First crack at a 2013 OU starting lineup
Published: 1/15/2013 8:05 AM
Last Modified: 1/15/2013 8:05 AM
Now that Aaron Colvin has made up his mind, we can kinda sorta set an early Oklahoma football one-deep for the 2013 season. Just don't hold me to it by the time the Sooners take Owen Field to play Louisiana-Monroe next Aug. 31.
Offense
Quarterback: Blake Bell
I know everybody made a fuss about redshirt Trevor Knight, how he bedeviled OU's starting defense as the 2012 scout teamer. I've just got to think Bell's gameday experience the past season and a half gives him too big a lead for Knight to overcome.
Assuming he progresses a few more steps this spring, harnesses the power in his right arm, and jibes with Josh Heupel's revised offense (more QB diversity, less dropback passing), Bell starts against ULM.
Tailback: Damien Williams
Brennan Clay will be heard from, of course. It will be interesting to see if Jenks' Alex Ross merits a shot next fall. It's a big spring for the 2012 redshirt.
Wherever they decide to play him: Trey Millard
Wherever that is, it will be a shame if the Sooners don't double his touches before it's too late and he has spent four underutilized seasons in college.
Wide receiver: Trey Metoyer and Derrick Woods outside / Sterling Shepard and Jalen Saunders in the slot
You know who could still help this team? Jaz Reynolds. Though Bob Stoops has made it clear the 2012 suspendee has a long road ahead to do so. So I'll go with Metoyer (he must be Justin Brown for the '13 Sooners) and '12 redshirt Woods outside.
Tight end: I don't know... Millard?
O-line: Gabe Ikard at center, any combo of Tyler Evans, Adam Shead and Bronson Irwin at guard, and Daryl Williams and Tyrus Thompson at tackle
OU will push Ikard for All-America consideration in the preseason. It figures Thompson will step in for Lane Johnson at left tackle, though Williams might also give the left side a go. Regardless of who lines up where, this figures to be the strongest position on the offense heading into the season. Kind of weird, huh.
Defense
Tackle: Jordan Phillips and... well... hmmm...
I was all set to plug in Quincy Russell next to Phillips, the only returning tackle with meaningful experience. OU brought the 6-3, 300-pound JUCO behemoth aboard last month, figuring he had the size and (junior) college experience to step in right away.
Last week, though, Stoops didn't volunteer much when asked about Russell's arrival. And now SoonerScoop.com reports Russell has some classwork to take care of before he can enroll in Norman.
This is what's known as a not-quite-red-but-stronger-than-yellow alert.
End: Chuka Ndulue and Geneo Grissom
They started the Cotton Bowl, so I'll pencil them in by default. But both need to make loooong strides this spring and summer if they're going to really help their defense next fall. Keep close tabs on Rashod Favors, P.L. Lindley, Charles Tapper and Mike Onuoha. My hunch is Tapper makes a move this spring and pushes to start the '13 opener.
Linebacker: Corey Nelson and Frank Shannon
I'm not sure I would have even included the position on the depth chart, but then I heard Mike Stoops tell Al Eschbach something on WWLS last week: "I think our strongest group will be our linebacker position, even though we lost Tom Wort. I feel like Corey Nelson and Frank Shannon could be two of the best inside linebackers we've had here, just with their athleticism and speed and quickness on the field."
No, seriously. He said that.
Free safety: Julian Wilson. Maybe.
Someone has to replace Tony Jefferson. A few days ago I asked Bob Stoops if Wilson was next in line. "We'll see," he replied.
To be continued, obviously.
Strong safety: Would you believe Quentin Hayes?
He was suspended from games last season along with Reynolds and Trey Franks. Bob Stoops said all three have major proving to do. Mike Stoops, though, mentioned Hayes on the radio. And since I can't think of anybody else…
Nickel back: Gabe Lynn
Cornerbacks: Colvin and Cortez Johnson
Right now, the only thing Johnson is known for is being arrested on marijuana possession along with Saunders the morning after the TCU season finale. Assuming he pays his dues and starts flying straight, the Arizona transfer could step in for Demontre Hurst. Mike Stoops seemed to think highly of him when the two were together in Tucson. No reason that can't translate next fall.
Kicker: Mike Hunnicutt
Punter: Jed Barnett or Jack Steed
Two guys who could be characters in a "Gunsmoke" episode battle to replace Tress Way.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
