Tulsa World: OU position analysis

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OU position analysis

Sam Bradford threw for 4,720 yards and 50 touchdowns last season for the Sooners. MIKE SIMONS/Tulsa World file

By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 8/23/2009 3:18 AM
Last Modified: 8/27/2009 1:58 PM

OFFENSE

Quarterbacks (One returning starter)

S. Bradford*, L. Jones, D. Allen

The scoop: Sam Bradford has the Heisman and a lot of other accolades. His 50 TD passes last year was mind blowing. But Sooner coaches are interested to see who replaces him. Landry Jones has a year on Drew Allen and has a bigger arm, but Allen has shown brilliance.

Running backs (Three returning starters)

TB: C. Brown*, D. Murray*, J. Calhoun
FB: M. Clapp*, B. Eldridge

The scoop: Chris Brown's 1,220 yards and 20 TDs last year barely outshined DeMarco Murray's 1,002 and 14. Murray is coming off another injury and a sore preseason hamstring, but expects to be fine by game day. Jermie Calhoun was one of the top HS backs in the nation and remains unknown. Brody Eldridge and Matt Clapp are All-Big 12 fullbacks.

Receivers (Two returning starters)

WR: R. Broyles*
WR: A. Tennell
Reserves: C. Kenney, M. Madu, B. Caleb
TE: J. Gresham*, B. Eldridge, J. Hanna, E. Mensik

The scoop: Ryan Broyles was the inside man much of last year. Adron Tennell, a senior, is bigger and stronger and seems poised to break into the starting lineup. Cameron Kenney, a JC transfer, is intriguing and reminds some of Juaquin Iglesias. Mossis Madu moved from RB and has impressed coaches. Jermaine Gresham may be the best TE in the country.

Offensive line (One returning starter)

LT:

T. Williams*
LG: B. Simmons
C: B. Habern, S. Good
RG: S. Good, J. Jones
RT: C. Brandon
Reserves: J. Jones, B. Lepak, D. Stephenson, T. Jeffries, J. Vinson

The scoop: Trent Williams, a three-year starter, has been called Bob Stoops' best OL. Brian Simmons has been in the rotation for most of the past two seasons. Cory Brandon has time in the system and has played as a backup. Ben Habern and Stephen Good are young, so Jarvis Jones and JC transfers Tavaris Jeffries and Jeff Vinson may play early.

DEFENSE

Defensive line (Four returning starters)

DE: A. English*, F. Alexander
DT: G. McCoy*, D. Granger
DT: A. Taylor*, C. Moore
DE: J. Beal*

The scoop: Possibly the best defensive line in the country. It starts in the middle with Gerald McCoy, a potential first-round pick who can't be blocked 1-on-1. Auston English, Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander form a fast, fearsome trio at end. Adrian Taylor has a non-stop motor that keeps DeMarcus Granger out of the starting lineup.

Linebacker (Three returning starters)

SLB: K. Clayton*, J. Bryant
MLB: R. Reynolds*, M. Balogun, R. Lewis
WLB: T. Lewis*, A. Box

The scoop: Ryan Reynolds' injury last year was troublesome, but didn't prevent Travis Lewis (weakside) and Keenan Clayton (strongside) from becoming playmakers. Mike Balogun, whose eligibility is in question, and Austin Box are versatile enough to move around. Tom Wort is lost for the season with a knee injury.

Defensive back (Two returning starters)

CB: D. Franks*, G. Lynn
CB: B. Jackson*, D. Hurst
FS: Q. Carter, J. Harris
SS: S. Proctor, M. Trice

The scoop: Coaches say Dominique Franks is OU's best CB since Derrick Strait, and Brian Jackson isn't far behind. Both earned All-Big 12 recognition in '08. The real question is at safety, where Quinton Carter steps in at free and Sam Proctor at strong. Both are sledgehammer-type hitters. Depth is a problem. SPECIAL TEAMS (Three returning starters)

PK: J. Stevens*, T. Way, B. Easley, M. Moreland, T. O'Hara
Punter: T. Way, C. Kenney
Punt returns: R. Broyles*
Kick returns: D. Murray*

The scoop: Jimmy Stevens was 8-of-12 on FGs and missed five PATs. OU was also bad on kickoffs and punts, and Tress Way could get a shot at both placekicks and punting. Freshman Bryce Easley might get a look. Broyles averaged 9.9 yards on punt returns and Murray 27.6 on kickoffs, but Murray may be taken off to stay healthy. By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer

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