redshirt freshman Cameron Epps will be the one to step up to the plate.  

The sophomore defensive back has gotten 20 tackles on the season and has the Cowboys' lone interception. His impact will be missed alongside Kendal Daniels, the other starting safety. 

Epps will get his second start of the season in the Cowboys' Friday night matchup against Kansas State, as he started against Iowa State. He was solid against the Cyclones, totaling ten tackles while getting the increased opportunity, moving his season total of tackles to 14.

“When guys go down like Lyrik, somebody’s gotta step up and play,” Gundy said in his presser.

Another player who, in different circumstances, could step up is Trey Rucker, who was arrested on suspicion of a DUI a couple of weeks back, leaving his status for this matchup unknown.

READ MORE: Three Pokes to Watch in Oklahoma State's Upcoming Game Against Kansas State

This leaves Epps as the guy on Friday. He gets a unique opportunity as a cornerback turned safety in Bryan Nardo's 3-3-5 defensive scheme. Epps is no longer "on an island," and is in a position to guard plenty of different wide receivers every game.

“I had some things I need to clean up, for sure,” Epps said when assessing his first start. “But this week I’m hoping on fixing that and playing better.”

It'll be intriguing how Epps and Daniels play alongside each other in the matchup against the Wildcats, who will bring a challenge both in the air and on the ground. They'll cause some major issues on the ground, and the Cowboys will have to come up with big stops if they want a chance at staying in this game. 

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