Jefferson should be OU's man of Steele
Published: 5/29/2012 7:36 AM
Last Modified: 5/29/2012 7:36 AM
Four Oklahoma Sooners found their way onto Phil Steele's preseason All-American team released Monday. But will Landry Jones, Kenny Stills, Tony Jefferson or Gabe Ikard be there at the end of 2012?
In order of probability…
1 – Jefferson
Take a playmaking safety and put him in the hands of Mike Stoops, he should practically expect All-American consideration. Steele actually lists Jefferson on his fourth team. I'd bet Jefferson does better than that in roughly seven months, before packing up for the pros.
2 – Ikard
The secret to becoming an All-American offensive lineman is getting your name out in the summer. It's how Duke Robinson was honored in 2008. He was a left guard, just like Ikard. The difference is Ikard might actually be the best lineman on his team, let alone among the best in the country.
T3 – Jones and Stills
As is often the case between a quarterback and receiver, the two of them need each other. Jones will never stand out without a go-to target (see: Ryan Broyles toward the end of 2011). Stills isn't physically dominant enough to put up All-American numbers without a dependable quarterback getting him the ball.
Both, however, can do big things together. All-American things, I'm not sure. USC golden boy Matt Barkley is going to be tough for Jones to overcome (he was first team to Jones' second on Steele's list). Stills was overshadowed in his own program last spring by Trey Metoyer.
For now, let's make Jefferson and Ikard OU's best bets to make Steele look smart next December.
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
