8timechamps
6/17/2013, 11:08 PM
2013 Position Preview: Defensive End/Defensive Tackle
2012 Recap
For the first time in a very long time OU didn’t seem to field any break-out defensive linemen. David King was clearly the best of the starting linemen, but early depth issues forced the senior to play tackle, which was not his strongest position. The previous sentence tells you all you need to know about last year’s defensive line: King, whose best position is end, was better than most of our defensive tackles. Unable to get much (if any pressure) on the opposing QB, and struggling to stop the run was a big issue in the second half of the season. 2012 was a below-average season by Oklahoma defensive line standards.
2013 Preview
The common theme so far has been inexperience, and no part of the defense is as inexperienced as the 2013 defensive line. With the exception of one starter (Ndule), there will be plenty of new faces in 2013... Some new to actual playing time, others new to Oklahoma. There is cautious optimism to be had, but there are a lot of unknowns.
Outside of the offensive line, this is OU’s biggest position (as it relates to the number of players). So, this preview includes just under 20 players (not including practice players). Stoops discussed with recruits that there was a possibility of going to a 3-4 defense in 2012, and while it sounds like that idea has been abandoned, there was a run on defensive linemen for the 2012 class.
Here are the Defensive End/Defensive Tackles on the 2013 roster:
Defensive Tackles
#98 – Chuka Ndule (R – Junior)/DT
With 9 starts in 2012, Ndule is the most experienced player returning along the defensive line for the Sooners. Over the course of this offseason, Mike Stoops has moved Ndule from defensive end (where he passed R.J. Washington on the depth chart in 2012) to defensive tackle. Ndule wasn’t a game changer in 2012, but was a solid player with experience. The only question is; can he play defensive tackle effectively? At the end of the 2012 season, Nudule (6’3”) weighed 263 pounds. While that is in the average range for an end, it’s on the light side for a tackle. Rumor has it that Ndule has bulked up to 280, and plans to add more mass, but we won’t know until summer practice begins. Anything short of a starting spot along the line would be very surprising to me.
#80 – Jordan Phillips (R – Sophomore)/DT
Looking at all of the returning defensive tackles on the roster, Phillips is expected to be the biggest contributor. Late in the season, and in practices leading up to the Cotton Bowl, Phillips was drawing attention and compliments from the coaching staff. A big body and good height (6’6”, 330) will certainly be a plus for Phillips as he looks to earn a starting spot inside
#93 – Jordan Wade (R – Freshman)/DT
Wade came to OU with all of the accolades one would expect an incoming OU lineman to have (ESPN top 150, Four Star ranking from Scouts, Inc. and Rivals, etc.), but was given a red-shirt in his freshman year. There isn’t much known about Wade since arriving in Norman last year, however, if he can replicate his career from high school, the Sooners could soon find themselves with a bounty of defensive line talent.
#94 - Torrea Peterson (R – Junior) /DT
Peterson enters the season as the most experienced defensive tackle on the roster. Unfortunately, he has only seen time in 6 games (in two years), recording only 3 tackles. Torrea was yet another highly recruited kid to pick OU, coming in with several 4 start rankings and many offers. When Peterson got to Norman, he found himself sitting behind some big time, big promise players, so playing time was going to be very sparse. This year, the early word is that he does have the ability to step in and earn a job . For Peterson it’s going to be up to how hard he wants to work both on and off the field. If he can take care of the things he needs to focus on, he could very well be a guy that you see a lot during games. It’ll ultimately come down to how he handled himself on and off the field.
No number – Kerrick Huggins (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Huggins, a 3 / 4 start recruit from Dallas (Skyline) flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to OU late in the recruiting process. Huggins has all of the ability and size (6’3” 285) to contribute as a true freshman. Huggins is a big body, which specialized in stopping the run in high school. He’s quick for his size and can be the presence the Sooners need in the middle. The only question is will he be in Norman for the 2013 season. Huggins has to complete a class over the summer to qualify, and as history has shown, those exceptions can lead to a commit never showing up.
No number – Matthew Romar (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Romar was considered the #50 defensive tackle in the country coming out of high school, and chose OU over Baylor, Texas Tech, Iowa State and others. At 6’3”, Romar is a tall kid that needs to bulk up to play tackle at the college level (265lbs). The Sooners recruited Romar at DT, and that’s where he is expected to play. Raw in his technique, the Sooners would probably like to redshirt Romar, but that will depend on who else steps up (or shows up).
No number – Charles Walker (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Walker, the #40 DT in the country, was an under the radar commit. He saw a lot of attention from Oregon and Arkansas, but neither offered. At 6’4”, Walker is the tallest of the DT recruited from high school by the Sooners, but again may be a year away from seeing significant playing time if others step up. Walker could end up being the overall best of the bunch (in this class) if he is able to develop the way Stoops and Montgomery hope. As it stands, I expect Walker to redshirt the 2013 season.
No number – Quincy Russell (Junior JUCO transfer)/DT
It’s been a long time since a player’s arrival in Norman was as much anticipated as Russell’s. Coming into his junior year, Russell is a “plug and play” defensive tackle, and could be an immediate playmaker for the Sooners. He’s got the size (6’4” 308) of an SEC defensive tackle, and the ability to create havoc along the line. With offers from Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and others, Russell was a highly sought after player. Russell is like many JUCO players, in that he has had some academic issues. There is still some uncertainty about his arrival, but if he does end up a Sooner, he is expected to make an immediate impact in an area that greatly needs it.
Defensive Ends
#84 – Michael Onuoha (Sophomore)/DE
A highly recruited high school player, Onuoha (a local kid from Edmond) showed some flashes of ability in spot duty in 4 games during the 2012 season. Onuoha is a tall end (6’4”), and is expected to challenge for one of the vacated defensive end spots. Having not seen a lot of Onuoha, there isn’t much to say other than having some experience is better than not, and I expect Onuoha to see significant playing time in 2012 even if he is not a starter.
#29 – Rashod Favors (R – Junior)/DE
There was an internal strength competition in 2012, and Favors came out as the “strongest” player on the team. Hopefully that translates on the field. Favors saw action in 10 games in 2012, and should be comfortable with the system. Having played behind David King, Favors should be expected to have learned enough and seen enough action to contribute. Originally brought in as a linebacker, Favors has the speed to play a hybrid end position, and should see a lot of time on the field in 2013.
#99 – Chaz Nelson (Senior JUCO Transfer)/DE
After transferring in from the JUCO ranks in 2012, Nelson was expected to contribute on defense immediately. Unfortunately, Nelson suffered an MCL tear that forced him to miss the entire season. In junior college, Nelson was named a first team defensive end in JUCO, and won his conference’s defensive player of the year in 2011. He looked to be challenging R.J. Washington for the starting end position last year before the injury derailed him, so he should be near the top for one of the open positions in 2013.
#91 – Charles Tapper (Sophomore)/DE
Tapper was a part of the same class that brought in Onuoha, and like Onuoha, Tapper saw spot time in 2013 (appearing in 5 games). Tapper played both tight end and defensive end in high school, but was brought in to be a dedicated end at OU. Considered “raw” out of high school, Tapper proved to be a quick study and played his way out of a redshirt year. Tapper will see significant playing time in 2013, and will be in consideration to start at one of the open end spots.
#85 – Geneo Grissom (R – Junior)/DE
Hopefully, 2013 is the year that Grissom finally finds a home on the d-line. Recruited as a defensive end, Grissom moved to the offensive side (at TE) in an attempt to find playing time outside of a crowded end position. When he failed to make an impact at TE, Grissom moved back to DE half way through the 2012 season, and earned playing time ahead of R.J. Washington late in the year. In 2013, Grissom is one of the favorites to earn a starting end spot and his ability (as well as his time in the program) should provide him with the edge to be the starter. Grissom has shown some consistency in his ability to play end, but he will need to play at a higher level in 2013 if the Sooners want to field a solid defensive line.
#40 – P.L. Lindley (Junior)/DE
Lindley saw time in 2013 (7 games), and showed off his development in the spring game. Lindley was a 4 star outside linebacker coming out of high school, and has the athletic ability to play a hybrid end position effectively. Like Grissom, Lindley has been a victim of a crowded DE position, but in 2013 will get his chance to make his mark. The only real knock on Lindley has been that he is a little undersized (6’2” 250), however, he can use his size to be an effective pass rusher off of the edge. Expect Lindley to contribute a lot in 2013.
#87 – D.J. Ward (Incoming Freshman)/DE
Ward was one of the highest sought after players in the Sooners 2012 recruiting class, and chose OU over Texas A&M, Auburn, Oklahoma State and others. An in-state kid, Ward was forced to sit out his senior season of high school due to his family moving. Conversely, Ward used his extra time to graduate early and enrolled at OU in the spring of 2013. Ward is a very athletic player, with enough power to play a true DE at the collegiate level. Despite Ward’s year long absence from the game, he is expected to challenge immediately for a starting end spot. Expect to see a lot out of Ward, and very soon.
No number – Matt Dimon (Incoming Freshman)/DE
Like Ward, Dimon was a 4 star DE recruit coming out of high school. As a senior, Ward was a captain on his Texas State Champion football team, and has the size of a prototypical defensive end (6’4” 250). Dimon will need some time to find his best position (could bulk up and move to the interior), but is considered a tough nosed player, and could contribute as a freshman if he can play himself out of a redshirt.
No number - Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Incoming Freshman)/DE
A last minute change, Okoronkwo chose OU over OSU (who was considered to have locked up his commitment). Oko (which is what I’ll call him) played every position on the d-line in high school, but will be a dedicated DE at OU. Considered a very good run stopping DE, Oko will need to develop a better pass rush before he can be counted on as a regular contributor. A red-shirt year could be in the cards for Oko.
No number – Jordan Evans (Incoming Freshman)DE (possibly OLB)
Son of former Sooner Scott Evans, Jordan was a late addition to the 2012 class. Evans played outside linebacker almost exclusively in high school, but was recruited to OU as a defensive end. It remains to be seen if he stays at end, or moves back to OLB, but the one that that isn’t in doubt is his love of OU. While I can’t comment on his ability (as I haven’t seen much film), there is always something to be said about a recruit that dreams of playing for OU. Sometimes, it’s those guys that make the biggest mark. A redshirt for Evans wouldn’t surprise me.
Predicted 2013 Defensive Line Predicted 2 deep:
LE: Geneo Grissiom
LE backup: Michael Onuoha
LT: Chucka Ndule
LT backup: Jordan Phillips
RT: Quincy Russell
RT backup: Jordan Wade/Kerrick Huggins
RE: P.L. Lindley
RE backup: D.J. Ward
Next up: Linbackers
2012 Recap
For the first time in a very long time OU didn’t seem to field any break-out defensive linemen. David King was clearly the best of the starting linemen, but early depth issues forced the senior to play tackle, which was not his strongest position. The previous sentence tells you all you need to know about last year’s defensive line: King, whose best position is end, was better than most of our defensive tackles. Unable to get much (if any pressure) on the opposing QB, and struggling to stop the run was a big issue in the second half of the season. 2012 was a below-average season by Oklahoma defensive line standards.
2013 Preview
The common theme so far has been inexperience, and no part of the defense is as inexperienced as the 2013 defensive line. With the exception of one starter (Ndule), there will be plenty of new faces in 2013... Some new to actual playing time, others new to Oklahoma. There is cautious optimism to be had, but there are a lot of unknowns.
Outside of the offensive line, this is OU’s biggest position (as it relates to the number of players). So, this preview includes just under 20 players (not including practice players). Stoops discussed with recruits that there was a possibility of going to a 3-4 defense in 2012, and while it sounds like that idea has been abandoned, there was a run on defensive linemen for the 2012 class.
Here are the Defensive End/Defensive Tackles on the 2013 roster:
Defensive Tackles
#98 – Chuka Ndule (R – Junior)/DT
With 9 starts in 2012, Ndule is the most experienced player returning along the defensive line for the Sooners. Over the course of this offseason, Mike Stoops has moved Ndule from defensive end (where he passed R.J. Washington on the depth chart in 2012) to defensive tackle. Ndule wasn’t a game changer in 2012, but was a solid player with experience. The only question is; can he play defensive tackle effectively? At the end of the 2012 season, Nudule (6’3”) weighed 263 pounds. While that is in the average range for an end, it’s on the light side for a tackle. Rumor has it that Ndule has bulked up to 280, and plans to add more mass, but we won’t know until summer practice begins. Anything short of a starting spot along the line would be very surprising to me.
#80 – Jordan Phillips (R – Sophomore)/DT
Looking at all of the returning defensive tackles on the roster, Phillips is expected to be the biggest contributor. Late in the season, and in practices leading up to the Cotton Bowl, Phillips was drawing attention and compliments from the coaching staff. A big body and good height (6’6”, 330) will certainly be a plus for Phillips as he looks to earn a starting spot inside
#93 – Jordan Wade (R – Freshman)/DT
Wade came to OU with all of the accolades one would expect an incoming OU lineman to have (ESPN top 150, Four Star ranking from Scouts, Inc. and Rivals, etc.), but was given a red-shirt in his freshman year. There isn’t much known about Wade since arriving in Norman last year, however, if he can replicate his career from high school, the Sooners could soon find themselves with a bounty of defensive line talent.
#94 - Torrea Peterson (R – Junior) /DT
Peterson enters the season as the most experienced defensive tackle on the roster. Unfortunately, he has only seen time in 6 games (in two years), recording only 3 tackles. Torrea was yet another highly recruited kid to pick OU, coming in with several 4 start rankings and many offers. When Peterson got to Norman, he found himself sitting behind some big time, big promise players, so playing time was going to be very sparse. This year, the early word is that he does have the ability to step in and earn a job . For Peterson it’s going to be up to how hard he wants to work both on and off the field. If he can take care of the things he needs to focus on, he could very well be a guy that you see a lot during games. It’ll ultimately come down to how he handled himself on and off the field.
No number – Kerrick Huggins (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Huggins, a 3 / 4 start recruit from Dallas (Skyline) flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to OU late in the recruiting process. Huggins has all of the ability and size (6’3” 285) to contribute as a true freshman. Huggins is a big body, which specialized in stopping the run in high school. He’s quick for his size and can be the presence the Sooners need in the middle. The only question is will he be in Norman for the 2013 season. Huggins has to complete a class over the summer to qualify, and as history has shown, those exceptions can lead to a commit never showing up.
No number – Matthew Romar (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Romar was considered the #50 defensive tackle in the country coming out of high school, and chose OU over Baylor, Texas Tech, Iowa State and others. At 6’3”, Romar is a tall kid that needs to bulk up to play tackle at the college level (265lbs). The Sooners recruited Romar at DT, and that’s where he is expected to play. Raw in his technique, the Sooners would probably like to redshirt Romar, but that will depend on who else steps up (or shows up).
No number – Charles Walker (Incoming Freshman)/DT
Walker, the #40 DT in the country, was an under the radar commit. He saw a lot of attention from Oregon and Arkansas, but neither offered. At 6’4”, Walker is the tallest of the DT recruited from high school by the Sooners, but again may be a year away from seeing significant playing time if others step up. Walker could end up being the overall best of the bunch (in this class) if he is able to develop the way Stoops and Montgomery hope. As it stands, I expect Walker to redshirt the 2013 season.
No number – Quincy Russell (Junior JUCO transfer)/DT
It’s been a long time since a player’s arrival in Norman was as much anticipated as Russell’s. Coming into his junior year, Russell is a “plug and play” defensive tackle, and could be an immediate playmaker for the Sooners. He’s got the size (6’4” 308) of an SEC defensive tackle, and the ability to create havoc along the line. With offers from Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Arkansas and others, Russell was a highly sought after player. Russell is like many JUCO players, in that he has had some academic issues. There is still some uncertainty about his arrival, but if he does end up a Sooner, he is expected to make an immediate impact in an area that greatly needs it.
Defensive Ends
#84 – Michael Onuoha (Sophomore)/DE
A highly recruited high school player, Onuoha (a local kid from Edmond) showed some flashes of ability in spot duty in 4 games during the 2012 season. Onuoha is a tall end (6’4”), and is expected to challenge for one of the vacated defensive end spots. Having not seen a lot of Onuoha, there isn’t much to say other than having some experience is better than not, and I expect Onuoha to see significant playing time in 2012 even if he is not a starter.
#29 – Rashod Favors (R – Junior)/DE
There was an internal strength competition in 2012, and Favors came out as the “strongest” player on the team. Hopefully that translates on the field. Favors saw action in 10 games in 2012, and should be comfortable with the system. Having played behind David King, Favors should be expected to have learned enough and seen enough action to contribute. Originally brought in as a linebacker, Favors has the speed to play a hybrid end position, and should see a lot of time on the field in 2013.
#99 – Chaz Nelson (Senior JUCO Transfer)/DE
After transferring in from the JUCO ranks in 2012, Nelson was expected to contribute on defense immediately. Unfortunately, Nelson suffered an MCL tear that forced him to miss the entire season. In junior college, Nelson was named a first team defensive end in JUCO, and won his conference’s defensive player of the year in 2011. He looked to be challenging R.J. Washington for the starting end position last year before the injury derailed him, so he should be near the top for one of the open positions in 2013.
#91 – Charles Tapper (Sophomore)/DE
Tapper was a part of the same class that brought in Onuoha, and like Onuoha, Tapper saw spot time in 2013 (appearing in 5 games). Tapper played both tight end and defensive end in high school, but was brought in to be a dedicated end at OU. Considered “raw” out of high school, Tapper proved to be a quick study and played his way out of a redshirt year. Tapper will see significant playing time in 2013, and will be in consideration to start at one of the open end spots.
#85 – Geneo Grissom (R – Junior)/DE
Hopefully, 2013 is the year that Grissom finally finds a home on the d-line. Recruited as a defensive end, Grissom moved to the offensive side (at TE) in an attempt to find playing time outside of a crowded end position. When he failed to make an impact at TE, Grissom moved back to DE half way through the 2012 season, and earned playing time ahead of R.J. Washington late in the year. In 2013, Grissom is one of the favorites to earn a starting end spot and his ability (as well as his time in the program) should provide him with the edge to be the starter. Grissom has shown some consistency in his ability to play end, but he will need to play at a higher level in 2013 if the Sooners want to field a solid defensive line.
#40 – P.L. Lindley (Junior)/DE
Lindley saw time in 2013 (7 games), and showed off his development in the spring game. Lindley was a 4 star outside linebacker coming out of high school, and has the athletic ability to play a hybrid end position effectively. Like Grissom, Lindley has been a victim of a crowded DE position, but in 2013 will get his chance to make his mark. The only real knock on Lindley has been that he is a little undersized (6’2” 250), however, he can use his size to be an effective pass rusher off of the edge. Expect Lindley to contribute a lot in 2013.
#87 – D.J. Ward (Incoming Freshman)/DE
Ward was one of the highest sought after players in the Sooners 2012 recruiting class, and chose OU over Texas A&M, Auburn, Oklahoma State and others. An in-state kid, Ward was forced to sit out his senior season of high school due to his family moving. Conversely, Ward used his extra time to graduate early and enrolled at OU in the spring of 2013. Ward is a very athletic player, with enough power to play a true DE at the collegiate level. Despite Ward’s year long absence from the game, he is expected to challenge immediately for a starting end spot. Expect to see a lot out of Ward, and very soon.
No number – Matt Dimon (Incoming Freshman)/DE
Like Ward, Dimon was a 4 star DE recruit coming out of high school. As a senior, Ward was a captain on his Texas State Champion football team, and has the size of a prototypical defensive end (6’4” 250). Dimon will need some time to find his best position (could bulk up and move to the interior), but is considered a tough nosed player, and could contribute as a freshman if he can play himself out of a redshirt.
No number - Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Incoming Freshman)/DE
A last minute change, Okoronkwo chose OU over OSU (who was considered to have locked up his commitment). Oko (which is what I’ll call him) played every position on the d-line in high school, but will be a dedicated DE at OU. Considered a very good run stopping DE, Oko will need to develop a better pass rush before he can be counted on as a regular contributor. A red-shirt year could be in the cards for Oko.
No number – Jordan Evans (Incoming Freshman)DE (possibly OLB)
Son of former Sooner Scott Evans, Jordan was a late addition to the 2012 class. Evans played outside linebacker almost exclusively in high school, but was recruited to OU as a defensive end. It remains to be seen if he stays at end, or moves back to OLB, but the one that that isn’t in doubt is his love of OU. While I can’t comment on his ability (as I haven’t seen much film), there is always something to be said about a recruit that dreams of playing for OU. Sometimes, it’s those guys that make the biggest mark. A redshirt for Evans wouldn’t surprise me.
Predicted 2013 Defensive Line Predicted 2 deep:
LE: Geneo Grissiom
LE backup: Michael Onuoha
LT: Chucka Ndule
LT backup: Jordan Phillips
RT: Quincy Russell
RT backup: Jordan Wade/Kerrick Huggins
RE: P.L. Lindley
RE backup: D.J. Ward
Next up: Linbackers