oudivesherpa
8/10/2009, 11:55 AM
OU is ranked # 4 in the pre season.
Top 120 countdownNo. 4 Oklahoma
Coach: Bob Stoops (109-24 in 10 seasons). | Staff
In 2008: 12-2 overall, 7-1 in Big 12 (tied for first in Big 12 South). Beat Missouri in the Big 12 championship game. Lost to Florida in the BCS national championship game.
Returning starters: Offense: 5. Defense 8. Special teams: 1. | Depth Chart
Final 2008 Rivals.com ranking: 4th. | Complete Final 2008 Rankings
Past four Rivals.com national recruiting rankings: 13th in 2009, 6th in '08, 14th in '07, 9th in '06.
2009 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart
OFFENSE
THE SCHEME: The Sooners run a multiple, no-huddle offense that includes elements of the spread.
Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford returns for the Sooners.
STAR POWER: Here's a no-brainer if there ever was one ? QB Sam Bradford won the Heisman last year and might have been the first player selected in the NFL draft had he opted to go pro. Though only a junior, Bradford already has thrown 86 career touchdown passes. Senior Jermaine Gresham is the best tight end in the nation. He had 66 catches last season and could reach the 80-reception plateau this season. Gresham has excellent hands and the speed to get down the seam.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: The Sooners must replace three of their four most productive wide receivers from '08, and junior college transfer Cameron Kenney should help immediately. He has good size (6 feet 2/195 pounds) and 4.5 speed in the 40.
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: Once a highly regarded prospect, senior WR Adron Tennell has underachieved. He has 16 catches and one touchdown in his career. But Tennell seems to have finally gained a sense of urgency and had a strong performance in the spring. The Sooners are hoping that leads to a strong showing this fall.
STRONGEST AREA: There may not be a stronger backfield in the country. Start with a Heisman-winning quarterback in Bradford and add RBs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, who both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. The Sooners are so strong at running back that redshirt freshman Jermie Calhoun, the No. 2 running back prospect in the country as a high school senior, may have trouble getting on the field.
BIGGEST PROBLEM: Four starters on the line ? all of whom received All-Big 12 recognition ? are gone. The lone returning starter, Trent Williams, is moving from right tackle to left. Though Williams is an All-America candidate, that's still a lot of talent that has to be replaced. Coach Bob Stoops even chastised the linemen in the spring for not preparing hard enough in the offseason. OU will have talented players ready to step in, but their predecessors left high standards. Injuries could be disastrous because the Sooners have questionable depth up front.
GRADE: A-minus
DEFENSE
THE SCHEME: The Sooners' base defense is a 4-3 set, but they may go to a 3-4 look in long-yardage situations. On obvious passing downs, look for E Jeremy Beal to stand up and move to various spots along the line to get advantageous pass-rushing matchups.
Gerald McCoy anchors the Oklahoma defensive line.
STAR POWER: All-America T Gerald McCoy is arguably the best in the country at his position. McCoy (6-4/297) is an effective run-stuffer, and he also has the quickness to get in the backfield. He had 6.5 sacks last season.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: There isn't much opportunity for newcomers with eight full-time returning starters and experienced reserves returning on defense. But even though the Sooners are loaded at end, redshirt freshmen R.J. Washington and David King had coaches raving with their performances in the spring. They might only get spot duty, but they have the ability to make significant contributions.
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: Junior FS Quinton Carter delivers such punishing hits that he has earned the ultimate compliment ? he has drawn comparisons to former Sooners great Roy Williams. Carter started twice last season, and posted 10 tackles in a victory over Kansas and eight stops in the Big 12 championship game victory over Missouri. His coverage skills aren't bad, either.
STRONGEST AREA: The line could be the best in the country. Last season, the Sooners were 20th in the nation against the run and fourth in sacks, and all the starters up front are back. McCoy is a rock inside. Beal led the Sooners with 8.5 sacks last season. E Auston English had 9.5 sacks in '07 before fading a bit last season. T Adrian Taylor is overlooked, but he was a solid starter last season. On top of that, the Sooners have excellent depth. Maybe this is the season senior T DeMarcus Granger finally lives up to the high school hype.
BIGGEST PROBLEM: Strong safety is an area of concern. The starting job is open and none of the candidates have significant experience. Sophomore Sam Proctor is the likely starter, but most of his playing time has been on special teams. He'll vie for the job with sophomore Desmond Jackson, who has had off-field issues, redshirt freshman Joseph Ibiloye and true freshmen Javon Harris and Kevin Brent.
GRADE: A-minus
SPECIAL TEAMS
Improving kickoff coverage is a priority. Last season, OU opponents returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. Kicker is a source of angst, too, as sophomore Jimmy Stevens was just 4-for-8 on attempts of at least 30 yards last season. He'll have to hold off walk-on Bryce Easley to maintain his job. The coaches are high on redshirt freshman P Tress Way, but he was inconsistent in the spring. On the positive side, Dominique Franks as a punt returner and Ryan Broyles on kickoff returns are potential game-breakers.
GRADE: C-plus
COACHING
Five consecutive losses in BCS bowls have spawned some criticism of Stoops. But those critics apparently fail to realize the Sooners were in those games because they won Big 12 championships. Stoops is one of the top five or so coaches in the nation. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has proven himself among the best. The Sooners last season set a major-college record for points. Quarterback coach Josh Heupel deserves some credit for Bradford's development. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been catching some heat because the Sooners ranked 68th nationally in total defense last season.
GRADE: A
DATE OPPONENT
Sept. 5 Brigham Young
Sept. 12 Idaho State
Sept. 19 Tulsa
Oct. 3 at Miami (Fla.)
Oct. 10 Baylor
Oct. 17 at Texas
Oct. 24 at Kansas
Oct .31 Kansas State
Nov. 7 at Nebraska
Nov. 14 Texas A&M
Nov. 21 at Texas Tech
Nov. 28 Oklahoma State
SCHEDULE
One of the reasons Oklahoma edged Texas in the BCS standings last season was because of its tougher non-conference schedule. The Sooners aren't easing up, either. They open against BYU, face Conference USA power Tulsa and travel to Miami. A trip to Kansas is a potential trap game a week after the annual showdown against the archrival Longhorns. November shapes up as a grind, too, with trips to Nebraska and Texas Tech and a "Bedlam Series" matchup with Oklahoma State.
OVERALL OUTLOOK
Oklahoma is seeking a fourth consecutive Big 12 championship - and more. As usual, the Sooners have tremendous big-play ability. The defense should be improved, especially if oft-injured LB Ryan Reynolds can remain healthy. But the rebuilt offensive line and new starting receivers raise some doubts. Can Bradford be as effective in '09 if the line doesn't play as well as it did a year ago? If the line performs at an acceptable level and new starting receivers emerge as productive contributors, the Sooners again will contend for the national championship. If the line struggles, a third-place finish in the Big 12 South isn't out of the question.
- OLIN BUCHANAN
OFFENSE
QB Sam Bradford* (6-4, 223, Jr.)
Landry Jones (6-4, 216, R-Fr.)
RB DeMarco Murray* (6-1, 214, Jr.)
Chris Brown (5-10, 200, Sr.)
TE Jermaine Gresham* (6-6, 258, Sr.)
James Hanna (6-4, 243, Soph.)
WR Ryan Broyles* (5-11, 178, Soph.)
Mossis Madu (6-0, 200, Jr.)
WR Brandon Caleb (6-1, 187, Jr.)
Dejuan Miller (6-4, 224, Soph.)
WR Adron Tennell (6-4, 199, Sr.)
Jameel Owens (6-3, 200, Soph.)
T Cory Brandon (6-7, 310, Jr.)
Jarvis Jones (6-7, 297, Soph.)
T Trent Williams* (6-5, 318, Sr.)
Donald Stephenson (6-6, 285, Soph.)
G Stephen Good (6-6, 291, Soph.)
Tyler Evans (6-5, 321, Fr.)
G Brian Simmons (6-4, 318, Sr.)
Tavaris Jeffries (6-4, 309, Jr.)
C Ben Habern (6-3, 288, Soph.)
Brian Lepak (6-4, 275, Jr.)
K Jimmy Stevens* (5-6, 159, Soph.)
PR Dominique Franks (6-0, 192, Jr.)
DEFENSE
E Jeremy Beal* (6-3, 261, Jr.)
David King (6-5, 236, R-Fr.)
T Gerald McCoy* (6-4, 297, Jr.)
Cordero Moore (6-2, 310, Sr.)
NT Adrian Taylor* (6-4, 291, Jr.)
DeMarcus Granger (6-2, 327, Sr.)
E Auston English* (6-3, 251, Sr.)
Frank Alexander (6-4, 259, Soph.)
LB Keenan Clayton* (6-1, 221, Sr.)
J.R. Bryant ( 6-2, 225, Sr.)
LB Travis Lewis* (6-2, 232, Soph.)
Jaydan Bird (6-1, 227, Fr.)
LB Ryan Reynolds (6-2, 225, Sr.)
Mike Balogun (6-0, 247, Sr.)
CB Dominique Franks* (6-0, 192, Jr.)
Jonathan Nelson (5-11, 172, Jr.)
CB Brian Jackson* (6-1, 200, Sr.)
Jamell Fleming (5-11, 178, Soph.)
FS Quinton Carter (6-1, 193, Jr.)
Emmanuel Jones (5-11, 195, Sr.)
SS Sam Proctor (6-0, 208, Soph.)
Javon Harris (5-11, 196, Fr.)
P Tress Way (6-1, 215, R-Fr.)
KR Ryan Broyles (5-11, 178, Soph.)
(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)
Top 120 countdownNo. 4 Oklahoma
Coach: Bob Stoops (109-24 in 10 seasons). | Staff
In 2008: 12-2 overall, 7-1 in Big 12 (tied for first in Big 12 South). Beat Missouri in the Big 12 championship game. Lost to Florida in the BCS national championship game.
Returning starters: Offense: 5. Defense 8. Special teams: 1. | Depth Chart
Final 2008 Rivals.com ranking: 4th. | Complete Final 2008 Rankings
Past four Rivals.com national recruiting rankings: 13th in 2009, 6th in '08, 14th in '07, 9th in '06.
2009 Breakdown: Offense | Defense | Special teams | Coaching | Schedule | Depth Chart
OFFENSE
THE SCHEME: The Sooners run a multiple, no-huddle offense that includes elements of the spread.
Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford returns for the Sooners.
STAR POWER: Here's a no-brainer if there ever was one ? QB Sam Bradford won the Heisman last year and might have been the first player selected in the NFL draft had he opted to go pro. Though only a junior, Bradford already has thrown 86 career touchdown passes. Senior Jermaine Gresham is the best tight end in the nation. He had 66 catches last season and could reach the 80-reception plateau this season. Gresham has excellent hands and the speed to get down the seam.
IMPACT NEWCOMER: The Sooners must replace three of their four most productive wide receivers from '08, and junior college transfer Cameron Kenney should help immediately. He has good size (6 feet 2/195 pounds) and 4.5 speed in the 40.
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: Once a highly regarded prospect, senior WR Adron Tennell has underachieved. He has 16 catches and one touchdown in his career. But Tennell seems to have finally gained a sense of urgency and had a strong performance in the spring. The Sooners are hoping that leads to a strong showing this fall.
STRONGEST AREA: There may not be a stronger backfield in the country. Start with a Heisman-winning quarterback in Bradford and add RBs DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown, who both rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. The Sooners are so strong at running back that redshirt freshman Jermie Calhoun, the No. 2 running back prospect in the country as a high school senior, may have trouble getting on the field.
BIGGEST PROBLEM: Four starters on the line ? all of whom received All-Big 12 recognition ? are gone. The lone returning starter, Trent Williams, is moving from right tackle to left. Though Williams is an All-America candidate, that's still a lot of talent that has to be replaced. Coach Bob Stoops even chastised the linemen in the spring for not preparing hard enough in the offseason. OU will have talented players ready to step in, but their predecessors left high standards. Injuries could be disastrous because the Sooners have questionable depth up front.
GRADE: A-minus
DEFENSE
THE SCHEME: The Sooners' base defense is a 4-3 set, but they may go to a 3-4 look in long-yardage situations. On obvious passing downs, look for E Jeremy Beal to stand up and move to various spots along the line to get advantageous pass-rushing matchups.
Gerald McCoy anchors the Oklahoma defensive line.
STAR POWER: All-America T Gerald McCoy is arguably the best in the country at his position. McCoy (6-4/297) is an effective run-stuffer, and he also has the quickness to get in the backfield. He had 6.5 sacks last season.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS: There isn't much opportunity for newcomers with eight full-time returning starters and experienced reserves returning on defense. But even though the Sooners are loaded at end, redshirt freshmen R.J. Washington and David King had coaches raving with their performances in the spring. They might only get spot duty, but they have the ability to make significant contributions.
WATCH FOR HIM TO EMERGE: Junior FS Quinton Carter delivers such punishing hits that he has earned the ultimate compliment ? he has drawn comparisons to former Sooners great Roy Williams. Carter started twice last season, and posted 10 tackles in a victory over Kansas and eight stops in the Big 12 championship game victory over Missouri. His coverage skills aren't bad, either.
STRONGEST AREA: The line could be the best in the country. Last season, the Sooners were 20th in the nation against the run and fourth in sacks, and all the starters up front are back. McCoy is a rock inside. Beal led the Sooners with 8.5 sacks last season. E Auston English had 9.5 sacks in '07 before fading a bit last season. T Adrian Taylor is overlooked, but he was a solid starter last season. On top of that, the Sooners have excellent depth. Maybe this is the season senior T DeMarcus Granger finally lives up to the high school hype.
BIGGEST PROBLEM: Strong safety is an area of concern. The starting job is open and none of the candidates have significant experience. Sophomore Sam Proctor is the likely starter, but most of his playing time has been on special teams. He'll vie for the job with sophomore Desmond Jackson, who has had off-field issues, redshirt freshman Joseph Ibiloye and true freshmen Javon Harris and Kevin Brent.
GRADE: A-minus
SPECIAL TEAMS
Improving kickoff coverage is a priority. Last season, OU opponents returned four kickoffs for touchdowns. Kicker is a source of angst, too, as sophomore Jimmy Stevens was just 4-for-8 on attempts of at least 30 yards last season. He'll have to hold off walk-on Bryce Easley to maintain his job. The coaches are high on redshirt freshman P Tress Way, but he was inconsistent in the spring. On the positive side, Dominique Franks as a punt returner and Ryan Broyles on kickoff returns are potential game-breakers.
GRADE: C-plus
COACHING
Five consecutive losses in BCS bowls have spawned some criticism of Stoops. But those critics apparently fail to realize the Sooners were in those games because they won Big 12 championships. Stoops is one of the top five or so coaches in the nation. Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has proven himself among the best. The Sooners last season set a major-college record for points. Quarterback coach Josh Heupel deserves some credit for Bradford's development. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables has been catching some heat because the Sooners ranked 68th nationally in total defense last season.
GRADE: A
DATE OPPONENT
Sept. 5 Brigham Young
Sept. 12 Idaho State
Sept. 19 Tulsa
Oct. 3 at Miami (Fla.)
Oct. 10 Baylor
Oct. 17 at Texas
Oct. 24 at Kansas
Oct .31 Kansas State
Nov. 7 at Nebraska
Nov. 14 Texas A&M
Nov. 21 at Texas Tech
Nov. 28 Oklahoma State
SCHEDULE
One of the reasons Oklahoma edged Texas in the BCS standings last season was because of its tougher non-conference schedule. The Sooners aren't easing up, either. They open against BYU, face Conference USA power Tulsa and travel to Miami. A trip to Kansas is a potential trap game a week after the annual showdown against the archrival Longhorns. November shapes up as a grind, too, with trips to Nebraska and Texas Tech and a "Bedlam Series" matchup with Oklahoma State.
OVERALL OUTLOOK
Oklahoma is seeking a fourth consecutive Big 12 championship - and more. As usual, the Sooners have tremendous big-play ability. The defense should be improved, especially if oft-injured LB Ryan Reynolds can remain healthy. But the rebuilt offensive line and new starting receivers raise some doubts. Can Bradford be as effective in '09 if the line doesn't play as well as it did a year ago? If the line performs at an acceptable level and new starting receivers emerge as productive contributors, the Sooners again will contend for the national championship. If the line struggles, a third-place finish in the Big 12 South isn't out of the question.
- OLIN BUCHANAN
OFFENSE
QB Sam Bradford* (6-4, 223, Jr.)
Landry Jones (6-4, 216, R-Fr.)
RB DeMarco Murray* (6-1, 214, Jr.)
Chris Brown (5-10, 200, Sr.)
TE Jermaine Gresham* (6-6, 258, Sr.)
James Hanna (6-4, 243, Soph.)
WR Ryan Broyles* (5-11, 178, Soph.)
Mossis Madu (6-0, 200, Jr.)
WR Brandon Caleb (6-1, 187, Jr.)
Dejuan Miller (6-4, 224, Soph.)
WR Adron Tennell (6-4, 199, Sr.)
Jameel Owens (6-3, 200, Soph.)
T Cory Brandon (6-7, 310, Jr.)
Jarvis Jones (6-7, 297, Soph.)
T Trent Williams* (6-5, 318, Sr.)
Donald Stephenson (6-6, 285, Soph.)
G Stephen Good (6-6, 291, Soph.)
Tyler Evans (6-5, 321, Fr.)
G Brian Simmons (6-4, 318, Sr.)
Tavaris Jeffries (6-4, 309, Jr.)
C Ben Habern (6-3, 288, Soph.)
Brian Lepak (6-4, 275, Jr.)
K Jimmy Stevens* (5-6, 159, Soph.)
PR Dominique Franks (6-0, 192, Jr.)
DEFENSE
E Jeremy Beal* (6-3, 261, Jr.)
David King (6-5, 236, R-Fr.)
T Gerald McCoy* (6-4, 297, Jr.)
Cordero Moore (6-2, 310, Sr.)
NT Adrian Taylor* (6-4, 291, Jr.)
DeMarcus Granger (6-2, 327, Sr.)
E Auston English* (6-3, 251, Sr.)
Frank Alexander (6-4, 259, Soph.)
LB Keenan Clayton* (6-1, 221, Sr.)
J.R. Bryant ( 6-2, 225, Sr.)
LB Travis Lewis* (6-2, 232, Soph.)
Jaydan Bird (6-1, 227, Fr.)
LB Ryan Reynolds (6-2, 225, Sr.)
Mike Balogun (6-0, 247, Sr.)
CB Dominique Franks* (6-0, 192, Jr.)
Jonathan Nelson (5-11, 172, Jr.)
CB Brian Jackson* (6-1, 200, Sr.)
Jamell Fleming (5-11, 178, Soph.)
FS Quinton Carter (6-1, 193, Jr.)
Emmanuel Jones (5-11, 195, Sr.)
SS Sam Proctor (6-0, 208, Soph.)
Javon Harris (5-11, 196, Fr.)
P Tress Way (6-1, 215, R-Fr.)
KR Ryan Broyles (5-11, 178, Soph.)
(NOTE: *--denotes returning starter; %--denotes returning starter who has changed positions.)