Tulsa World: Position Analysis

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Position Analysis

By Staff Reports
Published: 8/24/2008 2:31 AM
Last Modified: 8/24/2008 4:49 AM

Quarterbacks

One returning starter

S. Bradford

J. Halzle

L. Jones

The scoop

Bradford had the dream season in 2007, except in OU's three losses. He threw for 36 TDs, 3,121 yards and completed 70 percent of his passes, but was knocked out at Texas Tech, which became Halzle's only significant time so far. Jones is an early-arrival freshman but had huge prep numbers.

Running backs

Two part-time returning starters

D. Murray

C. Brown

M. Madu

J. Johnson

J. Calhoun

The scoop

Murray has big-time talent, good strength, toughness, attitude and superior speed and quickness. Recovering from a knee injury (also at Tech) seems his only concern. Brown is reliable and smart, and Madu can be electric. Johnson and Calhoun are true freshmen, but Calhoun was the No. 2-rated RB in the nation last year.

Receivers

Two returning starters, two part-time returning starters

WR:

J. Iglesias, M. Johnson, Q. Chaney, B. Caleb A. Tennell, R. Broyles.

TE:

J. Gresham, B. Eldridge, E. Mensik, T. Ratterree.

The scoop

Iglesias was extremely productive last season after defenses turned their attention to Malcolm Kelly. Can Iglesias handle being the main man? Johnson is capable of big games but needs to become more consistently involved. Gresham is playing for, among other things, the Mackey Award and a possible first- or second-round position in next year's draft.

Offensive line

Four returning starters, two part-time returning starters

LT:

P. Loadholt

LG:

D. Robinson, B. Simmons

C:

J. Cooper

RG:

B. Walker

RT:

T. Williams, B.Braxton

The scoop

Touted as the best offensive line in the nation, there's a bad taste lingering from an awful performance in the Fiesta Bowl. All but Williams are Simmons are seniors, and all but Simmons have started for multiple seasons. So there is a lot of pride and a burning desire to prove something.

Defensive line

Three returning starters

DE:

A. English, J. Beal

DT:

G. McCoy, C. Bennett

DT:

D. Granger, A. Taylor

DE:

A. Davis, F. Alexander

The scoop

English is the preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year, but as he draws frequent double-team blocking, that award might go to McCoy, who along with Granger are strong against the run and quick at getting penetration on passes. Davis, Beal and Alexander could rotate at the other end.

Linebackers

One returning starter

MLB:

R. Reynolds, L. Robinson

SLB:

K. Clayton, J. Bryant

WLB:

A. Box, M. Balogun

e_SClB

The scoop

Two words for Reynolds: stay healthy. He hasn't yet in his career, with both knees, shoulder and neck ailments slowing him down. If he does, he has Curtis Lofton-type ability (does he have those instincts?). Clayton was a strong-side star in the spring but can he do it on Saturdays? The other spot remains up for grabs.

Secondary

Two returning starters

SS:

N. Harris, S. Proctor

FS:

L. Holmes, Q. Carter

BC:

B. Jackson, J. Fleming

FC:

D. Franks, J. Nelson

The scoop

Harris, a three-year-plus starter at both SS and FS, figures to have a big year. Holmes could play FS or CB, so whoever does better between Proctor at SS or Franks at CB will play first. Jackson seems entrenched at CB, but may end up competing with Franks. The backups are athletic but inexperienced.

Special teams

Four returning starters

P:

M. Knall

DS:

D. Shaw

KR:

D. Murray, J. Iglesias, D. Franks

K:

J. Stevens, T. Way

H:

C. Whitson

The scoop

Replacing Garrett Hartley's production — he's third on OU's all-time kick scoring and FGs list — is foremost. Stevens is first up, but he and Way will fight it out. Kick and punt returns seem loaded, with Murray and Iglesias ranking 1-3 in the Big 12 last year and Franks and others lending a hand. Shaw is back as the snapper, and Whitson replaces Hays McEachern at holder. By Staff Reports

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