OU Football 2015: Breaking Down the Linebacker Position
By Chip Rouse
The Sooners have question marks both on offense and defense, but there is little question that OU football is going to be well served at linebacker in the 2015 season.
Just like at running back, the Sooners are stacked at linebacker. The major reason for that can be described in seven letters: S-T-R-I-K-E-R, as in Eric. Having Striker alone would make the Sooner linebackers a highly formidable unit, but with the team’s No. 1 and No. 2 tacklers from last season returning in 2015, this group is in a class by itself as far as the rest of the Big 12 is concerned.
Nov 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Baylor Bears quarterback Bryce Petty (14) runs with the ball while being pursued by Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Dominique Alexander (1) during the second half at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
With Striker drawing double teams in an attempt to slow down OU’s version of the Eveready Energizer Bunny and alter his path of destruction to the quarterback, talented Sooner linebacker teammates Dominique Alexander and Jordan Evans are left to clean up the remains. And they finish the job as well as anybody in the college game.
A First Team All-Big 12 selection last season, Striker led Oklahoma defenders with 17 tackles for loss in 2014. The one-man wrecking crew who wears the No. 19 Sooner jersey already owns the OU career mark for quarterback sacks as a linebacker, and he still has another season of eligibility.
Frank Shannon also returns at linebacker this season. The senior from Dallas missed all of last season because of a suspension. He was the Sooners’ leading tackler in the 2013 season. Shannon was forced to sit out the entire 2014 season due to a suspension handed down because of a violation of the school’s Title IX sexual misconduct policy.
The OU starters at linebacker are as solid as they come entering the 2015 season, and with Frank Shannon also available, the group loses nothing going four deep. But beyond the starters, the Sooners don’t have much experience or depth. Senior Devante Bond and freshman Tay Evans are the best bets to be the next ones up in the linebacker rotation.
Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops doubles up this year, coaching the outside linebackers in addition to his DC responsibilities. Tim Kish coaches the players who hold down the inside linebacker position.